SAT0380 Risk factors for vertebral fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis - the tomorrow study -:
Authors: T. Okano, T. Koike, M. Tada, Y. Sugioka, K. Mamoto, S. Wakitani, H. Nakamura
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013)

<h3>Background</h3> Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one cause of secondary osteoporosis. Multifactorial osteoporosis can be due to the disease itself, a decrease in physical activity, or treatment with glucocorticoids, but it can also have a postmenopausal cause. Accelerated generalized bone loss often leads to an increased risk of vertebral fractures. <h3>Objectives</h3> To determine the prevalence and the risk factors for vertebral fractures in patients with RA. <h3>Methods</h3> We started a 10-year prospective cohort study named TOMORROW (TOtal Management Of Risk factors in Rheumatoid arthritis patients to lOWer morbidity and mortality, clinical trial registration number: UMIN000003876) in 2010. This study included 208 patients with RA (biological agents, n=112; conventional therapy, n=96) and 205 age- and sex-matched volunteers (total, n=413). We evaluated the prevalence of vertebral fractures using thoracolumbar spine X-rays and analyzed the factors associated with vertebral fractures. <h3>Results</h3> The prevalence of vertebral fractures was 45.5% and 30% in the RA and volunteer groups, respectively. Significantly more patients than volunteers had semiquantitative (SQ) grade 2 or more (15.2% vs. 5%). Bone mineral density, urine pentosidine, homocysteine and bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) significantly correlated with vertebral fractures among the patients and urinary pentosidine values were significantly higher in the RA patients with fractures. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The incidence of vertebral fractures was higher in patients with RA than in volunteers. Bone quality markers and vertebral fractures are closely linked with RA. We will continue to prospectively investigate the incidence of new vertebral fractures and the progression of osteoporosis in patients with RA. <h3>References</h3> El Maghraoui A, Rezqi A, Mounach A, Achemlal L, Bezza A, Ghozlani I. Prevalence and risk factors of vertebral fractures in women with rheumatoid arthritis using vertebral fracture assessment. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2010;49:1303-10. van Staa TP, Geusens P, Bijlsma JW, Leufkens HG, Cooper C. Clinical assessment of the long-term risk of fracture in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2006;54:3104-12. Kvien TK, Haugeberg G, Uhlig T, Falch JA, Halse JI, Lems WF, Dijkmans BA, Woolf AD. Data driven attempt to create a clinical algorithm for identification of women with rheumatoid arthritis at high risk of osteoporosis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2000;59:805-11. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> T. Okano: None Declared, T. Koike Grant/Research support from: Takeda Pharmaceutical, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Eisai, Abbott Japan, Teijin Pharma, Banyu Pharmaceutical and Ono Pharmaceutical, M. Tada: None Declared, Y. Sugioka: None Declared, K. Mamoto: None Declared, S. Wakitani: None Declared, H. Nakamura Grant/Research support from: Takeda Pharmaceutical, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Eisai, Abbott Japan, Teijin Pharma, Banyu Pharmaceutical and Ono Pharmaceutical, Speakers Bureau: Ono Pharmaceutical