Bone mineral density and vertebral fractures in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta-regression.

Observational studies have indicated a high but heterogeneous prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) and vertebral fractures (VF) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, the objectives of this systematic review and meta-regression were: 1) to compare BMD between SLE patients and healthy controls and 2) to evaluate the relationship between BMD and glucocorticoid therapy and VF in SLE patients.