Profiles of Bone Mineral Density in the Lumbar Vertebrae, Femur, and Radius Using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in Patients with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital

Abellia Abellia¹, Rosy Setiawati^2*, Awalia Awalia¹

Abstract

Introduction: Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) are chronic inflammatory disorders with high morbidity and mortality, strongly associated with increased osteoporosis risk. The underlying mechanisms are multifactorial, and osteoporosis often remains asymptomatic until fractures occur. Therefore, bone mineral density (BMD) assessment using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is essential for early detection. However, data on BMD profiles in Indonesian ARD patients are limited. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study evaluated the medical records of 283 ARD patients admitted to Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Indonesia, between August 2023 and August 2024. Collected data included demographic, clinical, and DXA findings (GE Lunar Prodigy series). Total sampling was employed, and data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presented in frequency distribution tables. Results: The highest mean BMD was observed at the lumbar spine (1.000 ± 0.171 g/cm²), followed by the femoral neck and radius. Most patients aged <50 years had normal BMD (78.73%), while osteopenia and osteoporosis were more prevalent in those ≥50 years (27.42% and 58.06%, respectively). BMD reduction was more common in females (93.52%), patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (53.70%), longer disease duration (55.56%), and high cumulative glucocorticoid exposure. Kidney disease (31.48%) and malabsorption or malnutrition (24.07%) were the most frequent comorbidities. Conclusion: Reduced BMD in ARD patients was strongly associated with older age, female sex, prolonged disease duration, and chronic glucocorticoid therapy. The lumbar spine had the highest mean BMD, but osteopenia and osteoporosis predominated in patients ≥50 years, especially those with SLE.

Keywords

autoimmune rheumatic diseases; bone mineral density; dual energy x-ray absorptiometry; osteoporosis; glucocorticoids; rheumatoid arthritis; systemic lupus erythematosus

Cite This Article

Abellia, A., Setiawati, R., Awalia, A. (2025). Profiles of Bone Mineral Density in the Lumbar Vertebrae, Femur, and Radius Using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in Patients with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 6| Issue 6: Nov – Dec 2025, Pages 1017-1035 URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Volume6-Issue6-Nov-Dec-No.968-1017-1035.pdf

Volume 6 | Issue 6: Nov – Dec 2025