Pharmacological Management of Osteoporosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Review of the Literature and Practical Gu
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THERAPY IN PRACTICE
Pharmacological Management of Osteoporosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Review of the Literature and Practical Guide Hennie G. Raterman1 · Willem F. Lems2,3
© The Author(s) 2019
Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disabling disease that is associated with increased localized and generalized osteoporosis (OP). Previous studies estimated that approximately one-third of the RA population experience bone loss. Moreover, RA patients suffer from a doubled fracture incidence depending on several clinical factors, such as disease severity, age, glucocorticoid (GC) use, and immobility. As OP fractures are related to impaired quality of life and increased mortality rates, OP has an enormous impact on global health status. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a holistic approach in daily clinical practice. In other words, both OP- and RA-related factors should be taken into account in treatment guidelines for OP in RA. First, to determine the actual fracture risk, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), including vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) and calculation of the 10-year fracture risk with FRAX®, should be performed. In case of high fracture risk, calcium and vitamin D should be supplemented alongside anti-osteoporotic treatment. Importantly, RA treatment should be optimal, aiming at low disease activity or remission. Moreover, GC treatment should be at the lowest possible dose. In this way, good fracture risk management will lead to fracture risk reduction in RA patients. This review provides a practical guide for clinicians regarding pharmacological treatment options in RA patients with OP, taking into account both osteoporotic-related factors and factors related to RA.
Key Points Osteoporosis (OP) is a common comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and should be considered an extraarticular manifestation. Treatment of OP in RA needs a holistic approach, taking into account both osteoporotic-related risk factors and rheumatoid-related factors.
* Hennie G. Raterman [email protected] 1
Department of Rheumatology, Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, Postbus 501, 1800 AM Alkmaar, The Netherlands
2
Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
3
Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location Reade, Dr. Jan van Breemenstraat 2, 1056 AB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
1 Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by symmetrical inflammation of the synovium, particularly in the smaller parts of the hands and feet. The prevalence of RA has been estimated to be approximately 1.0% in the general population and affects women more often than men. Due to the inflammatory burden of the disease, RA patients experience tenderness and articular damage of various joints, leading to functional disability, reduced quality of life, and reduced life expectancy [1–4]. The manife
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