Dynamics in Bone Turnover Markers During and After Short-term Glucocorticoid Treatment in Patients With an Inflammatory Joint Disease

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are recommended as an important tool in follow-up of osteoporosis treatment. However, there is a lack of knowledge in the reliability of BTMs during and after glucocorticoid treatment. Glucocorticoids suppresses BTMs during treatment with at least 30% and, moreover, glucocorticoids increase the risk of fractures. Patients with an inflammatory joint disease are at increased risk of osteoporosis, and disease flares are often treated with glucocorticoids, which in turn can lead to loss in reliability of the BTMs in patients who also are on osteoporosis treatment. There is a need of more knowledge on BTM changes during and after glucocorticoid treatment for optimized patientcare, reduced risk of side effects and reduced health economic costs.

Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic joint disease * indication of disease modifying treatment initiation with or without glucocorticoids OR * stable DMARD treatment with parenteral glucocorticoid injection Exclusion Criteria: * known osteoporosis or osteoporosis treatment * women during the transitory phase * oestrogen treatment * any fracture within the last year * chronic glucocorticoid treatment * glucocorticoid treatment within the last year prior to inclusion * active cancer * kidney failure