Objective: To assess bone mineral density (BMD) in men with steroid-treated rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods: Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure BMD in 40 men with RA, 20 of whom were receiving low-dose corticosteroids (< or = 10 mg prednisolone daily), and in 20 healthy, age-matched male controls.
Results: BMD was significantly reduced at the femoral neck and greater trochanter in both groups of RA patients, and at the spine from the anteroposterior dimension in the steroid-treated group.
Conclusion: Low-dose steroid therapy may induce excess axial osteopenia in men with RA.