Bone health and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Osteoporosis is a potentially preventable condition frequently encountered in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Bone loss in SLE is likely a multi- factorial process involving traditional osteoporosis risk factors along with lupus-related factors. Recognizing potential contributors to bone loss in patients with SLE may allow earlier detection of osteoporosis, optimize bone health, and minimize future fracture risk. This paper discusses recent epidemiologic information related to osteoporosis and fractures in SLE, and highlights relevant developments regarding evaluation and treatment of patients at risk for bone loss.