Bone 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.
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 (< or = 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.


CONCLUSIONS
Low-dose steroid therapy may induce excess axial osteopenia in men with RA.
Garton
M J
MJ
Department of Rheumatology, City Hospital, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Reid
D M
DM
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013131:Spine / Q000737:chemistry*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D011239:Prednisolone