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Uncoupled bone remodeling is characteristic of bone damage in premenopausal women with new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Zhu L, Zhang J, Wang J, Lv X, Pu D, Wang Y, Men Q, He L

Lupus, 2021

106 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism underlying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-related bone loss by evaluating the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers (BTMs) in premenopausal patients with new-onset SLE without any treatment.

METHODS: BMD and BTMs of 106 premenopausal patients with new-onset SLE and 64 gender-, age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls were analyzed. BMD was determined using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Serum BTMs were measured.

RESULTS: Hip and lumbar spine BMD in premenopausal patients with new-onset SLE was significantly decreased compared with healthy controls. Higher rate of osteoporosis was observed in new-onset SLE patients (25% vs. 1%). Moreover, uncoupled bone remodeling evidenced by an increase in bone resorption marker β-CTX (685.9 ± 709.6 pg/mL vs. 395.4 ± 326.0 pg/mL, P < 0.05) and decrease in bone formation markers PINP (37.4 ± 33.0 ng/mL vs. 46.1 ± 20.9 ng/mL, P < 0.05) and OC (11.4 ± 9.8 ng/mL vs. 18.2 ± 8.6 ng/mL, P < 0.05) was observed in premenopausal patients with new-onset SLE compared with healthy controls. Univariate correlation analyses showed negative correlations between OC and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), and positive correlations between β-CTX and SLEDAI. SLE patients positive for dsDNA, nucleosome showed lower OC and higher β-CTX.

CONCLUSION: Premenopausal patients with new-onset SLE had decreased BMD and abnormal bone metabolism with increased β-CTX and decreased OC and…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a case-control, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 106 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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