Abstract
Glucocorticoid therapy is an important risk factor for osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis. Reduction in fracture risk is the most important endpoint for osteoporosis treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether skeletal benefit (increases in osteosonogrammetry parameters, reduction in bone turnover and fracture incidence) are maintained during a follow-up of 1 year with risedronate therapy (5 mg/day). During the study period osteosonogrammetry parameters showed a significant increase and no new osteoporotic fractures were reported, suggesting an antifracture effect of risedronate therapy. Urine crosslinks (as a bone resorption marker) significantly decreased during the follow-up, suggesting a positive balance in the bone remodeling process. The tolerability of risedronate was good and only seven out of 51 patients presented minimal adverse effects. In summary, risedronate significantly decreased new osteoporotic fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and is an effective and well-tolerated treatment.
Publication types
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Clinical Trial
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Alkaline Phosphatase / chemistry
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Alkaline Phosphatase / drug effects
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnosis
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
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Bone and Bones / diagnostic imaging
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Bone and Bones / drug effects*
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Bone and Bones / physiology*
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C-Reactive Protein / chemistry
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C-Reactive Protein / drug effects
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Cross-Linking Reagents
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Densitometry / methods
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Etidronic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
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Etidronic Acid / pharmacology
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Etidronic Acid / therapeutic use
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Female
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Follow-Up Studies
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Fractures, Bone / complications
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Fractures, Bone / physiopathology
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Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
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Glucocorticoids / adverse effects*
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Osteoporosis / chemically induced*
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Osteoporosis / complications
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Osteoporosis / prevention & control
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Outpatients
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Prospective Studies*
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Risedronic Acid
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Risk Factors
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Time Factors
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Ultrasonography / methods
Substances
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Cross-Linking Reagents
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Glucocorticoids
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C-Reactive Protein
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Alkaline Phosphatase
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Risedronic Acid
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Etidronic Acid