Risk of fracture in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In this study we evaluated fracture risk in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (1987-2012). Each patient with CMT disease was matched with up to 6 patients without a history of CMT disease. The outcome measure was fractures. RESULTS: The risk of non-osteoporotic fracture was statistically significantly increased [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-2.14], whereas risk of any and osteoporotic fracture did not reach statistical significance compared with control patients [AHR 1.31 (95% CI 0.98-1.74) and AHR 1.10 (95% CI 0.69-1.74), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: CMT patients have a 1.5-fold increased risk for non-osteoporotic fracture. Studies with larger numbers of CMT patients and with additional data on CMT subtype, bone mineral density, and functional status should be performed to confirm a true association between CMT and an increased risk of fracture.