Changes in bone mineral density in patients with recent onset, active rheumatoid arthritis

Prednisone use, disease activity and the occurrence of hyperglycaemia and diabetes in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: a 10-year subanalysis of the BeSt study

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether prednisone use and/or disease activity score (DAS) are associated with the development of hyperglycaemia and diabetes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

We included 504 non-diabetic early RA patients from the BeSt study (Dutch acronym for treatment strategies). Patients were randomised to four DAS-steered treatment arms and followed for 10 years. The associations between DAS and prednisone use with glucose levels and the occurrence of hyperglycaemia over time were assessed with linear and logistic mixed effects regression models. Development of diabetes was analysed with Cox regression. Sensitivity analyses were performed in patients who had a first episode of hyperglycaemia.

RESULTS

31 of 504 patients (6.2%) with a mean age of 54 years developed diabetes during follow-up; 11 of these (35%) had received prior treatment with prednisone. Prednisone use was not associated with development of hyperglycaemia or diabetes after correction for multiple testing in main or sensitivity analyses. In the main analyses, DAS was significantly associated with development of diabetes (HR 1.802 per 1 point DAS increase, 95% CI 1.284 to 2.529) but not with glucose levels nor hyperglycaemia. In patients with previous hyperglycaemia, DAS was associated with glucose levels, recurrence of hyperglycaemia and diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

In non-diabetic early RA patients, the use of prednisone was not associated with developing hyperglycaemia or diabetes. However, high DAS increased the risk of diabetes. Potential risks associated with prednisone use may have been mitigated by its effect on DAS.

Initial glucocorticoid bridging in rheumatoid arthritis: does it affect glucocorticoid use over time?

OBJECTIVES

To compare the use of glucocorticoids (GC) over time in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were or were not treated initially with GC bridging therapy.

METHODS

Data from the BeSt, CareRA and COBRA trials were combined in an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis. We compared GC use between bridgers and non-bridgers at 12, 18 and 24 months from baseline with mixed-effects regression analysis. Secondary outcomes were mean cumulative GC dose until 24 months after baseline with and without the bridging period, Disease Activity Score based on 28 joints (DAS28) over time and number of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) changes.

RESULTS

252/625 patients (40%) were randomised to GC bridging (bridgers). Excluding the period of bridging, later GC use was low in both groups and cumulative doses were similar. Mean DAS28 was similar between the groups, but bridgers improved more rapidly (p<0.001) in the first 6 months and the bridgers required significantly fewer changes in DMARDs (incidence rate ratio 0.59 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.94)). GC use was higher in the bridgers at t=12 months (OR 3.27 (95% CI 1.06 to 10.08)) and the bridging schedules resulted in a difference in cumulative GC dose of 2406 mg (95% CI 1403 to 3408) over 24 months.

CONCLUSION

In randomised trials comparing GC bridging and no GC bridging, bridgers had a more rapid clinical improvement, fewer DMARD changes and similar late use of GC compared with non-bridgers. GC bridging per protocol resulted, as could be expected, in a higher cumulative GC dose over 2 years.

The causal relationship between autoimmune diseases and osteoporosis: a study based on Mendelian randomization

Objective

The relationship between different autoimmune diseases and bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures has been reported in epidemiological studies. This study aimed to explore the causal relationship between autoimmune diseases and BMD, falls, and fractures using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

The instrumental variables were selected from the aggregated statistical data of these diseases from the largest genome-wide association study in Europe. Specifically, 12 common autoimmune diseases were selected as exposure. Outcome variables included BMD, falls, and fractures. Multiple analysis methods were utilized to comprehensively evaluate the causal relationship between autoimmune diseases and BMD, falls, and fractures. Additionally, sensitivity analyses, including Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and one analysis, were conducted to verify the result's reliability.

Results

Strong evidence was provided in the results of the negatively association of ulcerative colitis (UC) with forearm BMD. UC also had a negatively association with the total body BMD, while inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) depicted a negatively association with the total body BMD at the age of 45-60 years. Horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity was not detected through sensitivity analysis, indicating that the causal estimation was reliable.

Conclusion

This study shows a negative causal relationship between UC and forearm and total body BMD, and between IBD and total body BMD at the age of 45-60 years. These results should be considered in future research and when public health measures and osteoporosis prevention strategies are formulated.

The Effect of Anti-rheumatic Drugs on the Skeleton

The therapeutic armamentarium for rheumatoid arthritis has increased substantially over the last 20 years. Historically antirheumatic treatment was started late in the disease course and frequently included prolonged high-dose glucocorticoid treatment which was associated with accelerated generalised bone loss and increased vertebral and non-vertebral fracture risk. Newer biologic and targeted synthetic treatments and a combination of conventional synthetic DMARDs prevent accelerated systemic bone loss and may even allow repair of cortical bone erosions. Emerging data also gives new insight on the impact of long-term conventional synthetic DMARDs on bone health and fracture risk and highlights the need for ongoing studies for better understanding of "established therapeutics". An interesting new antirheumatic treatment effect is the potential of erosion repair with the use of biologic DMARDs and janus kinase inhibitors. Although several newer anti-rheumatic drugs seem to have favorable effects on bone mineral density in RA patients, these effects are modest and do not seem to influence the fracture risk thus far. We summarize recent developments and findings of the impact of anti-rheumatic treatments on localized and systemic bone integrity and health.

Regulation of bone mass in inflammatory diseases

Inflammation is among the major determinants of bone loss in chronic disease and aging. Bone metabolism is radically affected by inflammation with consequent bone loss and increased fracture risk. Various cytokines and mediators are involved in the pathogenesis of bone loss in inflammatory conditions. The present review has the aim of discussing the main pathways involved in the pathogenesis of bone loss in inflammatory diseases, focusing in particular on the Wnt system and its regulators. Literature review of studies published between inception to 2021 on osteoporosis and inflammation was conducted. I will discuss the epidemiology of osteoporosis and fractures in common inflammatory diseases. The molecular basis of bone loss related to inflammation will be discussed as well. Finally, the effects of various anti-inflammatory medications on bone metabolism will be reviewed.

The Neuropeptide VIP Limits Human Osteoclastogenesis: Clinical Associations with Bone Metabolism Markers in Patients with Early Arthritis

We aimed to evaluate the direct action of VIP on crucial molecules involved in human osteoclast differentiation and function. We also investigated the relationship between VIP serum levels and bone remodeling mediators in early arthritis patients. The expression of VIP receptors and osteoclast gene markers in monocytes and in vitro differentiated osteoclasts was studied by real-time PCR. NFATc1 activity was measured using a TransAM^® kit. Osteoclastogenesis was confirmed by quantification of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase positive multinucleated cells. OsteoAssay^® Surface Multiple Well Plate was used to evaluate bone-resorbing activity. The ring-shaped actin cytoskeleton and the VPAC1 and VPAC2 expression were analyzed by immunofluorescence. We described the presence of VIP receptors in monocytes and mature osteoclasts. Osteoclasts that formed in the presence of VIP showed a decreased expression of osteoclast differentiation gene markers and proteolytic enzymes involved in bone resorption. VIP reduced the resorption activity and decreased both β3 integrin expression and actin ring formation. Elevated serum VIP levels in early arthritis patients were associated with lower BMD loss and higher serum OPG concentration. These results demonstrate that VIP exerts an anti-osteoclastogenic action impairing both differentiation and resorption activity mainly through the negative regulation of NFATc1, evidencing its bone-protective effects in humans.

