The frequency and risk factors of low bone mineral density in patients with systemic sclerosis

Objective . To study the frequency of low bone mineral density (BMD) and BMD-related factors in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Material and Methods . 210 patients with SSc (median age 52,0 [41,3; 62,1] years) were included: 165 (78,6 %) women and 45 (21,4 %) men. BMD was measured by DXA. In postmenopausal women and men ≥ 50 years OP was diagnosed with T-score at any region < –2.5 SD, in fertile women and men under 50 years of age low BMD was detected with – Z-score <-2.0 SD. To identify the factors associated with low BMD, a logistic regression analysis was performed. Results . Low BMD was detected in 63 (30,0 %) persons. Multivariate analysis showed association between low BMD and age (OR 1,03; [95 % CI 1,01; 1,07]; р<0,05), body mass index (BMI) ≤24 kg/m 2 (OR 3,81; [95 % CI 1,76; 8,07]; p < 0.001), acroosteolysis (AO) of distal phalanges (OR 4,56; [95 % CI 1,29; 16,17]; р<0,05), duration of glucocorticoids (GСs) taking (OR1,07; [95% CI 1,01; 1,14]; р<0,05) and anti-topoisomerase I positivity (OR 2,07; [95% CI 1,06; 4,16]; р<0,05). Conclusion . Low BMD was detected in 63 (30,0 %) persons. Age, BMI ≤24 kg/m 2 , AO of distal phalanges, duration of GСs taking and antitopoisomerase I positivity increased the risk of OP/low BMD in patients with SSc.