The study of bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis

Low bone mass density leads to osteoporosis and the incidence of complications. The aim of this study was to assess the bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with different ages suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. This descriptive- analytical study was carried out on 98 postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis who were referred to 5 Azar medical and educational centers affiliated to Gorgan University of Medical Sciences، 2009. Their medical records were studied to assess their bone mineral density. Data were collected from patients’ medical records. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests (frequency، mean and standard deviation) and analytic tests (Regression، K2، Spearman correlation، ANOVA). 98 postmenopausal women suffering from rheumatoid arthritis were studied in whom their mean age was 57. 88±9. 39 years. The overall prevalence of osteoporosis in this group was 13. 3 percent. There was a significant positive correlation between osteoporosis and increasing age (P<0. 001). T-Score mean in the femoral neck and lumbar spine was -1. 45±1. 26 and -2. 45±1. 44، respectively. A significant negative relationship was observed between T-Score of lumbar spine (P<0. 001، r=-0. 51)، and femoral neck (P<0. 001، r=-0. 39). A significant correlation was found between duration of disease or menopause with bone mineral density (P <0. 05). Results show the high prevalence of osteoporosis in lumbar spine and a negative effect of age on bone mineral density. Therefore، it is recommended to imply prevention programs for women at high risk.