2009 Osteoporosis and Erosive Bone Loss: A Complicated Relationship Medscape

Description: Report on - The Relationship Between Focal Joint Erosions and Generalized Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Solomon DH, Finkelstein JS, Shadick N, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;60:1624-1631
Study Summary: In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), focal erosions develop as a result of complicated interactions between cells and cytokines/chemokines in the synovium and surrounding tissue, leading to bone destruction. In addition to joint destruction, RA is also associated with osteoporosis and an at least a twofold increased risk for fracture.[1] Because both focal joint erosions and osteoporosis involve inflammatory and cellular processes, it may be that the mechanisms which lead to focal joint erosions may also lead to generalized osteoporosis. These authors sought to quantify the relationship between focal joint erosions and generalized osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with RA. Exploring the relationship between erosions and osteoporosis in RA may help clinicians (1) assess the risk for osteoporosis and fracture in patients with erosive RA, (2) understand common pathophysiologic mechanisms for erosions and generalized bone loss, and (3) identify therapies that may be beneficial for both conditions.
Osteoporosis and Erosive Bone Loss: A Complicated Relationship Kevin Deane, MD Medscape Rheumatology © 2009 Posted: 12/17/2009