Lupus nephritis and U1-RNP-antibodies are associated with low bone mineral density and osteoporosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: baseline findings in a sub-cohort of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases
Abstract Objectives Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at higher risk for osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Our study aimed to identify disease-specific factors with impact on bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of osteoporosis, and to evaluate the effectiveness of DXA-deri...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Arthritis Research & Therapy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-025-03610-y |
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| Summary: | Abstract Objectives Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at higher risk for osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Our study aimed to identify disease-specific factors with impact on bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of osteoporosis, and to evaluate the effectiveness of DXA-derived 3D femur parameters versus BMD and trabecular bone score (TBS) in discriminating pre-existent fragility fractures. Methods We analyzed baseline data of a consecutive subcohort of patients with SLE with current or past GC treatment, fulfilling the EULAR/ACR 2019 SLE classification criteria. We used multivariable linear and logistic regression models to identify BMD- and osteoporosis-related factors. DXA-derived 3D measurements of the femur were performed with 3D-Shaper software. Discriminatory performance of BMD, TBS and 3D femoral parameters for fragility fractures was assessed by AUC values. Results Forty-one percent of 110 patients with SLE had osteoporosis. Lupus nephritis (LN) was present in 35% of cases, with 61% (23/38) of these being predominantly classified as classes IV and V. Factors significantly associated with lower BMD included LN classes III and IV, U1-RNP antibodies, higher C-reactive protein, and longer disease duration. Clinical remission, higher Siglec-1 levels, higher body mass index, and higher health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) scores correlated positively with BMD. Osteoporosis was linked to LN, higher age, HAQ, and complement factor 3 levels. Our findings suggest that 3D bone structure analysis may be helpful in discriminating past vertebral fractures. Conclusion Disease severity indicated by LN, high CRP, presence of U1-RNP antibodies, and extended disease duration are detrimental to bone health. Moreover, 3D-DXA parameters can be integrated in clinical practise to assess bone health. |
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| ISSN: | 1478-6362 |