The Trabecular Bone Score as a Predictor for Thalassemia-Induced Vertebral Fractures in Northeastern Thailand. (22nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Teawtrakul, Nattiya; Chukanhom, Sukanya; Charoensri, Suranut; Somboonporn, Charoonsak; Pongchaiyakul, Chatlert
• Other Names: Canatan Duran Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Anemia. Volume 2020(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07-22
• Subjects: Anemia -- Periodicals; 616.152005
• DOI: 10.1155/2020/4634709
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-1267

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction . Thalassemia bone disease is one of the disease-related complications in patients with thalassemia. Prevalence of fractures and the role of a trabecular bone score (TBS) as a predictive factor for fractures were evaluated in patients with thalassemia. Methods . A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with thalassemia aged ≥18 years at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. A lateral thoracolumbar radiograph and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and hip, as well as the TBS measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), were evaluated in all patients. Results . Among 86 patients, 14 patients were found to have radiographic vertebral fracture yielding a prevalence of 16.3%. All patients who had fractures were β -thalassemia/Hb E. Combined low BMD and TBS at lumbar spines and a presence of endocrinopathies were significantly associated with vertebral fractures. Conclusions . The prevalence of vertebral fractures in patients with thalassemia was not uncommon. A combined low BMD and TBS and a presence of endocrinopathies were associated with vertebral fractures. These findings suggested that BMD testing and TBS measurement have a clinical implication as a screening tool for evaluating the risk of vertebral fractures in thalassemic patients, particularly in β -thalassemia/Hb E who have endocrinopathies.