Evaluation of bone mineral density and its associated factors in postpartum women

Abstract Objective Although osteoporosis commonly appears among postmenopausal women, it is rarely diagnosed during the postpartum period as pregnancy-lactation associated osteoporosis (PAO). The aim of the study reported here was to investigate low bone mineral density and its associated risk factors in postpartum women. Materials and methods The sample consisted of 93 females aged 18–40 years and in the first month of the postpartum period. All the women had low back pain. The bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score values of the lumbar vertebrae, femur (neck and total) were examined using dual energy x-ray absorbtiometry four weeks after birth. Patients body mass index (BMI), 25-hydroxyvitaminD (25-OHD) levels and complete blood counts were recorded. Participants were divided into two groups to their Z scores: the normal group (n = 71) and the low BMD group (n = 22). Results The 25-OHD levels were significantly lower (p = .02) in the low BMD group [4.45 (4.0–12.4)] than in the control group [22 (12–48)], however, NLR and PLR values were similar between groups. BMI positively correlated with BMD scores for the lumbar, femoral neck and femoral overall (p = .011, p = .026 and p = .026, respectively). Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency and BMI may play a critical role in PAO. Low back pain during postpartum period should be carefully evaluated. Adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation may prevent possible bone loss.