[Bone mineral density in patients with scleroderma systematica]

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Endocrinology
• Bone Metabolism

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SDS) is a complex autoimmune disease affecting connective tissues.
• Bone mineral density (BMD) reduction and osteoporosis (OP) are potential complications in postmenopausal women.
• Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for reduced BMD in SDS is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency and magnitude of bone mineral density (BMD) reduction in postmenopausal women with systemic sclerosis (SDS).
• To investigate the association between reduced BMD and clinical parameters in SDS patients.

Main Methods:

• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure BMD in the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and proximal femur.
• The study included 56 postmenopausal women with SDS and 44 age-matched healthy controls.
• Clinical parameters including body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, disease duration, and glucocorticosteroid (GCS) use were assessed.

Main Results:

• Patients with SDS exhibited significantly lower BMD in all measured skeletal sites compared to controls.
• Osteoporosis (OP) was diagnosed in 52% of SDS patients versus 11% of controls (p<0.0001).
• Reduced BMD was more pronounced in diffuse SDS and associated with longer disease duration, lower BMI, and GCS treatment.

Conclusions:

• Postmenopausal women with SDS have a significantly higher prevalence and severity of reduced BMD and OP.
• Low BMI, diffuse SDS subtype, extended disease duration, and glucocorticosteroid therapy are identified as key risk factors for osteoporosis in SDS.
• Early detection and management of bone loss are essential for improving outcomes in women with systemic sclerosis.