Assessement of bone health in adults with cystic fibrosis in the Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract

The term Cystic Fibrosis Bone Disease (CFBD) is used to describe low BMD and /or fragility fractures in CF patients. Objective: We decided to carry out a bone health screening of adult patients with CF in the Republic of North Macedonia and establish their current status. Material and Methods: We conducted a prospective study which comprised a sample of 30 individuals with CF above the age of 18, of the population of ~50 adults with CF in North Macedonia. The sex, age, height and weight (later converted to BMI kg/m2) were recorded, blood sample analysed for serum levels of calcium, free calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25(OH)D. We conducted an interview with all subjects regarding additional risk factors. All subjects underwent DXA scan, by measuring the BMD at the lumbar spine and proximal hip. Results: approximately half of the adults with CF have low BMD and about a quarter of them also have osteoporosis. 33,3% of the patients had history of fragility fractures, the mean BMI was lower than the recommended values, vitamin D deficiency was found in 60% and continuous use of glucocorticoids was recorded in 30% of the subjects. Conclusion: Our findings align with those of other studies. The most effective method for evaluating BMD in adult CF patients is DXA scanning and monitoring regularly.