Long-term effects on bone mineral density after four years of treatment with two intensive combination strategies, including initially high-dose prednisolone, in early rheumatoid arthritis patients: the COBRA-light trial

In this study, no difference in bone loss was observed between patients with early RA initially treated with COmbinatietherapie Bij Reumatoide Artritis (COBRA) (including initially 60 mg/day prednisolone) and patients treated with COBRA-light (including initially 30 mg/day prednisolone) during 4-year observation.

PURPOSE

To assess changes in bone mineral density (BMD) after 4 years in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients initially treated with COBRA-light or COBRA therapy.

METHODS

In a 1 year, open-label, randomised, non-inferiority trial, patients were assigned to COBRA-light (methotrexate 25 mg/week plus initially prednisolone 30 mg/day) or COBRA (methotrexate 7.5 mg/week, sulfasalazine 2 g/day plus initially prednisolone 60 mg/day) therapy. After 1 year, antirheumatic treatment was at the discretion of treating rheumatologists. BMD was measured at baseline and after 1, 2 and 4 years at hips and lumbar spine with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. BMD changes between treatment strategies on average over time were compared with GEE analysis.

RESULTS

Data from 155 out of 162 patients could be analysed: 68% were female with a mean age of 52 (SD 13) years. Both COBRA-light and COBRA therapy showed declines in BMD at the total hip of -3.3% and -1.7%, respectively (p = 0.12), and the femoral neck, -3.7% and -3.0%, respectively (p = 0.95). At the lumbar spine, both treatment groups showed minor decline in BMD over 4 years: -0.5% and -1.0%, respectively (p = 0.10).

CONCLUSION

In a treat-to-target design in early RA, over 4 years, no differences between groups were found in change in BMD at total hip, femoral neck and the lumbar spine. At the hip, bone loss was around 3% in both groups, while mild bone loss was observed at lumbar spine, both in patients starting prednisolone 60 and 30 mg/day. These data suggest that the well-known negative effects of prednisolone can be modulated by modern treatment of RA.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Low-Dose Glucocorticoids Compensate for Their Detrimental Effects on Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objectives: This study aimed to provide reliable information on the impact of low-dose glucocorticoids (GCs) on the bone mineral density (BMD) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 933 patients with RA who continued the consumption of GCs (GC group) and 100 patients who had discontinued consumption for >1 year (no-GC group). The BMD values were measured at baseline and follow-up, and the annual rate of change in BMD between the groups was compared using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We used multiple linear regression analysis to identify the factors associated with changes in BMD. Results: The demographic characteristics and use of medical treatments affecting bone metabolism were similar between the two groups. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the annual rate of changes in BMD and incidence of newly developed osteoporosis and incidental fractures between the two groups. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the disease activity score for 28 joints with erythrocyte sedimentation rate was the only factor affecting the annual rate of changes in BMD, and it was inversely proportional to changes in BMD. Conclusion: The benefits of GC therapy in attenuating inflammation compensate for the risk of osteoporosis if adequate measures to prevent bone loss are implemented in patients with RA.

Impact of Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies on Progressive Systemic Bone Mineral Density Loss in Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis After Two Years of Treat-to-Target

Objectives

To investigate the association of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) with changes in systemic bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after two years of treat-to-target.

Methods

BMD was measured at the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) in 100 patients with recent onset RA at baseline and after 24 months of treatment aimed at low disease activity (LDA) according to the 28-joints disease activity score (DAS28 <3.2). Multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine independent associations between autoantibodies and other disease and treatment-related parameters with BMD loss.

Results

After 24 months, the majority of the patients were at least in LDA (78%), with slightly more ACPA-positive subjects achieving the target. The BMD had significantly decreased at both the LS (mean [SD] percent loss -1.8 [6.2], p=0.03) and the FN (-2.4 [7.3], p=0.03) in ACPA-positive but not in ACPA-negative patients. Consequently, the proportion of patients with reduced BMD (Z score ≤-1) after 24 months was significantly higher among ACPA-positive patients at both the spine (39.5% vs 19.3%, p=0.05) and the hip (37.2% vs 12.2%, p=0.007). The association between ACPA and BMD loss was independent of other variables including age, gender, disease activity, cumulative dose of glucocorticoids and duration of therapy with bisphosphonates at the LS but not the FN.

Conclusions

ACPA are associated with ongoing BMD loss at the spine despite suppression of inflammation and adoption of prophylactic measures. ACPA-positive RA patients should be therefore strictly monitored for the development of osteoporosis.

Assessment of in vivo bone microarchitecture changes in an anti-TNFα treated psoriatic arthritic patient

Objective

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease, mediated in part by TNFα and associated with bone loss. Anti-TNFα treatment should inhibit this phenomenon and reduce the systemic bone loss. Ultra-high field MRI (UHF MRI) may be used to quantify bone microarchitecture (BM) in-vivo. In this study, we quantified BM using UHF MRI in a PsA patient and followed up the changes related to anti-TNFα treatment.

Subjects and methods

A non-treated PsA patient with knee arthritis and 7 gender-matched controls were scanned using a gradient re-echo sequence at UHF MRI. After a year of Adalimumab treatment, the patient underwent a second UHF MRI. A PET-FNa imaging was performed before and after treatment to identify and localize the abnormal metabolic areas. BM was characterized using typical morphological parameters quantified in 32 regions of interest (ROIs) located in the patella, proximal tibia, and distal femur.

Results

Before treatment, the BM parameters were statistically different from controls in 24/32 ROIs with differences reaching up to 38%. After treatment, BM parameters were normalized for 15 out of 24 ROIs. The hypermetabolic areas disclosed by PET-FNa before the treatment partly resumed after the treatment.

Conclusion

Thanks to UHF MRI, we quantified in vivo BM anomalies in a PsA patient and we illustrated a major reversion after one year of treatment. Moreover, BM results highlighted that the abnormalities were not only localized in hypermetabolic regions identified by PET-FNa, suggesting that the bone loss was global and not related to inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis: a bi-directional Mendelian randomization study

Many observation studies have demonstrated a close relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoporosis (OP). However, the causal genetic correlation between RA and OP remains unclear. In this study, we performed bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to explore causal inference between these two traits. The instrumental variables for RA were selected from a large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) (1,523 cases and 461,487 controls). Bone mineral density (BMD) at five different sites (heel (n=265,627), forearm (FA) (n=8,143), femoral neck (FN) (n=32,735), lumbar spine (LS) (n=28,498), and total body (n=28,498)) were used as phenotypes for OP. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method did not detect any causal effect of BMDs on RA except heel BMD (beta = -7.57 × 10-4, p = 0.02). However, other methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, MR-PRESSO, and MR-RAPS) showed no causal association between heel BMD and RA. Likewise, we did not find a causal effect of RA on BMD at any sites. In conclusion, we found no evidence that RA is causally associated with OP/BMD, or vice versa. We suggested that the associations found in previous observational studies between RA and OP/BMD are possibly related to secondary effects such as antirheumatic treatment and reduced physical activity.

Association Between Bone Mineral Density and Autoantibodies in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective

Autoantibodies, such as anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), have been described as inducing bone loss in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which can also be reflected by bone mineral density (BMD). We therefore examined the association between osteoporosis and autoantibodies in two independent RA cohorts.

Methods

Dual x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the lumbar spine and left hip was performed in 408 Dutch patients with early RA during 5 years of follow‐up and in 198 Swedish patients with early RA during 10 years of follow‐up. The longitudinal effect of ACPAs and other autoantibodies on several BMD measures was assessed using generalized estimating equations.

Results

In the Dutch cohort, significantly lower BMD at baseline was observed in ACPA‐positive patients compared to ACPA‐negative patients, with an estimated marginal mean BMD in the left hip of 0.92 g/cm² (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.91–0.93) versus 0.95 g/cm² (95% CI 0.93–0.97) (P = 0.01). In line with this, significantly lower Z scores at baseline were noted in the ACPA‐positive group compared to the ACPA‐negative group (estimated marginal mean Z score in the left hip of 0.18 [95% CI 0.08–0.29] versus 0.48 [95% CI 0.33–0.63]) (P < 0.01). However, despite clear differences at baseline, ACPA positivity was not associated with greater decrease in absolute BMD or Z scores over time. Furthermore, there was no association between BMD and higher levels of ACPAs or other autoantibodies (rheumatoid factor and anti–carbamylated protein antibodies). In the Swedish cohort, ACPA‐positive patients tended to have a higher prevalence of osteopenia at baseline (P = 0.04), but again, ACPA positivity was not associated with an increased prevalence of osteopenia or osteoporosis over time.

Conclusion

The presence of ACPAs is associated with significantly lower BMD at baseline, but not with greater BMD loss over time in treated RA patients. These results suggest that ACPAs alone do not appear to contribute to bone loss after disease onset when disease activity is well‐managed.

Sind röntgenologische Scoring-Methoden als Parameter zur Verlaufsbeurteilung der rheumatoiden Arthritis noch zeitgemäß?

Die radiologische Progression beschreibt das Ausmaß der Gelenkzerstörung im Verlauf einer rheumatoiden Arthritis. Zur Quantifizierung der radiologischen Progression werden Scoring-Methoden (z. B. van der Heijde Modifikation des Sharp-Score) eingesetzt. In verschiedenen Studien zu biologischen- bzw. target-synthetischen Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs gelang nur unzureichend eine Differenzierung der radiologischen Progression. Zudem finden die Scores oft keinen routinemäßigen Einsatz in der klinischen Entscheidungsfindung. Durch die computerbasierte Analyse von Handröntgenaufnahmen ist eine valide Quantifizierung der radiologischen Progression und die zuverlässige Bewertung von Therapieeffekten möglich. Somit stellen die computerbasierten Methoden eine vielversprechende Alternative in der Quantifizierung der radiologischen Progression dar.

Beyond Rheumatoid Arthritis Evaluation: What are We Missing?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune systemic disease that preferentially affects small and large joints with a progressive course and can become deforming and disabling. In recent years, much progress has been made in the evaluation of inflammation and disease activity, however, there are other factors that have a high impact on the quality of life of these patients, such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disorders, suicidal behavior, fibromyalgia, sexual activity, sarcopenia, frailty, cachexia and obesity that are not always evaluated by rheumatologists. This review shows that the evaluation and timely detection of these aspects in patients with RA could interfere with the prognosis and improve their quality of life.

Pharmacological Management of Osteoporosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Review of the Literature and Practical Guide

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disabling disease that is associated with increased localized and generalized osteoporosis (OP). Previous studies estimated that approximately one-third of the RA population experience bone loss. Moreover, RA patients suffer from a doubled fracture incidence depending on several clinical factors, such as disease severity, age, glucocorticoid (GC) use, and immobility. As OP fractures are related to impaired quality of life and increased mortality rates, OP has an enormous impact on global health status. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a holistic approach in daily clinical practice. In other words, both OP- and RA-related factors should be taken into account in treatment guidelines for OP in RA. First, to determine the actual fracture risk, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), including vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) and calculation of the 10-year fracture risk with FRAX^®, should be performed. In case of high fracture risk, calcium and vitamin D should be supplemented alongside anti-osteoporotic treatment. Importantly, RA treatment should be optimal, aiming at low disease activity or remission. Moreover, GC treatment should be at the lowest possible dose. In this way, good fracture risk management will lead to fracture risk reduction in RA patients. This review provides a practical guide for clinicians regarding pharmacological treatment options in RA patients with OP, taking into account both osteoporotic-related factors and factors related to RA.

Initiation of anti-osteoporotic drugs in high-risk female patients starting glucocorticoid treatment: a population study in Norway

Glucocorticoid use is a risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures. We studied whether women initiating glucocorticoid treatment also started anti-osteoporotic treatment, according to clinical guidelines. Women with versus without previous fracture were twice as likely to start anti-osteoporotic treatment within 1 year after initiating glucocorticoid treatment, but the cumulative incidences were low 9.1% vs. 4.6%, respectively.

PURPOSE

Use of glucocorticoids (GC) is a risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures, and clinical guidelines suggest that preventive treatment with anti-osteoporotic drugs (AOD) should be considered when starting GC. Women with high risk of osteoporosis comprise those with previous fractures or a known inflammatory rheumatic disease, for whom the indication of AOD is even stronger. The purpose of these analyses was to investigate whether women initiating GC treatment also started AOD, especially those with high risk of osteoporosis.

METHODS

We used data from the Norwegian Prescription Database to identify all women 55 years and older initiating GC treatment in Norway during 2010-2016 and to obtain information on use of AOD. Data from the Norwegian Patient Registry were used to obtain information on previous fractures and diagnoses.

