Decreased bone mineral density in adult familial Mediterranean fever patients: a pilot study
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Published on: January 29, 2018
Elif Suyani1, Mehmet Akif Ozturk, Serpil Muge Deger
1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. elifsuyani@hotmail.com
Abstract:
We investigated the association between familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and osteoporosis (OP) in adult patients. Thirty-five attack-free FMF patients (28 females, 7 males; mean age 36.9 +/- 5.7 years) were individually matched to control subjects on the basis of age (within 2 years) and sex. All patients were taking regular colchicine. Subjects having any condition that can cause decreased bone mineral density (BMD) were excluded from the study. BMD was measured at the spine and femur by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Data was given as the median (IQR). T scores of the spine were -0.700 (-1.097 to -0.262) and -0.450 (-0.830 to 0.112) in FMF patients and healthy controls, respectively (p > 0.05). T scores of the femur neck were -0.900 (-1.480 to -0.570) and -0.430 (-1.472 to 0.247) in FMF patients and healthy controls, respectively (p > 0.05). Total femur T scores were significantly lower in FMF patients than healthy controls (-0.780 [-1.222 to -0.085] vs. -0.100 [-0.765 to 0.537], respectively, p = 0.021). Total femur T scores were significantly decreased in adult patients with FMF. Ongoing subclinical inflammation may be associated with decreased bone mineral content in those patients.
Insights
Adult patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) show decreased bone mineral density in the femur. This suggests subclinical inflammation may impact bone health in FMF patients, even when disease-free.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disease.
- Osteoporosis (OP) is a significant public health concern characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration.
- The relationship between FMF and bone health, specifically osteoporosis, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and osteoporosis (OP) in adult patients.
- To compare bone mineral density (BMD) in FMF patients and matched healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 35 attack-free FMF patients matched with healthy controls.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) measured at the spine and femur using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
- Exclusion of subjects with conditions known to affect BMD.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in BMD T-scores at the spine or femur neck between FMF patients and controls.
- Significantly lower total femur T-scores observed in FMF patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.021).
- Adult FMF patients exhibited decreased total femur bone mineral density.
Conclusions:
- Adult patients with familial Mediterranean fever demonstrate reduced bone mineral density in the total femur.
- Ongoing subclinical inflammation in FMF may contribute to decreased bone mineral content.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms linking FMF and bone loss.
