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Spinal deformity index in patients with type 2 diabetes
C Di Somma1, M Rubino, A Faggiano
1SDN Foundation Naples, Naples, Italy. cdisomma@unina.it
Type 2 diabetes patients show similar bone mineral density (BMD) but higher spinal deformity index (SDI) compared to controls. This suggests SDI is a more sensitive indicator for diagnosing osteoporosis in diabetic individuals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Bone Disease
- Gerontology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with altered bone metabolism.
- Diabetic patients often exhibit increased fracture risk, but bone mineral density (BMD) findings are inconsistent.
- Bone quality assessment is crucial for understanding fracture risk in T2D.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bone metabolism, density, and quality in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- To compare BMD and bone quality using DEXA and the Spinal Deformity Index (SDI).
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 56 T2D patients and 56 matched controls.
- Exclusion of participants with conditions or medications affecting bone metabolism.
- Measurements included serum 25-OH vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD by DEXA, and vertebral fractures assessed by radiography to calculate SDI.
Main Results:
- T2D patients had significantly lower serum 25-OH vitamin D and higher PTH levels than controls.
- Lumbar spine T-scores and femoral neck BMD/T-scores differed significantly between groups.
- Vertebral fractures were more prevalent in T2D patients (46% vs 17%), with a higher SDI (p < 0.05).
- A higher percentage of fractures in T2D patients occurred with BMD T-scores > -2.5 (69% vs 10%).
Conclusions:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) was comparable between T2D patients and controls.
- The Spinal Deformity Index (SDI) was significantly higher in T2D patients, indicating poorer bone quality.
- SDI proved more specific than BMD for diagnosing osteoporosis in metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
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