Prevalence of pre-stroke low bone mineral density and vertebral fracture in first stroke patients

Purpose After stroke, many factors contribute to the loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture. Pre-stroke low BMD and vertebral fracture may pose a greater risk of fractures and further contribute to additional functional loss. The purposes of this study were to assess pre-stroke BMD and vertebral fracture in patients with first stroke. Methods Forty-eight patients with first stroke events were included. To reflect pre-stroke BMD, the patients who underwent bone densitometry tests within 30 days from stroke onset were selected. BMD was checked at the lumbar spine and both femurs (total hip and femoral neck). Thoracic and lumbar spine X-rays were performed. Results Of the 48 stroke patients, 21 (43.8%) had osteoporosis and 19 (39.6%) had osteopenia. X-ray evaluation showed that 12 (25.0%) had one or more lumbar or thoracic vertebral fractures and 8 (16.7%) had two or more vertebral fractures. Of the 12 patients who had one or more vertebral fractures, 4 (33.3%) were previously aware of the fact that they had a vertebral fracture. Conclusion Results showed a high prevalence of pre-stroke low BMD and vertebral fracture in patients experiencing first stroke. Bone loss progresses rapidly in the acute stages of stroke, and such a high prevalence of pre-stroke low BMD and vertebral fracture may pose a greater risk of fractures and further contribute to additional functional loss. Therefore, early screening and active management of osteoporosis from the acute stages of stroke is critical.