Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis Prevention in Polymyalgia Rheumatica Patients

Aim Studies indicate that <50% of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) patients receive bone protective therapy (BPT) forglucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) prevention. We sought to determine if PMR patients are protected fromGIOP by examining bone densitometry (DXA) scan results, BPT use, and adherence to guidelines. Methods PMR patients treated with glucocorticoids who underwent a DXA scan at Cork University Hospital from 01/01/2016 to27/10/2017 were included. Patient data were obtained from chart review. Results Out of 153 patients, 73 (47.7%) were taking BPT and 42 (27.5%) were not. At the most recent DXA scan, 42 (27.5%) had normal BMD, 84 (54.9%) were osteopaenic, and 27 (17.6%) were osteoporotic. In 91 individuals who underwent≥2 DXA scans, patients not receiving bisphosphonates were more likely to have BMD loss over time (p=0.022). Discussion Despite recommendations, many patients are not prescribed BPT. The results suggest that PMR patients in Cork arenot optimally protected from GIOP.