Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in primary biliary cirrhosis

Osteoporosis is not a feature unique to primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) but is also found in other categories of liver disease. The principles develop ed for monitoring and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis can also be foll owed for patients with PBC. Monitoring of dietary intake of calcium and vit amin D serum levels is essential, and the threshold for initiating suppleme ntation should be low. Bisphosphonates can be considered the most rational choice when specific therapy is required. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 11:61 7-621. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.