Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2009 Feb;52(2):166-179.

Changes in biochemical markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density during pregnancy and postpartum in korean women

• Lee SW
• Yang JH
• Hong DS
• Kim MY
• Chung JH
• Han KO
• Cho DH

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To show the patterns of changes in biochemical markers of bone turnover and ultrasound bone mineral density (BMD) during pregnancy and postpartum in Korean women.
METHODS
We conducted a prospective study between February 2004 and February 2005. Forty-one healthy singleton pregnant women were included. We used quantitative ultrasonography for BMD measurement which is advantageous to pregnant women because it is radiation-free and it provides very accurate BMD that correlates highly with BMD measured by conventional dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. We measured marker of bone resorption (beta-Crosslaps), bone formation [total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC)], total calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) during and after pregnancy.
RESULTS
During pregnancy, BMD slightly decreased in the third trimester. Bone resorption marker (beta-Crosslaps) increased steadily during pregnancy and immediate postpartum. Markers of bone formation (ALP, osteocalcin) increased from late pregnancy. Total calcium decreased slightly as bone resorption peaks in second trimester. PTH and phosphorus increased steadily throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
CONCLUSION
Pregnancy is characterized by high bone turnover in Korean women with resorption preceding formation.

Keyword

Pregnancy; Postpartum; Biochemical markers of bone turnover; Bone mineral density

MeSH Terms

Absorptiometry, Photon
Alkaline Phosphatase
Biomarkers
Bone Density
Bone Resorption
Calcium
Female
Humans
Osteocalcin
Osteogenesis
Parathyroid Hormone
Phosphorus
Postpartum Period
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Trimester, Second
Pregnancy Trimester, Third
Pregnant Women
Prospective Studies
Alkaline Phosphatase
Calcium
Osteocalcin
Parathyroid Hormone
Phosphorus