Bone Mineral Density and Fat-Soluble Vitamin Status in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis Undergoing Lung Transplantation: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) often experience low bone mineral density (BMD) pre- and post-lung transplantation (LTX). The study purpose was to describe BMD and micronutrient status in adults with CF pre- and post-LTX.

METHODS: Twelve patients with CF (29 ± 8 years) were recruited from the CF clinic at the University of Alberta Lung Transplant Program. BMD and vitamins A, D, E, K status, and parathyroid hormone were measured pre- and post-LTX.

RESULTS: No significant differences pre- and post-LTX were observed at the different bone sites measured (lumber-spine, femoral-neck (FN), hip, and femoral-trochlea) (P > 0.05). BMD T-scores (<-2) was present in lumbar-spine, FN, hip, and femoral-trochlea in 33%, 17%, 17%, and 25% of individuals pre-LTX and 58%, 33%, 58%, and 33% of individuals post-LTX, respectively. More than 50% of patients had suboptimal vitamin K levels (PIVKA-II values >3 ng/mL) pre- and post-LTX.

CONCLUSION: Adults with CF pre- and post-LTX had reduced BMD and suboptimal vitamin K status.