High Prevalence of Asymptomatic Vertebral Fractures in Chinese Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Asymptomatic vertebral fractures occur in 20.4% of patients with SLE and 30% of these patients have normal BMD. The current method using DEXA to predict the presence of vertebral fracture has limited value and there is a need for assessment of bone quality. Vertebral morphometry in patients with SLE is recommended and early therapeutic intervention is necessary to prevent vertebral fractures in patients with SLE.