Osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis.

UNLABELLED: Osteoporosis (OP) is a disease of great medical and social importance and it is reported frequently and precociously in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on a random sample of 180 patients admitted in the period 2011-2012 to the Rheumatology Clinic of the lasi Rehabilitation Hospital. The patients were diagnosed with RA and osteoporosis and some clinical and biological parameters were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups for a comparative study: group I--seropositive = 115 cases (63.89%); group II-- seronegative = 65 cases (36.11%).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The 180 patients diagnosed with RA and osteoporoses were randomized into other two groups. The serum rheumatoid factor (RF) in RA and osteoporosis patients was determined by Latex and Waaler Rose reaction. The radiological examination showed that 23.47% of patients in group I and 9.23% of patients in group II have experienced at least one fracture. DXA (Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry) testing showed a value of <-3.5 in group I (13,04%) and in group II ( 9.23%), these results indicating a high risk of fracture, particularly in group I (seropositive).

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirm that RA patients are at increased risk ofosteoporosis, and the additional risk of disability and serious socioeconomic implications negatively affect the prevention and development of the disease.