Prevalence of asymptomatic vertebral fractures in late-onset Pompe disease

Abstract

Context: Bone fragility and low bone mass have been reported in small case series of patients with Pompe disease with severely reduced muscle strength or immobilization.

Objective: Our objective was to determine the prevalence of morphometric vertebral fractures and to evaluate bone mass in adults with late-onset Pompe disease.

Design: We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional observational study from August 2012 to December 2013.

Study setting: All subjects were outpatients referred to University Referral Centers.

Patients: PATIENTS included 22 late-onset Pompe disease patients with progressive proximal myopathy and minimal respiratory involvement without other diseases affecting bone mass.

Main outcome measure: The prevalence of morphometric vertebral fractures was systematically assessed by semiquantitative analysis of lateral spine x-rays (T4-L5).

Results: A high prevalence of morphometric vertebral fractures was found. At least 1 vertebral fracture was present in 17 of 22 patients (77%). All vertebral fractures were asymptomatic. Bone mineral density was normal in 36.5% of the patients, whereas 36.5% were osteopenic and 27% were osteoporotic in at least 1 site. Fracture prevalence was independent of muscular and respiratory functional parameters and of genotype.

Conclusions: Our data show for the first time that asymptomatic and atraumatic vertebral fractures occur frequently in late-onset Pompe disease patients without a significant impairment of bone mass. Screening for asymptomatic vertebral fractures should be routinely performed in Pompe disease irrespective of the disease severity. Fracture risk should be confirmed in longitudinal studies.