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Published on: January 29, 2018
Bone mineral density in patients with familial Mediterranean fever
Kadir Yildirim1, Saliha Karatay, Ramazan Cetinkaya
1Department of Physical Medicine, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey. kadiryildirim88@hotmail.com
Abstract:
This study was carried out to determine lumbar and femoral bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), an autosomal-recessive disease characterized by recurrent episodes of peritonitis, pleuritis, and arthritis, which are usually associated with fever. In patients with FMF and control subjects, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. BMD was determined at the lumbar spine (L1-4) and the femoral regions (neck and total) using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Twenty-eight FMF patients and 30 control subjects without a history of inflammatory disease participated in our study. The demographic variables, such as age, sex and body mass index were similar between patients and controls (P > 0.05). We found statistically significant difference in ESR and CRP between FMF patients and controls (P < 0.01, P < 0.05 respectively). There was statistically significant difference in lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total femur BMD between FMF patients and control groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.01 respectively).Our study indicates that lumbar spine and femoral neck and total femur BMD in patients with FMF may be lower than in healthy subjects.
Insights
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients show lower bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine and femur compared to healthy individuals. This study highlights potential bone health risks associated with FMF, even in the absence of other inflammatory conditions.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an inherited autoinflammatory disorder.
- FMF is characterized by recurrent systemic inflammation affecting serous membranes.
- Chronic inflammation may impact bone metabolism and density.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with FMF.
- To compare BMD at the lumbar spine and femur between FMF patients and healthy controls.
- To assess the relationship between FMF and bone health.
Main Methods:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure BMD.
- Lumbar spine (L1-4) and femoral regions (neck and total) were assessed.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured as inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- FMF patients exhibited significantly higher ESR and CRP levels than controls.
- Lumbar spine BMD was significantly lower in FMF patients (P < 0.001).
- Femoral neck and total femur BMD were also significantly lower in FMF patients (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Patients with FMF demonstrate reduced bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and femur.
- These findings suggest a potential link between FMF and compromised bone health.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and clinical implications of decreased BMD in FMF.
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