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Osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis. A monozygotic co-twin control study
P N Sambrook1, T D Spector, E Seeman
1Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|June 1, 1995
Abstract
Objective:
To quantify the magnitude and distribution of osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods:
Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry, in a monozygotic co-twin control study.
Results:
BMD was reduced at most skeletal sites in the twin with RA compared with the co-twin (lumbar spine 4.6%, femoral neck 9.7%, total body 5.7%). Differences in lean soft tissue (5.6% for total body) correlated with differences in BMD between twins at multiple sites.
Conclusion:
Osteoporosis in RA is generalized and may be related to loss of mobility or muscle mass associated with the disease.