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PREVALENCE OF OSTEOPOROSIS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN IRAQI KURDISTAN /DUHOK GOVERNORATE
11Duhok Center of Rheumatic Diseases and Medical Rehabilitation, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
Insights
Osteoporosis is highly prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Iraqi Kurdistan, with 80% affected. Routine bone health checks integrated into RA care are crucial for early diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) poses a significant risk for osteoporosis, impacting bone health in autoimmune disease patients.
- The Duhok governorate in Iraqi Kurdistan presents a specific demographic for studying this comorbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of osteoporosis among rheumatoid arthritis patients in the Duhok governorate.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with bone mineral density (BMD) in this population.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire collected demographic and lifestyle data.
- Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD).
Main Results:
- The study included middle-aged (average 57.6 years) RA patients, predominantly female (91.5%), with a long disease duration (15 years).
- High rates of obesity (65.7%), comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes), and RA-specific markers were observed.
- A significant 80% of participants exhibited osteopenia (34.2%) or osteoporosis (45.8%).
Conclusions:
- Routine bone health assessments should be integrated into rheumatoid arthritis care protocols.
- An interdisciplinary approach involving rheumatologists, endocrinologists, and primary care professionals is recommended for tailored management plans.
Background And Objectives:
The prevalence of osteoporosis among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Duhok governorate of Iraqi Kurdistan underscores a significant health concern that intersects autoimmune and bone health. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Duhok governorate.
Methods:
Detailed questionnaire to collect demographic data, essential for identifying factors influencing BMD, such as age, sex, and lifestyle were used. Participants then underwent Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans, a precise imaging technique for measuring BMD.
Results:
The study involved middle-aged adults with an average age of 57.6 years, primarily females (91.5%), who had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for about 15 years. Most participants were non-educated (71.5%) and lived in urban areas (77.1%). The majority worked in moderately heavy jobs (58.6%) and were married (98.5%). Most patients did not engage in exercise (84.3%), were non-smokers (77.1%), and alcohol-free (100%). Nearly half had a family history of RA, and all were tuberculosis-free. Clinically, most patients were obese, with 65.7% having comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes. A significant proportion tested positive for rheumatoid factors (74.3% for Rheumatoid factor and 84.3% for Anti-CCP) but were negative for DAS28-ESR. None had subcutaneous nodules, erosions, or joint surgeries. Regarding treatment, 65.7% used one DMARD, while 34.3% used two, and only 5.7% were on biologics; 80% also used corticosteroids. Osteoporosis was prevalent, with 80% showing signs (34.2% with osteopenia and 45.8% with osteoporosis).
Conclusion:
Such efforts should focus on integrating routine bone health evaluations into RA care protocols, necessitating collaborative endeavors among rheumatologists, endocrinologists, and primary care professionals. This interdisciplinary model aims not only at early diagnosis but also at formulating comprehensive management plans tailored to the unique needs of this demographic within Iraqi Kurdistan's healthcare framework.
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