RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Rheumatoid arthritis and bone health
JF Clinical Medicine
JO Clin Med
FD Royal College of Physicians
SP 565
OP 567
DO 10.7861/clinmed.20.6.rabh
VO 20
IS 6
A1 Shanze Ashai
A1 Nicholas C Harvey
YR 2020
UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/20/6/565.abstract
AB Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory arthropathy affecting 1% of the population, with a female predominance. Systemic inflammation is a key component of RA disease; corticosteroids are often required to rapidly control disease activity. Both inflammation and corticosteroids, however, have an adverse effect on bone mineral density, potentially resulting in osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures. In this article, we describe the link between RA and impaired bone health, together with appropriate strategies to maintain bone density and reduce fracture risk. Key approaches include achieving adequate control of inflammation, minimising corticosteroid use, monitoring bone mineral density and intervening with antiosteoporosis medications when indicated.