Bone mineral density in patients with ankyosing spondylitis

Objective To evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and explore the etiology and pathogenic mechanism of changes in bone metabolism.Methods In the prospective controlled study, BMD were determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at hip and spine in 67 cases of AS. Meanwhile, bone glyprotein, human calcitonin, serum calcium and inflammatory indices of acute phase reactants in the patients with AS were examined, and compared with healthy controls. Results Patients with AS had significantly reduced BMD in femoral neck, Ward's triangle and frochanter. Compared with controls, patients with early AS had significant reduced BMD of the lumbar spines. The patients had significantly lower mean serum bone glaprotein than the controls. Conclusions BMD is reduced in patients with AS. The reason is multiple including immune inflammatory reaction and limitation of movement.