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Use of Bone Biopsy to Better Understand the Causes of Decreased Bone Mineral Density in Depression

NCT00001916 · Status: COMPLETED · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 17

Last updated 2008-03-04

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

In this study researchers would like to learn more about the low levels of bone mineral density seen in approximately half of women in their forties diagnosed as currently having or previously had depression.

Bones are always undergoing a process of building (formation) and breakdown (resorption). This process is referred to as bone remodeling. When more bone is formed than resorbed, the density (level of calcium) in bone increases and the bones become stronger. However, if more bone is resorbed than formed the density of bone decreases and the bones become weak. This condition is called osteoporosis.

It is unknown if women with depression have decreased bone mineral density as a result of too much breakdown of bone or not enough building. It is important to know the cause of low bone mineral density because it will influence the way a patient is treated. Medications like bisphosphonates are used when there is too much bone breakdown. Growth hormone replacement can be given in cases where there is not enough bone production. Presently, bone biopsy and a procedure known as histomorphometry can determine what processes are going on in bones.

Researchers have decided to use a sample of bone (biopsy) from part of the hip bone (iliac crest). In addition, researchers will collect a sample of bone marrow (the soft tissue found in the center of bones) to tell them more about the biochemical, cellular, and molecular processes that may be contributing to the problem of decreased bone density in depressed premenopausal women.

Conditions

  • Bone Diseases, Metabolic
  • Depression, Involutional
  • Osteoporosis

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

    lead NIH

Eligibility

Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
1999-03-31
Completion
2000-08-31

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT00001916 on ClinicalTrials.gov