Factors associated with low trabecular bone scores in patients with end-stage kidney disease

The trabecular bone score (TBS) is a textural index that indirectly assesses bone trabecular microarchitecture using lumbar spine images obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This study compared the TBS of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) with that of matched controls to identify risk factors associated with a low TBS. TBS and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed in ESKD patients (n = 76) and age- and sex-matched control subjects (n = 76) using DXA. The TBS of both groups was then compared, and risk factors associated with a low TBS (defined as ≤ 1.31) were evaluated. The mean TBS in the ESKD group was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.34 ± 0.15 vs. 1.43 ± 0.08, respectively; p < 0.001). More subjects in the ESKD group had a low TBS [34.2% (ESRD) vs. 5.3% (controls); p < 0.001]. The TBS was negatively correlated with age, alkaline phosphatase and C-reactive protein levels, and dialysis vintage, and positively correlated with BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and hip. Multivariate analysis identified lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and increased C-reactive protein levels as being significantly associated with a low TBS. In conclusion, ESKD patients had abnormal bone microarchitecture (as assessed by the TBS). The TBS was positively correlated with BMD. Renal function and inflammatory marker levels were independently associated with a low TBS. Thus, TBS may be a useful clinical tool for assessing cancellous bone connectivity in ESKD patients.