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Sarcoidosis patients experienced high fracture risk
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Patients with sarcoidosis experienced a high fracture risk despite having normal bone mineral density, suggesting a link to vitamin D levels, according to recent study results.
Researchers in France conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 142 patients (mean age, 51.6 years; 80 women) with sarcoidosis. Assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) and prevalence of vertebral fractures on X-rays was conducted, with regression analysis used to study the association with potential risk factors.
The patients had a normal mean BMD; however, 23.5% experienced fragility fractures. Low dietary calcium, fracture, age, gender and menopause had an association with increased risk of low BMD, according to multivariate analysis. Increased fracture risk was associated with low dietary calcium, high current corticosteroid dose and low creatinine clearance.
Higher BMD had a significant association with serum 25(OH)D between 10 and 20 ng/ml, while increased fracture risk was associated with values greater than 20 ng/ml. Disease activity displayed an inverse correlation to serum 25(OH)D level.
“Of note, vitamin D supplements increased serum 25(OH)D in a dose-dependent manner but had no effect on serum calcium level,” the researchers reported.
“This is the first study that establishes a link between vitamin D levels and bone mineral density in patients with sarcoidosis and suggests an optimal threshold of 25(OH)D in this population,” the researchers concluded. “Furthermore, these data suggest that particular risk factors for osteoporosis should be taken into account for sarcoidosis patients, whose fracture risk is highly and poorly related to BMD.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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