Serum RANKL, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and RANKL/OPG ratio in children with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Serum RANKL/OPG ratio is elevated in Egyptian children with SLE and is considered a risk factor for reduced bone mass in these children. Other risk factors for low BMD include high CGCS dose and disease duration, supporting that osteoporosis in SLE is multifactorial.