Higher risk of bone fractures in rheumatism

Younger rheumatism sufferers are also at increased risk of bone fracture

05/12/2012

Referring to a Mayo Clinic study in Rochester, Minnesota, the Association of German Rheumatologists (BDRh) points out that there is an increased risk of bone fractures in younger women with rheumatoid arthritis. Until now, the assumption that the increased bone fracture risk only affected older patients was valid.

Even in young patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the risk of bone fractures in the event of a fall or comparable stress is significantly increased, according to the latest communication from the Professional Association of German Rheumatologists. The cited study of the US scientists around the rheumatologist Dr. med. For the first time, Shreyasee Amin from the Mayo Clinic clearly demonstrated that not only patients over the age of 50 suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have an increased bone fracture risk, but that this also applies to significantly younger patients in women.

Especially younger women are subject to an increase in bone fracture risk
Between male and female rheumatoid arthritis patients, there is a significant difference in bone fracture risk, according to US scientists. While male patients at a young age have a slightly higher bone fracture risk compared to healthy peers, the likelihood of such injuries only increases with age. In women with rheumatoid arthritis, however, increases the risk of bone fractures significantly at a young age, according to the results of the US researchers, said the Association of German Rheumatologists in Wiesbaden. Thus, women under the age of 50 years with rheumatoid arthritis should also be aware of the fact that they must be particularly careful to avoid fractures, according to the statement of the study leader Dr. med. Shreyasee amine. The Association of German Rheumatologists emphasized that women with rheumatoid arthritis should urgently measure their bone density in order to determine the possible bone loss (osteoporosis) and to better estimate the risk of bone fractures.

Prevent broken bones with proper nutrition and plenty of sunlight
As a preventive measure to strengthen bones, the BDRh recommends plenty of daylight and outdoor exposure to stimulate vitamin D production, as it is needed to absorb bone-hardening calcium from the intestine. If those affected do not get enough sunshine to make enough vitamin D, according to the Association of German Rheumatologists also remedy the vitamin D deficiency by supplementing makes sense. However, the vitamin D should not be overdosed, as a vitamin D surplus is unhealthy, so the statement of the experts. As further measures to strengthen the bones of the BDRh recommends regular exercise and a calcium-rich diet, which here, according to the BDRh, for example, a lot of dairy products, green vegetables such as broccoli or kale, sesame and calcium-containing juices are consumed. On phosphate-containing or oxalic acid-containing foods such as white bread, sausage, processed cheese or soft drinks, patients with rheumatoid arthritis should best do without as much as possible, because they block the absorption of calcium in the body and thus promote a calcium deficiency. (Fp)

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