Saadati N [1] , MD, Taghavi M [2] , MD

 Received: 31 Oct, 2007 Accepted: 12 March, 2008

 Abstract

  Background and Aims: Scleroderma is a connective tissue disorder characterized by thickening and fibrosis of the skin. Many researchers have postulated in the past that scleroderma may be a risk factor for osteoporosis because this disease not only by a chronic inflammatory state, but also by many secondary complications may predispose the patients to osteoporosis. There is conflicting evidence in the literature as to whether or not an association between SSc and decreased BMD exist. The aim of this study is to evaluate bone mass in scleroderma patients in Mashhad.

  Materials & Methods: We selected 20 female patients with scleroderma, mean age 40.6, and after taking medical history and physical examination, bone densitometry was performed with DEXA method in Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad. The results interpreted with WHO criteria as normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis and then compared with the normal women with similar age.

  Results: Seven patients (35%) had osteoporosis, 9 (45%) had osteopenia, and only 4 (20%) had normal bone density. In scleroderma, patients bone density disorders were more common than normal women with similar age and the difference was more significant for steoporosis patients.

  Conclusion: Scleroderma has a direct effect on the bone density and can increase the risk of bone density disorders.

  Keywords: Systemic sclerosis, Osteopenia, Osteoporosis, Bone mineral density

 Address: Ghaem Hospital , Ahmad Abad Ave, Mashad Tel: 09155090408

 E-mail: nsaadatimd@gmail.com

  Source: UMJ 2008: 19(3): 277 ISSN: 1027-3727

  [1] Assistant Professor of Rheumatology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (Corresponding Author)

  [2] Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences