Osteoporosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Follow-up Study

Abstract

SummaryDuring a follow-up period of 4 years 33 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis were repeatedly examined radiologically and with clinical and laboratory tests. Owing to the slow progress of the disease in most cases, the results obtained at the starting point and at the end point of the observation time were used in the statistical analysis. There was a highly significant correlation between the progress of osteoporosis of the proximal phalanges and the grip power of the hands as well as between the development of osteoporosis and destructive changes. Parallelity was also noted between the development of osteoporosis and sedimentation rate. Corticosteroid treatment lasting more than one year did not increase the pace of demineralisation of the hand bones.