Bone mineral density in women with ankylosing spondylitis

• Published in: Journal of rheumatology Vol. 27; no. 4; p. 1028
• Main Authors: Juanola, X, Mateo, L, Nolla, J M, Roig-Vilaseca, D, Campoy, E, Roig-Escofet, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada 01-04-2000
• Subjects: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adult; Bone Density; Female; Femur Neck; Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Osteoporosis - diagnosis; Premenopause; Spondylitis, Ankylosing - diagnostic imaging
• ISSN: 0315-162X

To determine bone mineral density (BMD) in premenopausal women with early ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Eighteen premenopausal women with AS without syndesmophytes, interapophysiary arthritis, and/or coxofemoral joint destruction were studied. BMD was analyzed at lumbar spine and femoral neck by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (Hologic QDR 1000). Z scores and T scores related to the general Spanish population were recorded. Comparisons were performed using the Student t test. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to study the correlation between BMD and the variables. Following the WHO classification, osteopenia was diagnosed in patients with T score between -1 and -2.5 and osteoporosis in those with T score < -2.5 at lumbar spine or femoral neck.
The mean Z score for spine BMD was -0.19+/-0.7, and -0.03+/-0.85 for femoral neck BMD. There were no significant differences of Z score values compared to the general population. No significant correlation was found between BMD and disease duration, radiology sacroiliac score, and spine mobility. Densitometry showed osteopenia in 2 patients and osteoporosis in none.
We found a slight reduction in BMD in premenopausal women with early AS, but the difference was not statistically significant. We discuss the factors related to its pathogenesis.