RESULTS

Among 105,477 women initiating GC treatment during 2010-2016, 3256 had started AOD and 79,638 had discontinued GC treatment after 1-year follow-up. Cumulative incidence of starting AOD after 1 year was 9.1% (95% CI: 7.9, 10.4) for women with vs. 4.6% (95% CI: 4.4%, 4.8%) for women without a previous fracture. Women with rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory rheumatic disease were more likely to start AOD than women with other indications. For the whole cohort, the probability of starting AOD treatment within 1 year after initiating GC increased on average 3% per year (HR = 1.03, CI: 1.01, 1.05) from 2010 to 2016.

CONCLUSIONS

Having had a previous fracture or an inflammatory rheumatic disease increased the probability of treatment with AOD. However, the proportions starting AOD were much lower than clinically indicated.

Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Management on Falls, Fracture and Bone Mineral Density in UK Biobank

Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic inflammatory disease which presents with polyarthritis in addition to extra-articular manifestations. Historically, studies have shown a link between RA and adverse musculoskeletal outcomes but these studies were reported before the widespread use of biologic therapies. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate associations between RA, RA medications and bone mineral density, falls and fractures, using UK Biobank data. Methods: Diagnosis of RA was made using Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) ICD-10 coding. We assessed RA relationships with estimated bone mineral density (eBMD) from heel quantitative ultrasound measurements, self-reported falls (in last year) and HES recorded fracture, adjusted for age, ethnicity, BMI, smoking status, and physical activity. Results: Of 502,543 participants, 3849 (1.4%) of women and 1643 (0.7%) of men had a diagnosis of RA. Median age of the participants was 57 years (IQR 50-63) in women and 58 (IQR 50-64) in men. RA was associated with lower eBMD (men: β -0.244, 95% CI -0.378, -0.110 p < 0.001; women: β -0.217, 95% CI -0.297, -0.138 p < 0.001) a reported fall in the last year (men: OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.26, 1.87 p < 0.001; women: OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.19, 1.56 p < 0.001) and fracture in women (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.43, 2.16 p < 0.001). Corticosteroid therapy in men (β -0.934, 95% CI -1.565, -0.304 p = 0.004) and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) use in both sexes (men: β -0.437, 95% CI -0.761, -0.112 p = 0.008; women: β -0.243, 95% CI -0.421, -0.065 p = 0.007), but not biologic therapy, were associated with a lower eBMD with RA. Conclusions: RA was associated with lower eBMD, increased falls and fracture. Corticosteroid and DMARD therapy, but not biologic therapy, were associated with lower eBMD.

Exploring the Interface between Inflammatory and Therapeutic Glucocorticoid Induced Bone and Muscle Loss

Due to their potent immunomodulatory anti-inflammatory properties, synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely utilized in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease. In this review, we examine our current understanding of how chronic inflammation and commonly used therapeutic GCs interact to regulate bone and muscle metabolism. Whilst both inflammation and therapeutic GCs directly promote systemic osteoporosis and muscle wasting, the mechanisms whereby they achieve this are distinct. Importantly, their interactions in vivo are greatly complicated secondary to the directly opposing actions of GCs on a wide array of pro-inflammatory signalling pathways that underpin catabolic and anti-anabolic metabolism. Several clinical studies have attempted to address the net effects of therapeutic glucocorticoids on inflammatory bone loss and muscle wasting using a range of approaches. These have yielded a wide array of results further complicated by the nature of inflammatory disease, underlying the disease management and regimen of GC therapy. Here, we report the latest findings related to these pathway interactions and explore the latest insights from murine models of disease aimed at modelling these processes and delineating the contribution of pre-receptor steroid metabolism. Understanding these processes remains paramount in the effective management of patients with chronic inflammatory disease.

Long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness of infliximab as first-line treatment in rheumatoid arthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Early biological treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may reverse the autoimmune response in some patients resulting in favorable long-term outcomes. Although the cost-effectiveness of this strategy has been questioned, biosimilar entries warrant the revision of clinical and pharmaco-economic evidence. Areas covered: We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to 24 May 2018 in Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL, comparing infliximab with non-biological therapy in patients with RA naïve to methotrexate. We performed meta-analyses for efficacy outcomes at month 6 and years 1 and 2. Six RCTs were identified, involving 1832 patients. At month 6 ACR70 response and remission, and at year 1 ACR20/ACR70 responses and remission were improved significantly with first-line infliximab versus control. The differences were not significant at year 2. We reviewed cost-utility studies, up to 31 October 2018 in PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL and the CRD HTA databases. Four studies indicated that first-line use of originator infliximab calculated at 2005-2008 prices was not cost-effective. Expert opinion: We demonstrated the efficacy benefits of first-line infliximab therapy up to 1 year in methotrexate-naïve RA. We highlighted the need for standardized reporting of outcomes and conducting cost-effectiveness analyses of first-line biosimilar therapy in RA.

Increased risk of osteoporotic fractures in Swedish patients with rheumatoid arthritis despite early treatment with potent disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs: a prospective general population-matched cohort study

Objective: To study the difference in incidence and risk of fragility fractures between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients followed up early in the disease and the general population in Sweden; and the fracture risk changes in RA patients diagnosed in the 1990s and 2000s because of earlier, more potent pharmacological treatment in the later period.Method: Patients with early RA were recruited from the BARFOT cohort, a Swedish multicentre observational study of early RA patients (n = 2557). All patients fulfilled 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria and were included between 1992 and 2006. Each patient was matched by gender, age, and residential area with four controls from the general population (n = 10 228). Fractures of forearm, upper arm, and hip were identified by ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes through Swedish national medical registries.Results: During follow-up of 12.9 ± 4.7 years (mean ± sd), 14% (n = 470) of RA patients and 11% (n = 1418) of controls experienced a fracture (p < 0.001). When dividing the patients and controls into two groups according to inclusion period, an 8 year follow-up time was used. RA patients included in the 1990s had a higher incidence rate (IR) of hip and other fractures. RA patients included in the 2000s had a higher IR of all fracture sites. The hazard ratio of fractures was 1.4 in the total RA cohort, and the risk was increased in both the 1990s and 2000s.Conclusion: We observed an increased risk of fragility fractures in RA patients diagnosed in both the 1990s and 2000s, despite patients in the 2000s obtaining potent pharmacological treatment early in the disease.

Therapeutic glucocorticoids prevent bone loss but drive muscle wasting when administered in chronic polyarthritis

BACKGROUND

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience extra-articular manifestations including osteoporosis and muscle wasting, which closely associate with severity of disease. Whilst therapeutic glucocorticoids (GCs) reduce inflammation in RA, their actions on muscle and bone metabolism in the context of chronic inflammation remain unclear. We utilised the TNF-tg model of chronic polyarthritis to ascertain the impact of therapeutic GCs on bone and muscle homeostasis in the context of systemic inflammation.

