Study: Prednisone in Low Doses for Rheumatoid Arthritis Won't Signficantly Harm Bones

Prednisone in low doses does not significantly reduce bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis patients, according to a study reported in the November 20 on-line issue of Rheumatology International.

Prednisone is the synthetic corticosteroid most often used in treating rheumatoid arthritis as the drug has potent anti-inflammatory properties. However, one of the drug's possible side effects is thinning of the bones or osteoporosis.

Researchers from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada examined the difference between bone mineral density of 90 rheumatoid arthritis patients on low-dose prednisone and a matched group of 90 rheumatoid arthritis patients who were not taking prednisone.

After measuring bone mineral density using dual X-ray absorptiometry, the researchers found that patients on prednisone had lower bone mineral density than the control group, but the differences were not statistically significant.

"Bone mineral density was not significantly reduced by low-dose prednisone in this diverse group of rheumatoid arthritis patients," concluded the researchers. "A reduction in hip bone mineral density was seen in postmenopausal women on prednisone."

Other sources: Rheumatology International