Rheumatoid arthritis: biologic therapies may protect against rapid bone loss

Early and aggressive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with biologic drugs may have a protective effect on the skeleton, says a new review published in Osteoporosis International.

The review took an in-depth look at the mechanisms of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis and reviewed the latest information on biologic therapies. It found that biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were the most effective in halting progressive bone loss in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Prof Patricia Clark, who is involved in the work comments:

“Although several studies reported favourable actions of biologic therapies on bone protection, it is clear that there are still unmet needs for research into their actions on the risk of bone fractures in rheumatoid arthritis patients. In the meantime, we recommend that all physicians treating rheumatoid arthritis remain vigilant of the high risk of bone loss and fractures in their patients. For many such high risk patients, it is important that osteoporosis treatment be considered to reduce fracture risk.”

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