ASK THE EXPERT LIVE Recap
On our last episode of ask the Expert live on April 7, 2021, we were delighted to have as our guest Consultant Endocrinologist Dr. Patrice Francis Emmanuel answering your questions on Lupus and Bone Health.
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Here are some pointers we took away from the session:
⦁ Our bones are not static but active, dynamic organs that we have to keep healthy.
⦁ Our maximum bone density is obtained during our twenties and declines after 30 and more rapidly after menopause
⦁ Poor bone health can lead to Osteoporosis - a condition of severe low bone density. This is associated with a high risk of fragility fractures which can occur with minimal trauma or none at all
⦁ Fractures can lead to disability, need for expensive joint replacement or a hunched or stooped posture (in case of spine fractures) or chronic pain
⦁ Bone health is positively affected by healthy diet, adequate calcium and vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise
⦁ Bone health is negatively affected by smoking, alcohol, chronic inflammation (eg lupus flares) and high or prolonged exposure to steroids; pregnancies, mineral deficiencies and hormone disorders can also contribute.
⦁ Many persons with lupus are at higher risk of bone problems than average, especially if they have frequent and prolonged flares, long exposure to steroids, have the need to avoid sun, or are less due to pain or fatigue.
⦁ Persons with lupus should take care to follow practices that promote healthy and should screen early for bone density if they have any of the above risk factors
⦁ Bone density is best measured at the hip and spine should be reviewed by your Rheumatologist, Endocrinologist or other specialist experienced in helping you manage your bone health.
⦁ In addition to supplements medications such as bisphosphonates can help preserve or increase density and protect against fractures
⦁ those who have experienced fractures or complications should consult with their doctor about measures available including procedures or rehab interventions to correct or prevent progression.
⦁ Another bone complication affecting lupus patients is called Osteonecrosis, or avascular necrosis, which can occur without warning causing severe damage to the bone of major joints. Persons who are on high and prolonged doses of steroids are most at risk. Lupus patients experiencing unexplained pain in a single joint, that is not due to a flare, should notify their rheumatologist immediately to be checked for this complication.
In case you missed it, you can watch a recording of the Programme here :https://youtu.be/8YqiDSAU15g Don't forget to like, subscribe to our Youtube page and select the notification bell to be alerted when we add new content. Join us for our next episode on May 5, 2021, 6 pm on Facebook or Youtube when we talk about Medication Side Effects.
Contributed by: Desiree Tulloch-Reid, Consultant Rheumatologist
