# Factors influencing the development of osteoporosis in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis

## TL;DR

This study identifies factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific clinical and laboratory parameters that independently predict osteoporosis in elderly rheumatoid arthritis patients.

## Key findings

- Age, disease duration, and glucocorticoid use are significant risk factors for osteoporosis in RA patients.
- Higher RANKL and lower 25 (OH) D levels are independently associated with osteoporosis in RA patients.
- Disease activity and joint damage scores also contribute to the risk of osteoporosis in this population.

## Abstract

To explore the influencing factors of osteoporosis (OP) in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

A total of 145 elderly patients with RA were divided into comorbidity group (with OP) of 79 patients and RA group (without OP) of 66 patients. Demographic data and laboratory parameters were collected from patients. Demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups. Multiple influencing factors of OP in RA patients were analysed.

There were significant differences in age, BMI, primary disease duration, history of glucocorticoids (GC) administration, disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS-28), and Sharp score data between the two groups. There were significant differences in rheumatoid factor (RF), interleukin-27 (IL-27), procollagen I N-Terminal Propeptide (PINP), nuclear receptor of activator factor-κB ligand (RANKL), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25 (OH) D] data between the two groups (P < 0.05). Logistic analysis showed that age, primary disease duration, GC history, DAS-28, Sharp score, RANKL and 25 (OH) D were independent factors for OP in RA patients.

The risk of OP in elderly RA patients is mainly related to age, primary disease duration, GC history, DAS-28, Sharp score, RANKL, and 25 (OH) D levels, and risk factors should be actively prevented.