Predictors of low bone density and fracture risk in Loeys-Dietz syndrome

Purpose: Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a connective tissue disorder affecting multiple organ systems, including bone.

Methods: We defined the bone phenotype and clinical predictors of low bone density and fracture risk in 77 patients with LDS type 1 to type 5.

Results: Patients with LDS had dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) Z-scores significantly < 0, and 50% of children and 9% of adults had Z-scores < -2. Sixty percent of patients had ≥1 fracture, and 24% of patients with spinal x-rays scans showed spinal compression fractures. Lower body mass index, asthma, male sex and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease were correlated with lower DXA Z-scores. The count of 5 LDS-associated skeletal features (scoliosis, pes planus, arachnodactyly, spondylolisthesis, and camptodactyly) in patients with LDS was correlated with DXA Z-score. Adults with ≥1 skeletal features had DXA Z-scores significantly < 0, and children with >2 features had DXA Z-score significantly < -2. Bone turnover markers suggest accelerated bone resorption. Data from 5 patients treated with bisphosphonates suggest a beneficial effect.

Conclusion: All LDS types are associated with reduced bone density and increased risk of fracture, which may be due to increased bone resorption. Clinical features can predict a subgroup of patients at highest risk of low bone density and fracture risk.