Abstract

• Objectives
  To examine the management status of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) taking glucocorticoids treated at a tertiary hospital rheumatology Practice.
• Methods
  A retrospective chart review was performed on 114 RA patients who were noted to be taking glucocorticoids during the period of 2000.7 to 2003.7, and who had been followed up for at least one year period. Use of bone densitometry and use of prescription medication for osteoporosis management were assessed.
• Results
  Thirty one % of patients underwent bone densitometry, and 34% of patients received prescription medication for osteoporosis management. Sixty-six percent of patents who underwent bone densitometry showed osteoporosis with T score of less than 2.5, Osteoporosis medication was prescribed most often in the prednisolone exposure group of at least 7.5mg/d for at least 6 months. Factors associated with not receiving management for osteoporosis included male sex, young age, and premenopausal woman.
• Conclusion
  The use of bone densitometry and prescription medication for osteoporosis were suboptimal. Interventions to improve detection and prevention of glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis are necessary.
• Keywords: Glucocorticoid; Osteoporosis; Rheumatoid arthritis; Management