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

Currently, little is known regarding bone health surveillance for glucocorticoid-exposed non-infectious uveitis (NIU) patients or their baseline risks of skeletal fragility outcomes. 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. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of NIU patients to have a DXA scan was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.63–0.65; p p p 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.