Importance of bone biopsy in the diagnose on the bone metabolic diseases

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the importance of bone biopsy in the diagnose of the bone metabolic diseases, its relationship with bone densitometry (BMD) and biomarkers. Methods. In a descriptive, transversal study, 38 biopsies of pelvic bone were made, 36 in female (34 postmenopausal and 2 premenopausal) and 2 in male. All had BMD in spine, hip and/or forearm measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Calcium, phosphorus, parathormone, vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, hemoglobin, transaminases, total protein and fractions were measured in blood and N-telopeptide of collagen type I, calcium and phosphorus in urine by conventional methods. Results. The mean age of 34 menopausal women was 58 ± 7,79 and menopause time was 11,48 ± 8,76 years; mean BMD in spine, hip and forearm were -2,88 ± 1,16, -2,13 ± 0,82, y - 5,14 ± 1,76, respectively; bone biopsy demonstrated osteoporosis in 33 y Paget´s disease in one. Male persons 48 and 63 years old had BMD in forearm -3,2 and -4,9, and osteoporosis in biopsy. A woman 34 years old had a BMD of -3 and osteoporosis en bone biopsy, a woman 29 years old with BMD -3 presented osteomalacia in biopsy. There was a negative correlatión between age and time of menopause with BMD decrease. Conclusions. A negative correlation between the age and time of menopause with BMD decrease was found. A low BMD not always is osteoporosis, it might be other bone metabolic disease like osteomalacia or Paget´s disease. Bone biopsy is a more trustworthy procedure for the diagnose of these diseases.