Bone Mineral Density in Lung Transplant Recipients: Experience of A Referral Lung Transplantation Center

Abstract

Background Osteoporosis is a well-recognized and curable complication of lung transplantation. This study aimed to determine the degree of bone mineral density before transplantation and to evaluate the risk factors associated with osteoporosis in lung transplant patients. Material and Methods The bone mineral density of 72 patients who underwent lung transplantation with the diagnosis of end-stage lung diseases between December 2016 and April 2021 was evaluated in the pre-transplant period. Results 58 of 72 patients who underwent lung transplantation were included in the study. The age range of the cases was 14-64 (mean 48) years, and 14 (23.7%) were female. The presence of osteoporosis in the study population was 49.2% (n: 29), and osteopenia was 40.7% (n: 24). Osteoporosis was significantly more common in patients with younger age and lower body mass index (p = 0.024 and p = 0.009, respectively). And most down forced expiratory volüme 1 values were in patients with osteoporosis (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). Steroid usage (OR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-0.36, p = 0.002) in T score (femur neck) and 1.25 dihydroxy vitamin D (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.03-1.28, p = 0.012) in T score (lumbal spine) were found to be independent predictors of osteoporosis according to multivariate analyzes. Conclusions A significant proportion of patients with end-stage lung disease undergoing lung transplantation have osteoporosis and osteopenia. Interestingly, the candidates were similarly affected despite the variety of underlying conditions. Since osteoporosis is treatable, strict follow-up and treatment management are recommended before referral for transplant candidates.