Changes in metacarpal cortical bone mineral density (BMD) using digital x-ray radiogrammetry were studied in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. After 1, 2, and 5 years, large BMD losses were found: -1.7%, -2.8%, and -5.6%, respectively. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide levels were independent predictors of bone loss, indicating that the largest amount of bone loss was found in patients with severe inflammation and high production of auto-antibodies, who are known to be at the highest risk of developing radiological bone damage. Studies are needed about the spatial and time relationship between erosions and juxta-articular and metacarpal bone loss. © 2009 BioMed Central Ltd.
CITATION STYLE
Geusens, P. P., & Lems, W. F. (2009, October 1). Measuring metacarpal cortical bone by digital x-ray radiogrammetry: A step forward? Arthritis Research and Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1186/ar2788
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