Exploring Disease-Specific Risk Factors for Vertebral Fractures in Systemic Sclerosis: Insights from the ScleroRER
Alessandra Bezzi1, Federica Lumetti2, Martina Orlandi2,3
1Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, Ospedale "Infermi di Rimini", 47923 Rimini, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|March 14, 2026
Summary
Systemic sclerosis patients with a family history of fractures face a higher risk of vertebral fractures. Gastrointestinal issues may also contribute, suggesting targeted bone density screening for these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
- Osteoporosis Research
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients have a high incidence of osteoporosis.
- Vertebral fracture risk factors in SSc patients are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify general and SSc-specific predictors of vertebral fractures.
- Evaluate risk factors in SSc patients undergoing osteoporosis assessment.
Main Methods:
- Multicenter cross-sectional study of 103 SSc patients.
- Data collection: demographics, disease characteristics, DXA scans, vertebral imaging.
- Statistical analysis: stepwise logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Prevalence: Osteoporosis 52.4%, vertebral fractures 38.8%, osteopenia 28.1%.
- Significant predictors: family history of fractures (OR 13.8, p=0.03) and gastrointestinal (GI) involvement (OR 4.8, p=0.05).
- Vertebral T-scores were significant general predictors (OR 0.6, p=0.049).
Conclusions:
- Family history of fractures is a strong predictor of vertebral fractures in SSc.
- GI involvement suggests potential malabsorption-related metabolic impairment.
- Bone density screening in SSc patients with GI symptoms is recommended for early intervention.
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