Arthritis research & therapy
-
Arthritis Res. Ther. · Mar 2014
Bone fragility in sarcoidosis and relationships with calcium metabolism disorders: a cross sectional study on 142 patients.
The prevention of fragility fractures in patients with sarcoidosis is a serious concern and the potential risk of hypercalcemia limits vitamin D and calcium supplementation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures in sarcoidosis. In particular, we aimed to determine the link among bone fragility and calcium and vitamin D metabolism in this population. ⋯ Sarcoidosis patients have a high risk of fracture despite not having a lowered BMD suggesting that other independent factors are involved. Current corticosteroid dose, low dietary calcium and serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with bone fragility. In sarcoidosis, calcium and vitamin D supplementation might be warranted, but desirable 25(OH)D serum levels might be lower than those advised for the general population.