Abstract
In this paper we searched for vertebral deformities in a group of 70 premenopausal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients (31.8 +/- 8.1 years old) and compared them to a matched control group of 22 healthy women (32.0 +/- 8.9 years old). Patients and controls performed spine X-ray (XR) morphometry and lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD). Clinical data was obtained by a questionnaire and charts review. Thoracic or lumbar spine fracture was observed in 15 (21.4%) SLE patients, while no deformities were found in the control group (P = 0.018). BMD was not different amongst SLE patients and controls and between SLE patients with or without deformities. Although BMD could not predict what patient have deformity, seven patients (46.6%) with deformity had a lumbar spine or femoral neck Z-score less than - 1 SD [median = -0.59 (-3.72 to +0.88) and -0.20 (-4.05 to + 1.87)] respectively. In addition, we found a negative correlation between number of fracture per patient and lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD (R = 0.58, P = 0.04 and R = 0.84, P = <0.0001 respectively). No significant correlation was found between number of deformities and clinical data. This is the first study to search for vertebral deformities in SLE patients and to demonstrate a high prevalence of deformities in a relative young SLE population. These findings bring up the necessity to look for spine deformities in this group of women regardless the BMD.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
