FRI0547 Osteoporosis and bone metabolism in systemic sclerosis

Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been associated with bone loss and increased risk for bone fractures. Disease-related factors, age, corticosteroid therapy may be associated with increased bone turnover and bone loss. Objectives Here we performed a detailed study on osteoporosis in SSc. We performed bone density assessment by DXA, as well as peripheral forearm quantitative CT (pQCT). In addition, we assessed bone biomarkers and correlated bone- and disease-associated measures. Methods Altogether 44 SSc patients (36 women, 8 men; age: 64.1 years; disease duration: 17.6 years) were randomly recruited for the study. Bone density was assessed by DXA at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. pQCT (Stratec) is able to assess total, trabecular and cortical density. We also determined FRAX, levels of vitamin D, as well as bone markers (Ca, PTH, osteoclacin, P1NP, beta-CTX), markers of autoimmunity (ANA, ACA and anti-Scl70) and clinical manifestations of the disease. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS v22.0. Results Vitamin D levels were lower (53.9 +/- 36.8 nM) than the normal range (>75 nM). 34 out of 44 patients (77%) had D-hypovitaminosis. Abnormally increased PTH, P1NP, OC, CTX levels were observed in 10, 7, 2 and 6 patients, respectively. Previous fractures occurred in 19 patients (43%). The vertebral and hip FRAX values were 13.5% and 4%>respectively. By DXA, osteoporosis of the lumbar spine and hip was detected in 10 and 10 patients, while osteopenia were found in 16 and 20 patients, respectively. With respect to pQCT, total and trabecular bone density in SSc patients (248.4 and 150.9 mg/cm 3 ) was significantly lower than in healthy controls (354 and 193 mg/cm 3 , respectively). Higher OC levels were assocated with the diffuse form of SSc (R=0.330, p=0.035). Longer disease duration correlated with lower pQCT total (R=-0.341, p=0.023) and trabecular density (R=-0.336, p=0.026). Interestingly, most bone markers (P1NP, OC, CTX) positively correlated with gastrointestinal manifestations. Furthermore, pQCT total bone density was siognificantly lower in patients with pulmonary involvement, digital ulcer and anti-Scl70+. Conclusions A high proportion of SSc patients have osteopenia or osteoporosis, as well as low vitamin D levels. As determined by pQCT, trabecular loss is more common. Both total and trabecular bone loss, as well as bone markers may be associated with disease duration, anti-Scl70 and some organ manifestations. SSc patients should be screened and treated for osteoporosis. Disclosure of Interest None declared