The study of bone mineral density in 189 patients with ankyliosing spondylitis

Objective To study the bone mineral density(BMD) in 189 patients with Ankyliosing Spondylitis(AS),compared t with normal volunteers,and provide early disgnosis and treatment strategy.Methods BMD of 189 AS patients,aged between 20~50 years old,was tested by duel energy X-ray absorptiometry,then compared with that of normal volunteers.Results There were 156 males and 33 females in the 189 AS patients,and the male-to-female ratio was 4.73:1.Mean age was 29.83±5.80 yr.The occurrence ratio of osteoporosis(OP) and osteopenia in the 189 AS patients was 15.87% and 45.50% respectively.Mean age of OP and osteopenia was 28.93±6.20 yr and 26.80±4.47 yr respectively.The BMD in AS group was lower than that of control group.As to the AS patients with normal spinal function,the BMD in the lumbar,the neck,wards,and troch of the total proximal femur were lower than that in control group with evident statistic difference.As to the AS patients in the later stage,the BMD in the neck,wards,and troch of the total proximal femur were lower than that of control group,except for the lumbar part.Conclusion OP and osteopenia are commonly seen in AS,even in the early stage.OP can lead to stiffness,kyphosis and deformity of the spine,affect the prognosis of AS.So early treatment is of great importance.