Mom's Story, A Child Learns About MS

Mom's Story, A Child Learns About MS
Available on Amazon and www.marynickum.com

Friday, July 15, 2011

MS and Bone Health

Researchers report that low bone mass was more prevalent among people newly diagnosed with MS, or those with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS, a first episode of MS-like symptoms), than among controls without MS. The risk of bone loss had been known for people with MS, but this study shows that it can occur very early, even before MS has been diagnosed. Stine Marit Moen, MD, and colleagues at Oslo University Hospital report their findings in Neurology (2011;77:151-157).


The team measured bone density in several areas and the total body in 99 people newly diagnosed with MS, or those with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS, a first episode of MS-like symptoms), compared to 159 controls without MS. They also administered a questionnaire concerning risk factors for osteoporosis (a disease that causes bones to thin). More than half of the people with MS or CIS had low bone mass, compared with 37.1% of controls, and low bone mass remained significantly lower in the spine and hip even after adjusting for other possible risk factors.

The authors conclude that this study “calls for an active approach to optimize bone health in early stages of MS.”