In a nutshell
This study investigated if glucocorticoid drugs affect bone mineral density in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They found that the use of glucocorticoid drugs was not associated with changes in bone mineral density.
Some background
To treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), patients are prescribed medication to reduce inflammation. One class, or type, of medications used are glucocorticoids. These medications, such as prednisolone and prednisone, block the glucocorticoid receptor and reduce inflammation. They are a safe and effective treatment for RA.
Research has shown that patients with RA have an increased risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones) and fragile bone fractures. Patients with RA taking glucocorticoids are also at an increased risk of these conditions.
It is unclear if glucocorticoid drugs have a direct effect on bone mineral density (a measure of the strength of the bones) in patients with RA.
Methods & findings
This study investigated if glucocorticoid drugs affects bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with RA.
This study analyzed 7 clinical trial reports of patients with RA taking either prednisone or prednisolone. The main outcome of interest was a change in BMD over time. The authors extracted this data from each report and compared the results.
At 24-months follow-up of 797 patients, there was no significant change in BMD in patients taking glucocorticoid drugs.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that use of glucocorticoid drugs was not associated with changes in bone mineral density in RA patients.
The fine print
Treatment for osteoporosis differed amongst the clinical reports analyzed. This may also have had an impact on BMD and so we cannot rule out negative effects of glucocorticoids on BMD in patients with RA.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding medication to treat rheumatoid arthritis, please consult with your physician.
Published By :
Bone
Date :
Jun 15, 2018
