The prevalence of osteoporosis/osteopenia in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of osteoporosis is reported differently. We designed this systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate pooled prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in patients with MS.

Methods: Independently, two researchers searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and google scholar along with gray literature (conference abstracts and references of the references) up to March 2021. We collected data regarding first author, country of origin, number of enrolled patients, number cases with osteoporosis/ osteopenia, mean age, F/M ratio, mean EDSS, and mean duration of the disease.

Results: Literature search revealed 847 articles and 658 remained after deleting duplicates. Finally, 29 original articles and 6 conference papers remained for meta-analysis. A total of 13,906 patients were evaluated. The pooled prevalence of osteoporosis was 17% (95% CI: 14-20%) (I² = 90.4%, p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of osteopenia was 43% (95% CI: 35-51%) (I² = 97.9%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Osteoporosis/osteopenia should be considered in patients with MS.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; Osteopenia; Osteoporosis; Prevalence.