The impact of fragility fractures on health-related quality of life in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis occurs frequently in patients with chronic cholestatic liver diseases, yet data are scarce regarding the prevalence of osteoporosis and fragility fractures and their impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). Objectives: We aimed to assess Bone Mineral Density (BMD), physical activity and incidence of fragility fractures in patients with PSC. We also sought associations between prior fractures and HRQoL. Patients and Methods: The study was performed on 33 patients (11 females, 22 males) aged 35.3 ± 13 years. HRQoL was assessed by Short Form (SF)-36, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)-40 and PBC-27 questionnaires. BMD was measured by densitometry in the lumbar spine and hip. Physical activity was assessed by questionnaire. Results: In 32% of patients, BMD measured in the hip or spine was below 1.0 Standard Deviation. A history of fragility fractures (distal forearm and ribs) was reported in six patients (18%). In SF-36 assessment, patients with fractures had lower scores in the role functioning, general health and vitality domains and Physical Component Summary (PCS) than those without fractures. Prior fractures adjusted for gender and PSC duration were associated with lower PCS and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Symptoms and fatigue (assessed by PBC) and prior fractures were inversely associated with MCS (P = 0.007). Conclusions: In middle-aged subjects with PSC, we found a high rate of non-vertebral fractures and a moderately decreased BMD in lumbar spine and hip. Fragility fractures had an impact on physical and mental aspects of HRQoL.