[The prevention of bone mineral loss with hormonal replacement therapy in premenopausal women on dialysis with estrogen deficiency].

In 25-30% of premenopausal dialysis women low serum estrogen concentrations are observed. This "premature menopause" can significantly contribute to accelerated bone loss. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of estrogen-gestagen replacement therapy on bone mineral density (BMD) in hemodialysis women with secondary to uremia estrogen deficiency. Among 20 hemodialysis women, aged 18-45 years, with serum 17 beta-estradiol < 30 pg/ml, ten (group I) received transdermal estradiol with cyclic addition of noretisterone acetate (Estracomb TTS 50/0.25), and another ten formed the control group (group II). BMD was evaluated by dual photon x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA, Lunar) in: lumbar spine (L2-L4), 1/3 distal radius and femoral neck, before and after the study. Serum 17 beta-estradiol concentrations were measured before, and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of the study. After one year, in group I, in which serum 17 beta-estradiol normalized already during the first month (p < 0.001), an increase of in BMD was noted, although significant only in L2-L4 (p < 0.05). In group II, no change in serum 17 beta-estradiol and mild but insignificant decrease in BMD were observed. However, a comparison of BMD values after 12 months in both groups revealed the marked differences in all studied sites (p < 0.01, p < 0.02, p < 0.05 in L4-L2, distal radius and femoral neck, respectively). The mean serum calcium, phosphate, PTH and alkaline phosphatase activity were similar in both groups and did not change during the study. In premenopausal hemodialysis women with estrogen deficiency, hormonal replacement therapy inhibits bone demineralization and can be useful in prevention of early osteoporosis.