Impaired ambulation and steroid therapy impact negatively on bone health in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background and purpose: The prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis is higher amongst patients with multiple sclerosis in comparison with the general population. In addition to the general determinants of bone health, two factors may contribute to reduced bone mineral density in multiple sclerosis: physical disability and corticosteroid therapy. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of physical disability and steroid exposure on bone health in weight-bearing bones and spine and on the incidence of low-trauma fractures in multiple sclerosis. Methods: In this retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data, associations between bone mineral density (at the femoral neck, tota..