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Review
. 2025 Apr;48(4):799-815.
doi: 10.1007/s40618-024-02503-2. Epub 2025 Jan 6.

Aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of thalassemia-associated osteoporosis of the adult

Maria Rosaria Ambrosio  1 , Camilla Alice Cattaneo  2 , Irene Gagliardi  3 , Aldo Carnevale  4 , Maria Chiara Zatelli  2
Affiliations
Review

Aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of thalassemia-associated osteoporosis of the adult

Maria Rosaria Ambrosio et al. J Endocrinol Invest. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

Aim: This review aims to overview factors contributing to TAO development and addresses the targeted diagnostic work-up and treatment management in adult thalassemic patients.

Results: Osteoporosis management in Thalassemia is challenging because several factors contributing to its pathogenesis should be considered and controlled starting from child- hood. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial. Evidence concerning the efficacy of available anti-osteoporosis drugs in thalassemic patients is scarce. In this scenario, clinical experience and center resources often guide the treatment choice. More efforts should be made to share knowledge in this field in order to indicate specific treatment strategies for TAO management.

Methods: We performed a literature search in Pubmed from 1992 to March 2024 using the words Thalassemia and: osteoporosis, Bisphosphonates, Denosumab, Teriparatide, Romosozumab, hormone replacement therapy, growth hormone, hypogonadism, calcium, vitamin D, bone disease, sarcopenia. The search was limited to English literature including original studies, reviews, meta-analyses, case reports.

Keywords: Fracture.; Osteoporosis; Thalassemia; Thalassemia-associated osteoporosis.

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References

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