Vitamin D–receptor genotypes as independent genetic predictors of decreased bone mineral density in primary biliary cirrhosis

Background & Aims: Hepatic osteodystrophy is a complication of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Allelic polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are related to bone mineral density (BMD) in normal cohorts and those with primary osteoporosis. We sought to establish the prevalence of reduced bone mass in PBC, correlate BMD with VDR gene polymorphisms, and identify risk factors for the development of hepatic osteodystrophy. Methods: Seventy-two female patients with PBC were evaluated prospectively. Clinical information, BMD assessment, disease severity, and osteoporosis risk factors were documented, and multivariate regression modeling was performed. Results: Twenty-four percent of the patients were osteoporotic at the lumbar spine and 32% at the femur. Severe bone loss (z score