The frequency of osteoporotic fractures in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is similar to the general population of patients with ESRD, according to a recent study. Vertebral and hip fractures are significant contributors to mortality in patients with SLE and ESRD. Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with SLE (n=716) and a 5% random sample of controls without SLE (n=4,176) in the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) from 2006 to 2008 enrolled in Medicare Part D. They found:

• Fractures occurred in 10.6% (n= 76) of patients with SLE and ESRD and 12.1% (n=507) of patients with ESRD without SLE.
• Older age was associated with an increased risk for fracture in patients with SLE and ESRD.
• In multivariable analyses, vertebral and hip fractures more than doubled the risk for mortality.