Limited reduction of bone mineral density in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis receiving aggressive treatment: 10 year results of the NEO-RACo study
Authors' conclusion
Both randomization groups were treated early and aggressively, and the decrease in BMD was low throughout the 10 year follow-up. The use of infliximab during the first 6 months provided no extra benefit regarding bone loss.
Study context
- Population
- Patients aged 18–60 years with early active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without earlier DMARD use; all received calcium 1000 mg and vitamin D3 800 IU daily
- Participants
- 99 patients
- Comparison
- Infliximab vs placebo infusions for the first 6 months, added to triple csDMARD combination plus prednisolone 7.5 mg/day for 2 years
- Primary endpoint
- Reduction of BMD (DXA); BMD Z-score ≤ −2.0 considered below expected value
- Follow-up
- 10 years
Methodological detailsdouble-blind, placebo-controlled, 10 year follow-up
- Double-blind
- Placebo-controlled
- 10 year follow-up
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
BMD Z-score ≤ −2.0 · last BMD measurement
Patients with Z-score ≤ −2.0 at baseline (whole cohort)
2
2%
Patients with Z-score ≤ −2.0 at last bone mineral density (BMD) measurement (whole cohort)
5
5%
New-onset osteoporosis cases
0
Original publication
Limited reduction of bone mineral density in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis receiving aggressive treatment: 10 year results of the NEO-RACo study. Scand J Rheumatol. Published 23 June 2025. doi:10.
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