Stable bone mineral density in lumbar spine and hip in contrast to bone loss in the hands during long-term treatment with infliximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

摘要

Osteoporosis is a well-known complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), related to disease activity, steroid use and immobility.In a 1-year observational study it has been suggested that infliximab can have a positive effect on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with RA. In the present study, patients with RA who had been treated with infliximab for 2 years and more in the Slotervaart Hospital or the VU University Medical Center were included if BMD measurements at baseline and at 2-year intervals had been performed. Patients fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria and had a disease activity score in 28 joints greater than 3.2 at baseline. Infliximab (3 mg/kg) was given at 0, 2, 6 and 14 weeks and thereafter every 8 weeks