METHODS

TNF-tg and wild-type (WT) animals received either vehicle or the GC corticosterone (100 μg/ml) in drinking water at onset of arthritis. Arthritis severity and clinical parameters were measured, serum collected for ELISA and muscle and bone biopsies collected for μCT, histology and mRNA analysis. In vivo findings were examined in primary cultures of osteoblasts, osteoclasts and myotubes.

RESULTS

TNF-tg mice receiving GCs showed protection from inflammatory bone loss, characterised by a reduction in serum markers of bone resorption, osteoclast numbers and osteoclast activity. In contrast, muscle wasting was markedly increased in WT and TNF-tg animals receiving GCs, independently of inflammation. This was characterised by a reduction in muscle weight and fibre size, and an induction in anti-anabolic and catabolic signalling.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that when given in early onset chronic polyarthritis, oral GCs partially protect against inflammatory bone loss, but induce marked muscle wasting. These results suggest that in patients with inflammatory arthritis receiving GCs, the development of interventions to manage deleterious side effects in muscle should be prioritised.

FRAX 10-yr Fracture Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis-Assessments With and Without Bone Mineral Density May Lead to Very Different Results in the Individual Patient

OBJECTIVES

FRAX is a computer-based algorithm developed by the World Health Organisation for estimation of the 10-yr risk of a hip or major osteoporotic fracture. Inclusion of femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) in the estimation is optional. The study aimed to investigate the intra-individual agreement between FRAX fracture risk calculated with and without BMD in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Clinical data and BMD results from 50 RA patients registered in the Danish rheumatology registry (DANBIO) were used for analysis. Using the Bland-Altman method, lower and upper 95% limits of agreement [LLoA;ULoA] between intraindividual assessments of fracture risk with and without BMD and the bias (mean of individual differences) were calculated. Categorization of patients according to the National Osteoporosis foundation (NOF) treatment thresholds were also assessed with and without BMD.

RESULTS

Mean age was 63.6 ± 11.7 yr, mean disease activity score (DAS28-CRP) 3.3 ± 3.5 and mean femoral neck T-score -1.43 ± 1.15. The mean 10-yr risk of a major fracture and a hip fracture calculated with BMD was 22.9 ± 15.8% and 8.5 ± 10.8%, respectively. The LLoA and ULoA [bias] calculated without vs with BMD were -14.5 and 20.4 percent point (pp) [2.9 pp] for major fracture risk and -14.0 and 23.2 pp [4.6 pp] for hip fracture. NOF treatment categorization was only dependent on BMD in 4% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

The FRAX fracture risk estimated with and without BMD may disagree substantially in individual patients with RA but this seems to have only little impact on treatment categorization based on the NOF guidelines.

Vitamin D, Inflammation and Osteoporosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) commonly develop osteoporosis and fragility fractures. This fact cannot be explained only with the use of glucocorticoids, known to be detrimental for bone health. RA is characterized by a chronic inflammation caused by the continuous activation of innate and adaptive immunity with proinflammatory cytokines overproduction. This process is detrimental for several organs and physiological processes, including the impairment of bone remodeling. We will briefly review the pathogenesis of inflammation-related bone loss in RA, describing well-known and new molecular pathways and focusing on vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone role.

Efficacy and Safety of Combined Therapy With Synthetic Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Literature Review

OBJECTIVE

1) To systematically and critically review the evidence of combined therapy with synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); 2) To design practical recommendations on their use.

METHODS

A systematic literature review (SLR) was performed with a sensitive bibliographic search strategy in Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. We selected randomized clinical trials that analyzed the efficacy and/or safety of 1) combined therapy of synthetic compared with sequential therapy of synthetic DMARD in early RA; and 2) combination of methotrexate+leflunomide or triple therapy with synthetic DMARD in established RA refractory to synthetic DMARD. Two reviewers made the first selection by title and abstract and 11 performed the selection after detailed review of the articles and data collection. The quality of the studies was evaluated with the Jadad scale. Based on the results, related recommendations were agreed upon in a nominal group meeting.

RESULTS

Ultimately, no articles were included in the SLR. The analysis of the reviewed articles demonstrated the effectiveness of the treatment with synthetic DMARD following a "treat to target" strategy in early RA patients, and of combination therapy of synthetic DMARD in established RA refractory to synthetic DMARD. This resulted in 6 recommendations concerning combination therapy with synthetic DMARD.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations aim to facilitate decision-making with the use of combined therapy with DMARD in RA.

Efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis: Systematic literature review

OBJECTIVES

1) To systematically and critically review the evidence on the characteristics, efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids (CS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); 2) to generate practical recommendations.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed through a sensitive bibliographic search strategy in Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library. We selected randomized clinical trials that analyzed the efficacy and/or safety of CS in patients with RA. Two reviewers performed the first selection by title and abstract. Then 10 reviewers selected the studies after a detailed review of the articles and data collection. The quality of the studies was evaluated with the Jadad scale. In a nominal group meeting, based on the results of the systematic literature review, related recommendations were reached by consensus.

RESULTS

A total of 47 articles were finally included. CS in combination with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs help control disease activity and inhibit radiographic progression, especially in the short-to-medium term and in early RA. CS can also improve function and relieve pain. Different types and routes of administration are effective, but there is no standardized scheme (initial dose, tapering and duration of treatment) that is superior to others. Adverse events when using CS are very frequent and are dose-dependent and variable severity, although most are mild. Seven recommendations were generated on the use and risk management of CS.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations aim to resolve some common clinical questions and aid in decision-making for CS use in RA.

Glucocorticoids, Inflammation and Bone

The current review on glucocorticoids (GCs), inflammation and bone is focused on three aspects: (1) the mutual effects between GCs, inflammation and bone in inflammatory rheumatic diseases, (2) current views on fracture risk assessment in patients using GCs and (3) non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment to prevent fractures in GC-using patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The use of GCs results in increased risk for fractures due to both direct and indirect negative effects of GCs on bone mass, and on bone and muscle strength. However, also the underlying inflammatory rheumatic disease is associated with the increased bone loss and fracture risk due to the chronic inflammation itself, and due to disability/immobility caused by active disease or joint destruction. The rapid and strong anti-inflammatory effect of GCs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis seems to balance the negative effects of GCs on bone in the early, active phase of the disease. Recently, an update of the American College of Rheumatology guidelines for prevention and treatment of GC-induced osteoporosis was published with renewed recommendations. To prevent fractures, general measures, including treatment of the underlying inflammatory disease adequately (even with GCs when indicated), a healthy lifestyle, including adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and regular weight bearing exercises are important. In rheumatic patients with high fracture risk using GCs, especially when the cumulative dose is high and/or the underlying inflammatory disease is active, treatment with anti-osteoporotic drugs, usually an oral bisphosphonate, is indicated.

