Management of bone health in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: A two-center audit in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong

Background

Patients with inflammatory idiopathic myopathies (IIM) face elevated risks of osteoporosis and fragility fracture.

Aim

To evaluate current practice relating to bone health in adult patients with IIM in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong (HK).

Methods

Patients were identified from IIM patient lists. Demographics, osteoporosis risk factors, DXA scans, and bone protection treatment were recorded. Adherence to regional standards was evaluated for each center. Following this, in the United Kingdom, up-to-date DXA scans were performed.

Results

Of 136 patients identified, 51 met selection criteria (UK, n = 20, HK, n = 31). Mean age in the United Kingdom was 59 (IQR 54–66); in Hong Kong, 65 (IQR 52.5–70). Most were female (UK 70%; HK 77%), current or previous steroid treatment was common (UK 90%; HK 100%) and some had experienced fragility fracture (UK 15%; HK 9%). The mean daily dose of prednisolone that patients were prescribed during the study was 12.5 mg (UK) and 14.3 mg (HK). Some patients had had a DXA scan (UK 50%; HK 35%) though several were outdated. Among those with BMD measured (UK, n = 20; HK, n = 11), osteopenia prevalence was 35% (UK) and 36% (HK) while osteoporosis was 5% (UK) and 36% (HK). Notably, 25% (UK) and 64% (HK) exceeded treatment thresholds. Treatments included anti-osteoporotic agents (UK 55%; HK 15%), Vitamin D/calcium supplements (UK 95%; HK 52%), or no treatment (UK 5%, HK 15%).

Conclusion

Poor compliance with guidelines exists in both centers, particularly around investigation and monitoring of bone health for IIM patients. Integrated care models and increased resource allocation to bone health are imperative to improve management of this aspect of IIM.