Lupus patients face higher risk of hip fracture

 February 2, 2021 (Vancouver) – New Arthritis Research Canada study finds patients with newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus have a 62 per cent increased risk of hip fractures compared to individuals without the disease.

“These results have important implications for the prevention of osteoporosis, which may lead to hip fractures,” said Gloria Li, an Arthritis Research Canada trainee and the study’s lead researcher.

Hip fractures are extremely serious, are a major source of disability and can result in life-threatening complications.  In fact, the 1-year mortality rate after sustaining a hip fracture is 30 per cent.

Population‐based studies on hip fractures in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus are also scarce.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a serious autoimmune disease whereby the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue and causes inflammation and tissue damage.

To view the research paper, please click here. 

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