| Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are two | | | | Some data implicates methotrexate, another drug |
| common conditions that often coexist. This article | | | | used to treat RA, as a possible contributing factor. |
| discusses the relationship between the two and what | | | | Because patients with RA tend to find it difficult to |
| can be done to help with the osteoporosis. | | | | exercise, the loss of muscle mass as well as the |
| Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of | | | | deleterious effect of inactivity can worsen bone loss. |
| inflammatory arthritis. There is some evidence that the | | | | So what can people do? |
| disease itself can lead to bone loss. Some scientific | | | | For patients with RA who are receiving prednisone in |
| basis is found by examining the role of the abnormal | | | | a dose of 5 mgs or greater, the following are helpful |
| chemical messengers (cytokines) produced by cells in | | | | suggestions: |
| patients with rheumatoid arthritis. An example is tumor | | | | 1. Stop smoking |
| necrosis factor, a cytokine that is not only responsible | | | | 2. Reduce alcohol consumption |
| for much of the inflammation in RA but which also can | | | | 3. Begin a weight-bearing physical exercise program |
| be a potent stimulator of bone loss. | | | | 4. Start calcium and vitamin D. Current dosing |
| Since RA tends to affect more women than men, | | | | recommendations include calcium 1,500 mgs per day |
| there is the hormonal influence that comes into effect | | | | and vitamin D 400-800 units per day |
| after menopause for the aggravation of bone loss. | | | | 5. Consider anti-resorptive drug therapy if bone density |
| The effects of drug therapy also are important. | | | | testing shows a T-score of-1 or lower |
| Prednisone, a corticosteroid, is often used to treat | | | | 6. |
| rheumatoid arthritis. It is a potent cause of bone loss. | | | | |