A descriptive study of biochemical parameters and bone mineral density at Helen Joseph Hospital

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the correlation between biochemical parameters and bone mineral density (BMD), as diagnosed on a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, within a South African setting. Methods: The study is a retrospective clinical audit of patients who underwent DXA scans and bone related biochemical testing between 1st January 2014 and 31st December 2021 at Helen Joseph Hospital, South Africa. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established, and the entire population of patients meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The data collected included demographics, parameters from DXA scans, and various biochemical investigations. Data was captured electronically and analyzed using basic descriptive statistics. Results: The results showed no significant relationship between 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(0H)D) levels (p=0.83), serum calcium (p=0.275), serum magnesium (p=0.22), serum phosphate (p=0.816) and BMD. However, an elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) level showed a negative correlation with BMD (p=0.044), consistent with previous findings. The study also showed a gender disparity in osteoporosis screening (95.6% female) and an age-related increase in osteoporosis (87.6% of osteoporosis cases occurred in those over 60. Underweight female patients had an increased incidence of osteoporosis (p < 0.05), whereas we failed to show a significant correlation between BMI and BMD in males. The study's limitations, including a limited number of blood results and non-random patient selection, which could have affected the generalizability of our findings. Conclusion: The study explored the relationship between BMD, biochemical parameters, and demographic factors. Notably, an elevated PTH showed a significant negative correlation with BMD. 5 Underweight female patients had a higher osteoporosis incidence than those with normal BMI, and aging increased osteoporosis risk. Early detection, considering diverse risk factors, and comprehensive patient evaluations are crucial in the diagnosis of osteoporosis