We assessed the bone mineral density (BMD) of hospitalized COVID-19 patients at diagnosis and at follow-up visits. BMD decreased by a mean of 8.6% (± 10.5%) from diagnosis to follow-up. The BMD decrease was significantly greater than expected for age-related annual BMD loss.

Conclusions: Secondary osteoporosis may occur as a post-acute sequela of COVID-19. Therefore, the bone health status of patients surviving COVID-19 hospitalization should be monitored closely at follow-up visits, to facilitate the prevention and early treatment of osteoporosis complications.

Preprint: COVID-19 illness and treatment decrease bone mineral density of surviving hospitalized patients 

Preprint: SARS-CoV-2 infection induces severe bone loss in hamsters

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