Osteoporosis in Rheumatic Diseases: Anti-rheumatic Drugs and the Skeleton

Osteoporosis in rheumatic diseases is a very well-known complication. Systemic inflammation results in both generalized and localized bone loss and erosions. Recently, increased knowledge of inflammatory process in rheumatic diseases has resulted in the development of potent inhibitors of the cytokines, the biologic DMARDs. These treatments reduce systemic inflammation and have some effect on the generalized and localized bone loss. Progression of bone erosion was slowed by TNF, IL-6 and IL-1 inhibitors, a JAK inhibitor, a CTLA4 agonist, and rituximab. Effects on bone mineral density varied between the biological DMARDs. Medications that are approved for the treatment of osteoporosis have been evaluated to prevent bone loss in rheumatic disease patients, including denosumab, cathepsin K, bisphosphonates, anti-sclerostin antibodies and parathyroid hormone (hPTH 1-34), and have some efficacy in both the prevention of systemic bone loss and reducing localized bone erosions. This article reviews the effects of biologic DMARDs on bone mass and erosions in patients with rheumatic diseases and trials of anti-osteoporotic medications in animal models and patients with rheumatic diseases.

Inflammatory diseases and bone fragility

Systemic osteoporosis and increased fracture rates have been described in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Most of these patients receive glucocorticoids, which have their own deleterious effects on bone. However, the other main determinant of bone fragility is the inflammation itself, as shown by the interactions between the inflammatory mediators, the actors of the immune system, and the bone remodelling. The inflammatory disease activity is thus on top of the other well-known osteoporotic risk factors in these patients. Optimal control of inflammation is part of the prevention of osteoporosis, and potent anti-inflammatory drugs have positive effects on surrogate markers of bone fragility. More data are needed to assess the anti-fracture efficacy of a tight control of inflammation in patients with a chronic inflammatory disorder. This review aimed at presenting different clinical aspects of inflammatory diseases which illustrate the relationships between inflammation and bone fragility.

Skeletal complications of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with local and systemic inflammation that induces many changes in the skeletal health. Locally, periarticular bone loss and juxta-articular bone erosions may occur while joint ankylosis, generalized bone loss, osteoporosis, and fractures may develop secondary to inflammation. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the clinical evidence for abnormal skeletal health in RA, the effects of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) on bone health, and the effects of drugs for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis in the RA population.

Correlation between hand bone mineral density and joint destruction in established rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to clarify the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and the modified total Sharp score of the hand in Japanese patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

We examined the hands of 57 patients who had RA for more than 20 years. BMD for the whole hand was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Concurrently, the hands were analyzed using radiography to estimate the van der Heijde-modified total Sharp score (vdH-S).

RESULTS

The patients were all women with a median age of 69.7 years and RA disease duration of 29.9 years. The correlation coefficients were -0.513 (P < 0.0001) for hand BMD and vdH-S of the hand, -0.576 (P < 0.0001) for hand BMD and the erosion score of the vdH-S, and -0.339 (P < 0.0001) for hand BMD and the joint narrowing score of the vdH-S.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand BMD is correlated with the vdH-S in long-established RA. The hand BMD is important for structural assessment of the hand. Additionally, we may be able to predict the vdH-S of the hand on the basis of the hand BMD in long-established RA.

Biologic therapies and bone loss in rheumatoid arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common systemic autoimmune disease of unknown cause, characterized by a chronic, symmetric, and progressive inflammatory polyarthritis. One of the most deleterious effects induced by the chronic inflammation of RA is bone loss. During the last 15 years, the better knowledge of the cytokine network involved in RA allowed the development of potent inhibitors of the inflammatory process classified as biological DMARDs. These new drugs are very effective in the inhibition of inflammation, but there are only few studies regarding their role in bone protection. The principal aim of this review was to show the evidence of the principal biologic therapies and bone loss in RA, focusing on their effects on bone mineral density, bone turnover markers, and fragility fractures.

METHODS

Using the PICOST methodology, two coauthors (PC, LM-S) conducted the search using the following MESH terms: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, clinical trials, TNF- antagonists, infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, certolizumab, golimumab, IL-6 antagonists, IL-1 antagonists, abatacept, tocilizumab, rituximab, bone mineral density, bone markers, and fractures. The search was conducted electronically and manually from the following databases: Medline and Science Direct. The search period included articles from 2003 to 2015. The selection included only original adult human research written in English. Titles were retrieved and the same two authors independently selected the relevant studies for a full text. The retrieved selected studies were also reviewed completing the search for relevant articles. The first search included 904 titles from which 253 titles were selected. The agreement on the selection among researchers resulted in a Kappa statistic of 0.95 (p < 0.000). Only 248 abstracts evaluated were included in the acronym PICOST. The final selection included only 28 studies, derived from the systematic search. Additionally, a manual search in the bibliography of the selected articles was made and included into the text and into the section of "small molecules of new agents."

CONCLUSION

Treatment with biologic drugs is associated with the decrease in bone loss. Studies with anti-TNF blocking agents show preservation or increase in spine and hip BMD and also a better profile of bone markers. Most of these studies were performed with infliximab. Only three epidemiological studies analyzed the effect on fractures after anti-TNF blocking agent's treatment. IL-6 blocking agents also showed improvement in localized bone loss not seen with anti-TNF agents. There are a few studies with rituximab and abatacept. Although several studies reported favorable actions of biologic therapies on bone protection, there are still unmet needs for studies regarding their actions on the risk of bone fractures.

Risk of low bone mineral density in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with biologics

Background

Osteoporosis is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We identified risk factors for osteoporosis during treatment with biologics.

Methods

Femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in 186 patients with biologics-treated RA. We compared the characteristics of those with BMD ≥70 % of young adult mean (YAM) and those with BMD <70 % of YAM, and undertook multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for bone loss.

Results

Mean age and disease duration, the proportion of females, scores in the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire and history of vertebral fracture were significantly greater in the BMD <70 % of YAM group, but body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in the BMD <70 % of YAM group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of other biomarkers of RA activity, the proportion treated with methylprednisolone, or the duration or choice of biologics. The proportions of patients treated with anti-osteoporosis drugs and parathyroid hormone were significantly higher in the BMD <70 % of YAM group. In the multivariable analysis, advanced age, female, longer disease duration, history of past thoracic or lumbar vertebral fracture, higher Steinbrocker classification and lower BMI were significant factors for BMD <70 % of YAM.

Discussion

We identified risk factors for bone loss in patients with RA treated with biologics. Before suppression of disease activity by biologics, bone loss might already be advanced.

Conclusions

We recommend that patients with RA who possess these risk factors be considered for earlier and more intense treatment to prevent bone loss, as well as addressing RA disease progression.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-015-0732-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Glucocorticoids: bad or safe for the bones?

