Women With a History of Juvenile Arthritis at Risk for Osteoporosis Complications

Areal bone mineral density (BMD_a) is lower in women who have a history of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). In later life, these patients may be at risk for osteoporosis complications, including fragility fractures.

Thornton and colleagues studied 16 men and 71 women with a history of JIA. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine and total hip was performed, and patients completed the modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Laboratory assessment included C-reactive protein level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and rheumatoid factor. Information was obtained about disease subtype and duration and previous treatment with corticosteroids or methotrexate.

The mean BMD_a was 0.982 and 1.028 g/cm² in women and men, respectively, at the spine and 0.817 and 0.857 g/cm² at the hip. In women, the mean Z-score at the spine was −0.328, and at the hip, −0.542, values significantly lower than would be expected in a normal population. Increasing age was significantly associated with BMD_a at the spine. After adjustment for age and sex, increasing weight and height were associated with a higher BMD_a and increasing HAQ score with lower BMD_a at the spine and hip.

The authors noted that persons in this patient-group should be considered for targeted preventive measures.

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