Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis prevention in polymyalgia rheumatica patients

Swami, Tara; Molloy, C.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis prevention in polymyalgia rheumatica patients

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Glucocorticoid-Induced-Osteoporosis-Prevention-in-Polymyalgia-Rheumatica-Patients.pdf(571.22 KB)

Published Version

Date

2020

Authors

Swami, Tara

Molloy, C.

Publisher

Irish Medical Organisation

Abstract

Aim: Studies indicate that <50% of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) patients receive bone protective therapy (BPT) for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) prevention. We sought to determine if PMR patients are protected from GIOP by examining bone densitometry (DXA) scan results, BPT use, and adherence to guidelines. Methods: PMR patients treated with glucocorticoids who underwent a DXA scan at Cork University Hospital from 01/01/2016 to 27/10/2017 were included. Patient data were obtained from chart review. Results: Out of 153 patients, 73 (47.7%) were taking BPT and 42 (27.5%) were not. At the most recent DXA scan, 42 (27.5%) had normal BMD, 84 (54.9%) were osteopaenic, and 27 (17.6%) were osteoporotic. In 91 individuals who underwent≥2 DXA scans, patients not receiving bisphosphonates were more likely to have BMD loss over time (p=0.022). Discussion: Despite recommendations, many patients are not prescribed BPT. The results suggest that PMR patients in Cork are not optimally protected from GIOP.

Keywords

Polymyalgia rheumatica , PMR , Bone protective therapy , BPT , Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis , GIOP

Citation

Swami, T. and Molloy, C. (2020) 'Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis prevention in polymyalgia rheumatica patients' Irish Medical Journal, 113(3), P36 (7pp). Available at: http://www.imj.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Glucocorticoid-Induced-Osteoporosis-Prevention-in-Polymyalgia-Rheumatica-Patients.pdf (Accessed: 21 September 2021)