Table 5 Multivariable regression analysis of ΔBMD after 1 year of follow-up, in tertiles with high, low and no BMD loss, in the spine and the hip (dependent variables) and disease and demographic variables (independent variables)
RR (95% CI)High BMD lossLow BMD lossNo BMD loss
SHS baseline†1.03 (1.01 to 1.05)0.99 (0.98 to 1.02)1
SHS progression >SDC*1.95 (1.06 to 3.80)1.94 (1.07 to 3.10)1
Bisphosphonate users*0.44 (0.23 to 0.87)0.54 (0.32 to 0.96)1

  • BMD, bone mineral density; SHS, Sharp–van der Heijde score; SDC, smallest detectable change.

  • The tertile with no BMD loss is used as reference population.

  • All variables are adjusted for age, sex, menopausal status, race, smoking status and alcohol status; SHS baseline and progression >SDC are additionally adjusted for symptom duration, rheumatoid factor status, disease activity score and health assessment questionnaire. Further, use of bisphosphonates is adjusted for vitamin D, calcium, hormone replacement therapy and intra-articular steroids. BMD, bone mineral density.

  • *Spine L2–4. †Total hip.