Liver Diseases and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis represents a frequent comorbidity of cholestatic and parenchymal disorders of the liver and the hepatobiliary system. Over the past years, we have been able to characterise the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of osteoporosis more exactly. The aim of this review is to focus on our present understanding of osteoporosis in liver disease and to discuss recent progress in the knowledge of its pathogenesis and therapy. Furthermore, the clinical impact of osteoporosis with reference to morbidity and mortality is discussed. The progress made in the therapy of osteoporosis is reviewed considering a coexistent liver disease.