Osteoporosis care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis（RA）is strongly associated with osteoporosis due to the pathology of the disease itself and use of steroid drugs, and other factors. About half of RA patients in our hospital were revealed to have osteoporosis. Even though osteoporotic fractures may increase risk of death, some RA patients have little knowledge of osteoporosis because osteoporosis is less likely to cause subjective symptoms. We started an osteoporosis liaison service in our hospital for the purpose of early detection of osteoporosis, early treatment intervention, and continuation of treatment. The team targets middle-aged women, patients taking steroid drugs, patients with fractures as well as patients with RA. Osteoporosis treatment is not limited to drug therapy but includes diet therapy, exercise therapy, and prevention of complications. In addition, poor adherence is also a problem in the treatment of osteoporosis. The key to successful osteoporosis care for RA patients is appropriate drug selection considering the patient’s condition and background, and multi-professional support to the patients.