Until recently, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were treated with monotherapy using conventional drugs such as sulfasalazine, antimalarials, intramuscular gold and methotrexate, which often leads to persistent arthritis, loss of functional capacity and decreased quality of life. The use of high-dose glucocorticoids (GCs) and active RA are both associated with generalised bone loss and fractures, while GCs have a strong immunosuppressive effect. With the introduction of very effective tumour-necrosis factor-blockers and other biologics, clinical remission is a realistic target in around half of the early patients with RA; the same appears true for the use of methotrexate with chronic low dose or initially high-dose GCs. With the use of a treat-to-target strategy focusing on clinical remission or low disease activity in early patients with RA, the negative effects of systemic inflammation on bone can be inhibited and local bone loss (in the joints), and generalised bone loss at the spine and hips, can be limited or prevented. Whether this also leads to a reduction in vertebral and non-vertebral fractures remains to be demonstrated. Another issue is, in other systemic rheumatic diseases in which treatment options are smaller and less effective than in RA, local and systemic bone loss may still occur.

Bone and TNF in rheumatoid arthritis: clinical implications

Experimental data have demonstrated that tumour necrosis factor (TNF) plays a significant role in systemic and local bone loss related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In clinical studies on patients with RA, treatment with TNF inhibitors was able to arrest systemic bone loss assessed by bone mineral density and bone turnover markers, but there is scarce evidence of a clinically meaningful effect of TNF inhibition in preventing fractures. TNF inhibitors showed a higher efficacy in reducing radiographic progression related to the disease compared to methotrexate in randomised clinical trials. Data from observational studies seem to confirm the effectiveness of anti-TNF therapy in reducing joint damage evolution.

Bisphosphonates and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: cons

During the use of glucocorticoids (GCs), both vertebral and nonvertebral fracture risk are increased, due to the direct and indirect negative effects of GCs on bone, muscles, and the activity of the underlying inflammatory diseases. Inhibition of bone formation and increased apoptosis of osteocytes play a consistent and crucial role in the pathogenesis of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO), while changes in bone resorption during GC-use are variable. To prevent fractures, important general measures include using the lowest possible dose of GCs, treating the underlying disease adequately, a healthy life style, adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and regular exercise. Although it has been shown that bisphosphonates reduce vertebral fractures during the first 2 years of GC-treatment, there are no data on long-term use of bisphosphonates during GC-treatment. Of some concern in GIO, bisphosphonates reduce bone turnover, including bone formation, which is already downregulated by GCs. In contrast, the use of the anabolic agent teriparatide is more effective in reducing vertebral fractures than alendronate. In summary, bisphosphonates remain the first choice in the first two years of treatment in GC-treated patients with high fracture risk, but their long-term effects on bone quality and fracture risk reduction remain uncertain.

Evidence-based Recommendations for the Management of Comorbidities in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, and Psoriatic Arthritis: Expert Opinion of the Canadian Dermatology-Rheumatology Comorbidity Initiative

Objective.

Comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer, osteoporosis, and depression are often underrecognized in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), or psoriasis (PsO). Recommendations may improve identification and treatment of comorbidities. The Canadian Dermatology-Rheumatology Comorbidity Initiative reviewed the literature to develop practical evidence-based recommendations for management of comorbidities in patients with RA, PsA, and PsO.

Methods.

Eight main topics regarding comorbidities in RA, PsA, and PsO were developed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (1960–12/2012), together with abstracts from major rheumatology and dermatology congresses (2010–2012), were searched for relevant publications. Selected articles were analyzed and metaanalyses performed whenever possible. A meeting including rheumatologists, dermatologists, trainees/fellows, and invited experts was held to develop consensus-based recommendations using a Delphi process with prespecified cutoff agreement. Level of agreement was measured using a 10-point Likert scale (1 = no agreement, 10 = full agreement) and the potential effect of recommendations on daily clinical practice was considered. Grade of recommendation (ranging from A to D) was determined according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine evidence levels.

Results.

A total of 17,575 articles were identified, of which 407 were reviewed. Recommendations were synthesized into 19 final recommendations ranging mainly from grade C to D, and relating to a large spectrum of comorbidities observed in clinical practice: CVD, obesity, osteoporosis, depression, infections, and cancer. Level of agreement ranged from 80.9% to 95.8%.

Conclusion.

These practical evidence-based recommendations can guide management of comorbidities in patients with RA, PsA, and PsO and optimize outcomes.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis is the most common form of secondary osteoporosis and the first cause in young people. Bone loss and increased rate of fractures occur early after the initiation of corticosteroid therapy, and are then related to dosage and treatment duration. The increase in fracture risk is not fully assessed by bone mineral density measurements, as it is also related to alteration of bone quality and increased risk of falls. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a treat-to-target strategy focusing on low disease activity including through the use of low dose of prednisone, is a key determinant of bone loss prevention. Bone loss magnitude is variable and there is no clearly identified predictor of the individual risk of fracture. Prevention or treatment of osteoporosis should be considered in all patients who receive prednisone. Bisphosphonates and the anabolic agent parathyroid hormone (1-34) have shown their efficacy in the treatment of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. Recent international guidelines are available and should guide management of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis, which remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. Duration of antiosteoporotic treatment should be discussed at the individual level, depending on the subject's characteristics and on the underlying inflammation evolution.

Glucocorticoid safety for treating rheumatoid arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are often used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and many other inflammatory diseases. Besides strong favorable effects on disease activity, GCs can cause (serious) side effects as well.

AREAS COVERED

Side effects of GCs that are ranked as most important by rheumatologists as well as by patients are bone loss and fractures, cardiovascular events, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. In evaluating these side effects, confounding by indication is a disturbing factor: not only the use of GCs can increase the risk of several side effects, but so can the activity of the underlying disease, which in turn is related to the amount of GCs that is prescribed to the patient.

EXPERT OPINION

Generally, side effects predominantly occur in patients with a high disease activity and when used in high doses and for a long period of time. For these patients, caution and monitoring are most warranted. However, monitoring is not only recommended in patients with a high disease activity, and high-dose or long-term use of GCs, but in all GC users, since side effects may also occur in patients treated with low-dose GCs. When detecting possible negative effects in time, they might be managed and serious damage due to side effects might hopefully be prevented.

The effect of tocilizumab on bone mineral density, serum levels of Dickkopf-1 and bone remodeling markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Previous studies showed that the control of inflammation by biological therapies has a positive effect on bone in inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone remodeling of an anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody (tocilizumab (TCZ)) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

One hundred and three patients (75% women, 52±12years) with active RA were treated with TCZ 8mg/kg + methotrexate (MTX) every 4 weeks during 48 weeks. Hip and lumbar spine BMDs were measured at baseline and after 48 weeks by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Pro-collagen serum type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP), serum C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), and serum levels of total Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) and sclerostin were assessed at baseline, 12 and 48 weeks.

RESULTS

BMD was available for 76 patients at baseline and at the end of the study. There was no change in lumbar spine and hip BMD over 48 weeks. Serum PINP increased from baseline by 22% (P≤0.001) and 19% (P≤0.001) at week 12 and week 48, whereas serum CTX-I remained stable. Serum DKK-1 significantly decreased from baseline by -31% (P≤0.001) and -25% (P=0.025) at week 12 and 48. Similar results were observed in the patients receiving low doses of oral corticosteroids.

CONCLUSION

In this 1-year prospective open study, patients with active RA receiving TCZ and MTX had no change in BMD, a decrease in serum DKK-1 and an increase in bone formation marker.

The comparative safety of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis update of 44 trials

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to evaluate and update the safety data from randomized controlled trials of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in patients treated for rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted from 1990 to May 2013. All studies included were randomized, double-blind, controlled trials of patients with rheumatoid arthritis that evaluated adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, or infliximab treatment. The serious adverse events and discontinuation rates were abstracted, and risk estimates were calculated by Peto odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

Forty-four randomized controlled trials involving 11,700 subjects receiving tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and 5901 subjects receiving placebo or traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were included. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor treatment as a group was associated with a higher risk of serious infection (OR, 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.78) and treatment discontinuation due to adverse events (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.43) compared with placebo and traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug treatments. Specifically, patients taking adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, and infliximab had an increased risk of serious infection (OR, 1.69, 1.98, and 1.63, respectively) and showed an increased risk of discontinuation due to adverse events (OR, 1.38, 1.67, and 2.04, respectively). In contrast, patients taking etanercept had a decreased risk of discontinuation due to adverse events (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.93). Although ORs for malignancy varied across the different tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, none reached statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

These meta-analysis updates of the comparative safety of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors suggest a higher risk of serious infection associated with adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, and infliximab, which seems to contribute to higher rates of discontinuation. In contrast, etanercept use showed a lower rate of discontinuation. These data may help guide clinical comparative decision making in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Can bone loss in rheumatoid arthritis be prevented?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease that can lead to local joint deformations (bone erosions and joint space narrowing) and to extra-articular phenomena, including generalized osteoporosis. In addition, in patients with RA, the risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures is doubled. High disease activity (inflammation), immobility, and glucocorticoid use are common factors that substantially increase fracture risk in these patients, on top of the background fracture risk based on classical risk factors such as high age, low body mass, and female gender. New insights on the links between the immune system and the bone system, the field of osteoimmunology, have shown that local and generalized bone loss share common pathways. The receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/osteoprotegerin pathway (RANKl/OPG) is one of the most important pathways, as it is (strongly) upregulated by inflammation. In modern treatment of RA with biologics, for example, TNFα-blocking agents and combination therapy of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), clinical remission is a realistic treatment goal. As a consequence, in recent studies, it has been documented that both local and generalized bone loss is absent or minimal in those patients who are in clinical remission.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: mechanisms, management, and future perspectives

Glucocorticoids are widely used for their unsurpassed anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. However, the therapeutic use of glucocorticoids is almost always limited by substantial adverse outcomes such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and obesity. These unwanted outcomes are a major dilemma for clinicians because improvements in the primary disorder seem to be achievable only by accepting substantial adverse effects that are often difficult to prevent or treat. To understand the pathogenesis of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, it is necessary to consider that the actions of glucocorticoids on bone and mineral metabolism are strongly dose and time dependent. At physiological concentrations, endogenous glucocorticoids are key regulators of mesenchymal cell differentiation and bone development, with additional regulatory roles in renal and intestinal calcium handling. However, at supraphysiological concentrations, glucocorticoids affect the same systems in different and often unfavourable ways. For many years, these anabolic and catabolic actions of glucocorticoids on bone were deemed paradoxical. In this Review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the physiology and pathophysiology of glucocorticoid action on the skeleton and discuss present and future management strategies for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Biologic therapies and systemic bone loss in rheumatoid arthritis

Chronic inflammation affects bone metabolism leading to disequilibrium in the rates of bone resorption and repair and subsequently to local and generalized bone loss. Osteoporosis represents an important co-morbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, which exhibit increased fracture risk. Osteoclasts play a pivotal role in the development and progression of bone loss, while resident synovial cells such as T cells, monocytes and synovial fibroblasts have been identified as sources of osteoclast differentiation signals in RA. This process is mainly mediated through the receptor activator of nuclear-kappa B ligand (RANKL) signalling system, which is upregulated by numerous proinflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of RA. Improved knowledge of the association between cells and cytokines of the immune system and their relationship to bone remodeling has revealed several promising targets for the treatment of inflammatory bone loss in RA. In this respect, initiation of biologic therapies targeting inflammatory cytokines and/or lymphocyte activation has modified RA therapy not only by blocking local and systemic inflammatory cascades but also by providing beneficial effects against bone and joint degradation. In this article we briefly present the modern view of the mechanisms that govern inflammatory bone loss, highlighting the role of cytokine-induced molecular pathways, and discuss in detail the effects of different biologic treatment strategies on bone mass in RA patients.

Osteoporosis drug therapy strategies in the setting of disease-modifying agents for autoimmune disease

The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the effects of methotrexate (MTX) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors on bone mineral properties in the clinical literature. A systematic review of the literature identifying relevant case reports, population-based studies, cohort studies, case control studies, and randomized controlled trials in Pubmed and Web of Science databases from inception to December 31, 2011 was conducted. The following keywords were used: "bone turnover," "bone mineral density," "TNF-α inhibitors," "infliximab," "adalimumab," "etanercept," and "MTX." The bibliographies of all retrieved studies were also reviewed to identify additional articles. Based on these results, a rational drug therapy strategy was suggested for treating osteoporosis in patients with inflammatory disease. MTX and TNF-α inhibitors do not appear to have an adverse effect on BMD in patients with inflammatory disease. Their negative effects on BMD and bone turnover in pre-clinical models appear to be outweighed by their anti-disease effects in clinical studies. Treatment with MTX or TNF-α inhibitors has no adverse effect on BMD in patients with inflammatory disease. Future studies will focus on developing optimal drug strategies when combining DMARDs with anti-osteoporotic agents in this patient population.

Effects of anti-tumor necrosis factor α agents on bone

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are effective for achieving disease control in several inflammatory diseases. Although anti-TNF agents can inhibit bone loss in vitro, their role in the prevention of clinically relevant outcomes such as osteoporosis and fractures has not been clearly established.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are many studies of the effects of TNF inhibitors on markers of bone turnover; however, few have measured bone mineral density (BMD) or fractures. Most of these studies have small sample sizes and a minority had a placebo control group. Overall these studies suggest that the antiresorptive effects of anti-TNF therapy are related to control of disease activity.

SUMMARY

The antiresorptive effects of TNF inhibitors are likely related to their anti-inflammatory properties. Studies to date have not demonstrated any advantages of TNF inhibitors over traditional nonbiologic therapies in the prevention of bone loss and fractures.