Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Scan Utilization and Skeletal Fragility Among Non-Infectious Uveitis Patients Exposed to Oral Glucocorticoids

INTRODUCTION: Currently, little is known regarding bone health surveillance for glucocorticoid-exposed non-infectious uveitis (NIU) patients or their baseline risks of skeletal fragility outcomes. METHODS: Using claims data, we calculated rates of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) screening for glucocorticoid-exposed NIU and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Separately, we compared risks of skeletal fragility metrics amongst NIU patients, RA patients, and controls, independent of glucocorticoid use. RESULTS: The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of NIU patients to have a DXA scan was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.63-0.65; p < .001) compared to RA patients. The aHR for any skeletal fragility outcome amongst NIU patients was 0.97 (p < .02) compared to normal controls, while RA patients had excess risk (aHR, 1.15; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: NIU patients are 36% less likely to receive a DXA scan after high-dose glucocorticoid exposure compared with RA patients. No elevated risk of osteoporosis for NIU patients was found compared to normal controls.