Study links higher BMD with osteoarthritis but not rheumatoid arthritis

China: A recent study identified an association between lumbar BMD and osteoarthritis (OA) but not with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The findings of the study, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, may enhance understanding between RA, OA, and bone health.

Osteoporosis is reported to occur commonly in RA patients, however, there is a controversy on the association between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis (OA). Xiaocong Yao, Xiaoshan Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, and colleagues aimed to investigate the association between BMD, as a marker of osteoporosis, and OA and RA among adults 20−59 years of age. 

For the purpose, the researchers collected data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2011 and 2018. Using questionnaires, data regarding arthritis status and the type of arthritis (OA or RA) were obtained. A total of 11,094 adults were included in our study.

Lumbar BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The association between RA, OA, and lumbar BMD was evaluated using logistic regression models. Subgroup analyses, stratified by gender and race, were performed. The association between duration of arthritis and lumbar BMD was also investigated. 

"Lumbar BMD was associated with OA but not with RA. While a higher lumbar BMD was associated with OA in males, but not in females. Our findings may improve our understanding between OA, RA, and bone health," wrote the authors. "Additional studies examining the association between BMD and OA and RA are warranted to confirm our findings."

The study titled, "Correlation of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis with bone mineral density in adults aged 20–59 years," is published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research.

DOI: https://josr-online.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13018-021-02338-0