Acta Biomedica Scientia

PREVALENCE OF BONE FRACTURES IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Shivananda Reddy N, Anil Babu Peruru

drpebyreddy@gmail.com

Rheumatoid arthritis, Bone fractures, Prevalence, Risk factors

This original research article investigates the prevalence of bone fractures in individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and explores associated risk factors and patterns of fractures. A cohort of 80 RA patients, predominantly female (88.7%), with a mean age of 52 years, was studied. Disease duration varied, with 35% experiencing RA between 2-5 years of diagnosis. Common risk factors, including family history of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, as well as smoking, were assessed. Site-specific distribution of bone fractures was analyzed, and the relationship between corticosteroid use duration and fracture incidence was explored. The study identified a diverse temporal spectrum of RA, with a notable proportion experiencing the disease within 2-5 years of diagnosis. Despite the majority having no identified risk factors, familial connections to osteoporosis (12.5%) and rheumatoid arthritis (7.5%), along with a small percentage of smokers (2.5%), were observed. The site-specific distribution of bone fractures revealed spinal vertebrae, hips, carpal bones, and peripheral sites as common locations. Notably, 22% of RA patients experienced fractures due to falls. The relationship between corticosteroid use duration and fracture incidence exhibited varying rates across different periods. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and associated factors of bone fractures in RA patients. The findings underscore the multifactorial nature of fracture susceptibility in this population and emphasize the need for personalized risk assessments and targeted interventions to improve skeletal health in individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis