Bone turnover in non-steroid treated rheumatoid arthritis. Issue 3 (March 1994)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Compston, J E; Vedi, S; Croucher, P I; Garrahan, N J; O'Sullivan, M M
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 53:Issue 3(1994)
• Page Start: 163
• Page End: 166
• Publication Date: 1994-03
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.53.3.163
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE--To examine whether changes in cancellous bone turnover and resorption cavity depth contribute to bone loss in patients with non-steroid treated rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS--Iliac crest biopsies were obtained from 37 patients with non-steroid treated rheumatoid arthritis, 13 male and 24 female, aged 37-71 years. Bone turnover and resorption cavity characteristics were quantitatively assessed using semiautomated computerised techniques. RESULTS--When compared with age- and sex-matched control values, there was a significant reduction in bone formation rate at tissue level and activation frequency (P < 0.001) in the patient group. The eroded perimeter, mean and maximum eroded depth and cavity area were also significantly reduced (P < 0.01, < 0.005, < 0.01 and < 0.005 respectively). CONCLUSION--These results demonstrate low bone turnover in non-steroid treated rheumatoid arthritis and indicate that the reduced bone mass in these patients is due mainly to a negative remodelling balance.