Abstract:

We report a pilot study of bone health of alcohol dependent women.

Women admitted to an alcohol-withdrawal unit (cases) and a convenience sample of controls (nursing staff) were recruited and asked to complete a lifestyle questionnaire before undergoing heel ultrasound measurements. Fasting blood samples were obtained on the day of admission (day 1) and at 5 days. Bone turnover markers (P1NP and CTX) and vitamin D levels were measured in a subset of the alcohol dependent population.

Cases were less physically active than controls. Alcoholic women had lower heel ultrasound derived Stiffness Index scores [mean 85.2 (17.6)] compared with controls [mean 95.5 (18.7)] (p=0.07). P1NP rose significantly over the detoxification programme [day 1: 28.35 µg/l (12.25); day 5: 34.19 µg/l (13.16), p=0.003] but CTX change was not significant.

Lifestyle factors associated with poor bone health are prevalent in female alcoholics. Significant increase in bone formation was observed 5 days after alcohol withdrawal.