DECREASED BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN PATIENTS

Ali et al reported last year (J Nucl Med 28(4): 628–629) no correlation between bone loss in leuprolide or danazol therapy, conflicting previous reports showing a correlation. We report the preliminary results on 6 patients ages 31–46 studied longitudinally during treatment with leuprolide, a GnRH agonist (2/5 had amenorrhea) for 6–7 months and 4 placebo controls (interval 6–12 months). Dual photon absorptiometry was performed on lumbar vertebrae 1–4 and the hip (Wards triangle, the femoral neck and trochanteric region). Changes were defined as significant in a difference of 6% was measured. Serial studies in these patients showed: Leuprolide (n=6) Placebo (n=4) L2-L4 no change 5 2 increase 0 1 decrease 1 0 Femur no change 2 2 Increase 2 2 decrease 2 0 We conclude that: 1) leuprolide can cause decreases in BMD in some patients, 2) decreased BMD tended to be greater in leuprolide patients, and 3) because of the variety of findings in at least three reports of leuprolide, BMD should be monitored in patients taking GnRH agonists. Our studies are continuing for additional patients and for longer treatment times.