Denosumab has been shown to be an effective treatment for osteoporosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

In a recent study, published in Lupus Science & Medicine, researchers assessed changes in the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers of 166 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treated between January 2016 and December 2023. After a follow-up of over 12 months, the researchers found that baseline BMD, disease activity (SLEDAI-2K), and hydroxychloroquine use influenced the therapeutic efficacy of the drug.

The researchers discovered that denosumab significantly increased BMD and decreased bone turnover markers compared with baseline. However, the degree of BMD improvement was negatively correlated with higher SLEDAI-2K scores, hydroxychloroquine use, prior osteoporosis treatments, and baseline BMD values, whereas higher body mass index (BMI) and elevated c-telopeptide levels were positively correlated with improved outcomes. Predictors of attenuated improvement included higher baseline BMD and ongoing hydroxychloroquine use.

Lead study author Jiwon Yang, MD, and colleagues emphasized that: “[D]enosumab is an effective treatment option for osteoporosis in patients with SLE.” They also highlighted the importance of considering baseline BMD, disease activity, and hydroxychloroquine use when developing individualized treatment plans.

Further, the research used multiple linear regression analysis to confirm the impact of disease-related factors on treatment efficacy. The findings suggested that a tailored approach to denosumab therapy could improve outcomes in patients with lower baseline BMD and higher disease activity.

The study supported denosumab as an effective treatment for osteoporosis in patients with SLE while emphasizing the need for personalized treatment strategies. Further research is necessary to explore the long-term effects of denosumab and refine treatment approaches based on these factors.

The authors declared no conflict of interest.