Osteoporosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis-Diagnosis, Diagnostics and Therapy

Abstract

Many inflammatory rheumatic diseases are associated with an increased fracture risk. Causes include the pro-inflammatory cytokines which are elevated in these diseases, reduced mobility and physical activity often caused by joint pain, and medications that negatively affect bone quality. Osteoporosis, the loss of bone mass and structure is the result. This review article summarizes the current diagnostic and therapeutic osteoporosis recommendations for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It should be emphasized that early measures for the detection and treatment of osteoporosis are particularly important, since the risk factor constellation often present in this patient population leads to a relatively high imminent fracture risk at the beginning of the disease and the start of glucocorticoid therapy. Treatment initiations as early as possible with effective control of inflammatory activity is therefore essential to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The administration of glucocorticoids should be reduced as far as the clinical context allows. Fracture risk should be assessed when the RA diagnosis is made and in regular intervals thereafter. Osteoporosis medication should be initiated based on the overall fracture risk. The choice of medication is based on the particular risk and indication. The basis of therapy is an adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium and adapted physical activity