Introduction: One of the juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (j-SLE) consequences that lower patients' quality of life is low bone mineral density (BMD). By employing DXA (dual X-ray absorptiometry), BMD is evaluated. This study's objectives are to research BMD in SLE children and to describe the predicting factors.
Methods: A case control study included 30 SLE patients (the SLE group) (mean age, 14.8± 2.5 years; females, 83.3%) and 30 age and sex-matched, seemingly healthy children (the Control group). They had a thorough medical history and clinical examination, as well as laboratory tests, 25(OH) vitamin D levels, and BMD evaluation by DXA scan (scores at L2-L4). The information was presented as mean and standard deviation. The Pearson's correlation and the student t-test were used for statistical analysis. At a p value of 0.05, differences were deemed statistically significant.
Results: Low BMD was detected in the SLE group in comparison to the controls (p<0.001). Reduced BMD was detected in 46.6% of patients. Vitamin D level is lower in SLE group with statistically significant difference. On regression analysis; duration of disease, steroid use, and alkaline phosphatase were found to be independent variables that affected BMD.
Conclusion: SLE patients frequently have low BMD. A longer course of the illness, and higher overall glucocorticoid dose were powerful predictors of low BMD. The patients may be protected from the possibility of decreased BMD by DXA monitoring and the implementation of an appropriate therapy plan.