Screening and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients in an urban multispecialty practice.

BACKGROUND

Despite increased awareness of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, physicians are not providing recommended screening and treatment. The number of patients receiving bone density measurements, primary prevention, and secondary treatment remains low.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze physician adherence of rheumatologists in an urban multispecialty group to the American College of Rheumatology 2001 ad hoc committee guidelines for the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

The practice evaluated is a multispecialty practice in an urban setting affiliated with a teaching hospital. A retrospective chart review was performed. The names of 428 patients with RA were obtained by billing query. One hundred thirty-six charts met criteria for final analysis. Charts were reviewed for long-term corticosteroid use >or=5 mg/d for >or=6 months, baseline bone density scans, use of calcium and vitamin D, use of hormone replacement therapy, use of calcitonin, and use of a bisphosphonate.

RESULTS

59.7% of patients qualified as long-term corticosteroid users. Only 37% of long-term corticosteroid users received baseline bone density scans. Bone loss was documented in 70.4% of corticosteroid users who received baseline DEXA scans. Only 38.9% of long-term corticosteroid users received the recommended treatment of bisphosphonates or HRT with calcium plus vitamin D according to ACR guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Less then 40% of long-term corticosteroid users with RA received recommended DEXA scanning and treatment in a multispecialty rheumatology urban practice.