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BackgroundPatients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have been reported to be at higher risk of fracture than other people. We sought to test this hypothesis in a large database of hospital admissions in England.MethodsWe analysed a database of linked statistical records of hospital admissions and death certificates for the whole of England (1999-2010). Rate ratios for fractures were determined, comparing fracture rates in a cohort of all people in England admitted with MS and rates in a comparison cohort.ResultsSignificantly elevated risk for all fractures was found in patients with MS (rate ratio (RR) = 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.93-2.05)). Risks were particularly high for femoral fractures (femoral neck fracture RR = 2.79 (2.65-2.93); femoral shaft fracture RR 6.69 (6.12-7.29)), and fractures of the tibia or ankle RR = 2.81 (2.66-2.96).ConclusionsPatients with MS have an increased risk of fractures. Caregivers should aim to optimize bone health in MS patients.

Original publication

DOI

10.1186/1471-2377-12-135

Type

Journal article

Journal

BMC neurology

Publication Date

05/11/2012

Volume

12

Addresses

Unit of Health-Care Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

Keywords

Humans, Multiple Sclerosis, Hospitalization, Medical Record Linkage, Risk, Databases, Factual, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Middle Aged, England, Female, Male, Fractures, Bone