Sex and age do not modify the association between glucocorticoids and bone mineral density in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study
Authors' conclusion
In our sample, the association of GC use with reduced BMD in RA was not modified by sex or age.
Study context
- Population
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with current or previous glucocorticoid (GC) treatment, single-centre cohort (Rh-GIOP); mean age 64 ± 12 years, 80% women
- Participants
- 483 patients
- Exposure
- Association of current GC dose with bone mineral density (BMD): men vs women; age ≥ 65 vs < 65 years
- Outcome
- Minimum T-score (DXA) of lumbar spine, total femur or femoral neck; main exposure current GC dose
Methodological detailssingle-centre cohort (Rh-GIOP), predefined statistical analysis plan, linear regression with adjustment for confounders, effect modification analysis
- Single-centre cohort (Rh-GIOP)
- Predefined statistical analysis plan
- Linear regression with adjustment for confounders
- Effect modification analysis
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Slope: change in minimum T-score per 1 mg/d change in current GC dose, by sex and age
Men vs Women
Men
−0.07
Women
−0.04
Estimate (CI)P value
Difference
−0.03(−0.11 to 0.04)
P = 0.41for interactionNon-elderly vs Elderly
Non-elderly
−0.04
Elderly
−0.03
Estimate (CI)P value
Difference
−0.01(−0.06 to 0.05)
P = 0.77for interactionObservational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Osteoporosis by DXA (minimum T-score ≤ −2.5)
- Patients with osteoporosis
- 23%
Cumulative GC dose and duration of GC use as exposures
- Did not lead to substantial changes of these results
Original publication
Sex and age do not modify the association between glucocorticoids and bone mineral density in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study. Arthritis Res Ther. Published 7 June 2023. doi:10.
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