Infliximab improves bone metabolism and bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: a prospective 2-year study

Excerpt

Based on the systemic inflammatory processes, severe alterations in bone turnover are more frequent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) [1]. A large body of evidence indicates that the inflammatory diseases themselves initiate and perpetuate mechanisms of bone loss, especially by inducing the synthesis of resorptive factors [2], subsequently followed by osteopenia and osteoporosis. Furthermore, it has long been known that the frequently required treatment with corticosteroids also causes a substantial decrease of bone mass [3]. The results are often fractures after falling, pain, loss of independence, and an overall reduction in quality of life. Therefore, understanding and preventing osteoporosis in patients with RA or AS will not only have a great impact on the individual patient’s well-being but also on health-care economy. …