ORIGINALS
IMAJ | volume 27
Journal 2, February 2025
pages: 98-102
Osteoporosis Among Glucocorticoid-treated Patients with Giant-cell Arteritis: A Population-based Cohort Analysis
1 Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
2 Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
3 Internal Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
4 Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
5 Chief Physician's Office, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
6 Siaal Research Center for Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
Summary
Background:
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a large vessel vasculitis predominantly affecting patients over 50 years, typically managed with glucocorticoids, with treatment varying on individual patient needs. While effective for GCA, long-term glucocorticoids use poses significant risks, including the development of osteoporosis, a metabolic bone disease common in older individuals. This overlap poses a significant clinical challenge, as the treatment for GCA inadvertently raises the risk of osteoporosis and necessitates careful balance to manage both conditions effectively.
Objectives:
To investigate the occurrence of osteoporosis and other co-morbid conditions in patients with GCA treated with glucocorticoids.
Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of GCA patients examined the correlation between GCA and osteoporosis by searching the Clalit Health Service database for patients over 50 years of age from January 2002 to January 2018. In addition, we conducted a logistic regression analysis stratifying for other co-morbidities to evaluate the independent association between GCA and osteoporosis.
Results:
In total, 6607 GCA patients were compared with 36,066 age- and sex-matched controls. The study revealed a higher prevalence of osteoporosis in the GCA group (43%) compared to controls (27%) (odds ratio [OR] 2.06, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.95–2.17). In addition, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease were more prevalent among GCA patients. After stratifying for cardiovascular co-morbidities, GCA remained independently associated with osteoporosis (OR 2.1, 95%CI 1.96–2.26,
P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Glucocorticoid-treated GCA is independently associated with osteoporosis. Healthcare providers must consider this added aspect of GCA for the treatment and management of patients.