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[Changes in bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis]
Asta Savickiene1, Asta Baranauskaite
1Kauno medicinos universiteto Reumatologijos klinika, Eiveniu 2, 3007 Kaunas.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|December 12, 2002
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis patients frequently develop osteoporosis, particularly in the spine. Inflammation indicators and disease duration significantly impact bone mineral density, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a known cause of secondary osteoporosis.
- Understanding osteoporosis prevalence and risk factors in RA patients is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of osteoporosis in RA patients.
- To identify clinical and historical factors associated with osteoporosis in RA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 188 RA patients (27 males, 161 females).
- Evaluation of historical and clinical data, including bone mineral mass of the spine and hip.
- Assessment of inflammatory markers (ESR, rheumatoid factor) and disease-specific factors.
Main Results:
- Osteoporosis was more prevalent in the spine (27.7%) than the hip (17.9%).
- Spine bone mineral density was lower in women compared to men.
- Inflammatory markers (swollen joints, ESR, rheumatoid factor) correlated significantly with hip bone mineral density.
Conclusions:
- RA patients exhibit a higher prevalence of spinal osteoporosis.
- Age, hypogonadism, disease duration, stage, and long-term glucocorticosteroid use are associated with osteoporosis in RA.
- Inflammation plays a significant role in bone mineral density reduction at the hip.