Bone Mineral Density is Decreased in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis and Correlates With Serum Intact Parathormone Levels: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Objective: To study bone mineral density (BMD) in Indian patients with systemic sclerosis and objectively verify whether an association exists between osteoporosis and systemic sclerosis. Methods: Adult patients suffering from systemic sclerosis (as per the 2013 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for systemic sclerosis) attending the rheumatology clinic at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India were recruited. BMD was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and serum Vitamin D and iPTH levels were estimated. The 10-year probability of sustaining an osteoporotic fracture was estimated using the World Health Organisation fracture risk assessment tool with the Indian population reference. Results: 100 patients were included (89 women). Interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension were seen in 48 and 18 patients, respectively. Median (range) serum 25 hydroxy Vitamin D level was 17 ng/ml (3.7-225.7 ng/ml). Mean serum iPTH level was 79.6±38.1 pg/ml. 55 patients were categorized as Vitamin D deficient, 24 as insufficient, and 21 as Vitamin D sufficient. 21 patients had iPTH values above 75 pg/ml. 28% had osteoporosis of the lumbar spine while 6% had osteoporosis of the femoral neck. Serum iPTH correlated inversely with low bone mass at the hip (P = 0.023, r2 = 0.121). Low bone mass did not correlate with age, postmenopausal status, low BMI, corticosteroid use, serum 25 hydroxy Vitamin D…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 100 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Effectiveness of Bisphosphonates and Denosumab on Risk of Vertebral Fractures in Prostate Cancer Patients Under Androgen Deprivation Therapies: A Real-World Prospective Study
- Osteoporosis-related fractures after spinal cord injury: a retrospective study from Brazil
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and mortality in older men
- Lack of Association between Vitamin D Insufficiency and Cardiovascular or Fracture Risk: A UK Biobank Study
- Muscle strength and body composition are clinical indicators of osteoporosis
- Incidence of bone protection and associated fragility injuries in patients with proximal femur fractures
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.