Factors influencing the development of osteoporosis in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background: To explore the influencing factors of osteoporosis (OP) in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methodology: A total of 145 elderly patients with RA were divided into comorbidity group (with OP) of 79 patients and RA group (without OP) of 66 patients. Demographic data and laboratory parameters were collected from patients. Demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups. Multiple influencing factors of OP in RA patients were analysed. Results: There were significant differences in age, BMI, primary disease duration, history of glucocorticoids (GC) administration, disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS-28), and Sharp score data between the two groups. There were significant differences in rheumatoid factor (RF), interleukin-27 (IL-27), procollagen I N-Terminal Propeptide (PINP), nuclear receptor of activator factor-.B ligand (RANKL), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25 (OH) D] data between the two groups (P < 0.05). Logistic analysis showed that age, primary disease duration, GC history, DAS-28, Sharp score, RANKL and 25 (OH) D were independent factors for OP in RA patients. Conclusion: The risk of OP in elderly RA patients is mainly related to age, primary disease duration, GC history, DAS-28, Sharp score, RANKL, and 25 (OH) D levels, and risk factors should be actively prevented.