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Open Access 01-04-2013 | Original Article

Are changes in bone mineral density different between groups of early rheumatoid arthritis patients treated according to a tight control strategy with or without prednisone if osteoporosis prophylaxis is applied?

Authors: M. C. van der Goes, J. W. G. Jacobs, M. S. Jurgens, M. F. Bakker, M. J. van der Veen, J. H. van der Werf, P. M. J. Welsing, J. W. J. Bijlsma

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 4/2013

Abstract

Summary

Addition of 10 mg prednisone daily to a methotrexate-based tight control strategy does not lead to bone loss in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients receiving preventive treatment for osteoporosis. A small increase in lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) during the first year of treatment was recorded, regardless of use of glucocorticoids.

Introduction

This study aims to describe effects on BMD of treatment according to EULAR guidelines with a methotrexate-based tight control strategy including 10 mg prednisone daily versus the same strategy without prednisone in early RA patients who received preventive therapy for osteoporosis.

Methods

Early RA patients were included in the CAMERA-II trial: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind 2-year trial, in which effects of addition of 10 mg prednisone daily to a methotrexate-based tight control strategy were studied. All patients received calcium, vitamin D and bisphosphonates. Disease activity was assessed every 4 weeks. Radiographs of hands and feet and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of lumbar spine and left hip were performed at baseline and after 1 and 2 years of treatment.

Results

BMD increased significantly over time in both treatment groups at the lumbar spine with a mean of 2.6 % during the first year (p < 0.001), but not at the hip; at none of the time points did BMD differ significantly between the prednisone and placebo group. Higher age and lower weight at baseline and higher disease activity scores during the trial, but not glucocorticoid therapy, were associated with lower BMD at both the lumbar spine and the hip in mixed-model analyses.

Conclusion

Addition of 10 mg prednisone daily to a methotrexate-based tight control strategy does not lead to bone loss in early RA patients on bisphosphonates. A small increase in lumbar BMD during the first year of treatment was found, regardless of use of glucocorticoids.

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Title: Are changes in bone mineral density different between groups of early rheumatoid arthritis patients treated according to a tight control strategy with or without prednisone if osteoporosis prophylaxis is applied?
Authors: M. C. van der Goes
J. W. G. Jacobs
M. S. Jurgens
M. F. Bakker
M. J. van der Veen
J. H. van der Werf
P. M. J. Welsing
J. W. J. Bijlsma
Publication date: 01-04-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-012-2073-z

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Are changes in bone mineral density different between groups of early rheumatoid arthritis patients treated according to a tight control strategy with or without prednisone if osteoporosis prophylaxis is applied?

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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