Fatores de risco para osteoporose em mulheres com artrite reumatoide: um estudo transversal no Hospital Geral de Palmas, Tocantins

Abstract

Osteoporosis (OP) is a frequent complication in woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), resulting from the interplay between chronic inflammation, pharmacological therapies, and individual factors that contribute to bone loss and increased fracture risk. This cross-sectional study, conducted at the rheumatology outpatient clinic of the General Hospital of Palmas, aimed to estimate the prevalence of OP and to identify associated risk factors in women with (RA). Researchers assessed eighty-eight women using sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic variables, along with fracture risk estimation. The prevalence of OP was 43.2%, significantly higher among women older than 60 years (p<0.001) and in the postmenopausal group (p<0.001). Comparative analysis revealed a higher occurrence of OP in woman with multiple comorbidities (p<0.001), family history of fracture (p=0.002), and previous fragility fractures (p<0.001), highlighting these as major clinical determinants of risk. The FRAX® score showed a significant correlation with the presence of OP (p<0.001), supporting its role as a complementary tool in identifying woman at greater risk for fractures, particularly in healthcare settings with limited access to bone densitometry. In conclusion, the studied population demonstrated a high prevalence of OP, especially associated with advanced age and menopause, underscoring the importance of early screening strategies, preventive interventions, and care protocols tailored to the public health system, with the aim of reducing fracture risk and improving patient’s quality of life.