Risk factors for low bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with systemic sclerosis

Aim of the research – to determine the frequency of osteoporosis (OP) and to identify risk factors for a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with systemic sclerosis (SSс). Subjects and methods. The study included 113 postmenopausal women (median age – 60.0 [54.0; 63.0] years) with a reliable diagnosis of SSc according to the ACR/EULAR criteria (2013). The exclusion criterion was the presence of overlap syndromes. All women were interviewed according to a unified questionnaire, a laboratory and instrumental examination was conducted, including Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results . OP and osteopenia in at least one measurement area were diagnosed in 45.1% and 48.7% of women, respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed a negative effect of the total experience of taking glucocorticoids (GCs) on the value of BMD in the lumbar spine (b=–0.005; R2=0.136; p=0.017). Body mass index (BMI) (b=0.007; R2=0.208; p