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Chinese study shows higher prevalence of osteoporosis among patients with RA
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Recently published results showed osteoporosis was common among Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
“We found the overall prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with [rheumatoid arthritis] RA was 30.3%, which was twice higher than that of healthy controls. The prevalence of osteoporosis at all measured sites was also significantly higher than that of healthy controls,” the researchers wrote.
Researchers performed bone mineral density measurements of the forearm, lumbar spine and total hip in 304 consecutive patients (242 women) with rheumatoid arthritis and compared the results with 200 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
Results showed patients with rheumatoid arthritis had a statistically significantly higher prevalence of osteoporosis at all measured sites vs. healthy controls. Overall, 107 patients had a mean of 4-years follow-up. Patients without calcium and vitamin D use were more likely to experience bone mineral density decrease compared with patients who continuously took calcium and vitamin D, according to researchers. Researchers also noted an association between the use of calcium and vitamin D supplementation and a decreased risk of bone mineral density decrease at the forearm and total hip. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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