[Changes of bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis]

The aim of the study was to evaluate changes of bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in one-year period and to establish the possible relation with the clinical and laboratory symptoms of inflammation and radiological signs of structural damage of the joints. Forty-one RA patient was investigated. Clinical activity of rheumatoid arthritis was assessed by the duration of morning stiffness, counts of tender and swollen joints, and general evaluation of the disease activity by the patient and investigator. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were used as laboratory markers of activity of inflammation. X-ray progression was evaluated by the appearance of new erosions and worsening of the joint spaces on the hands X-ray. Bone mineral density was measured by DEXA method (QDR 4500W Elite Hologic, USA) in the 1-4 lumbar vertebral bodies, and in the proximal part of the hip. It was established that systemic bone mineral density lossin all investigated locations was characteristic for active rheumatoid arthritis. Bone mineral density diminishing in the hip was in close correlation with the and symptoms of disease activity and radiological progression. This correlation was not characteristic for the lumbar vertebral bodies. Above-mentioned clinical, laboratory and radiological features of the disease had minimal influence on bone mineral density for the patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis.