OBJECTIVE
To study the risk factors for the development and progression of vertebral compression fractures in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A multicenter retrospective observational cohort study was conducted. The study included respondents’ medical records, in which the diagnosis of MM was confirmed by clinical, instrumental, and laboratory examinations. The respondents’ clinical and instrumental parameters were studied.
RESULTS
Taking into account the eligibility criteria, 175 patients with MM were included in the study and examined. The mean follow-up period for the respondents was 29±19 months. Among the 1964 vertebrae studied, there were 219 (12.9%) vertebral compression fractures. The latter were morphologically characterized as follows: the fractures were biconcave in 95 (43.3%) cases, wedge-shaped in 113 (51.5%), and comminuted in 11 (5%). The results of a multivariate analysis demonstrated a statistically significant effect of Stage II—III of the disease (odds ratio (OR) = 3.18 and 3.77, respectively), low back pain syndrome (OR=4.24), fracture morphology (biconcave, wedge-shaped, and comminuted fractures) (OR=5.44, 3.81, and 17.8), Hounsfield density unit values (OR=0.96), the localizations of osteodestruction foci (OR=2.01, 3.17, and 3.22), and existing spinal deformities (OR=1.97 and 1.15) on the risk of the development and progression of vertebral compression fractures in patients with MM.
CONCLUSION
The risk for the development and progression of vertebral compression fractures in patients with MM is significantly influenced by Stages II—III of the disease, back pain syndrome, fracture morphology, Hounsfield density unit values, the localization of osteodestruction foci, and existing spinal deformities.