Open AccessBone mineral density of the hip and of the anteroposterior and lateral dimensions of the spine in men with rheumatoid arthritis: Effects of low‐dose corticosteroids
Author(s) -
Garton Mark J.,
Reid David M.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780360213
Subject(s) - medicine , rheumatoid arthritis , bone mineral , osteopenia , trochanter , femoral neck , osteoporosis , bone density , prednisolone , urology , dual energy
Objective. To assess bone mineral density (BMD) in men with steroid‐treated rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure BMD in 40 men with RA, 20 of whom were receiving low‐dose corticosteroids (≤10 mg prednisolone daily), and in 20 healthy, age‐matched male controls. Results. BMD was significantly reduced at the femoral neck and greater trochanter in both groups of RA patients, and at the spine from the anteroposterior dimension in the steroid‐treated group. Conclusion. Low‐dose steroid therapy may induce excess axial osteopenia in men with RA.