Lower odds of prevalent vertebral fractures with b/tsDMARD use among rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical remission: a retrospective observational study - Scorecard - MDSpire

Lower odds of prevalent vertebral fractures with b/tsDMARD use among rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical remission: a retrospective observational study

  • By

  • Yu Yamashita

  • Kazuhiro Maeda

  • Asami Zenitani

  • Mitsuru Saito

  • May 13, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Reduced prevalence of vertebral fractures in rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical remission using b/tsDMARDs: a retrospective observational analysis

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionRheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Key MechanismsChronic inflammation leading to bone loss and fragility fractures.
Target PopulationPatients with RA aged ≥ 40 years in clinical remission.
Care SettingOrthopaedic Surgery Departments at The Jikei University School of Medicine and The Jikei University Daisan Hospital.

Key Highlights

  • RA patients in clinical remission have a high prevalence of osteoporosis and fragility fractures.
  • Use of b/tsDMARDs is associated with lower serum pentosidine levels.
  • Vertebral fractures can occur even with normal bone mineral density.
  • Residual inflammatory activity impacts serum pentosidine levels.
  • Study included 76 patients with RA in clinical remission.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Assess disease activity using DAS28-CRP and DAS28-ESR.

Management

  • Consider b/tsDMARDs for patients in clinical remission to reduce fracture risk.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Regularly monitor serum pentosidine levels and bone health in RA patients.

Risks

  • Increased risk of vertebral fractures despite normal bone mineral density.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with RA aged ≥ 40 years in clinical remission.

b/tsDMARDs may lower the risk of vertebral fractures by improving bone quality.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Evaluate bone health regularly in RA patients.
  • Utilize imaging to assess for vertebral fractures in at-risk patients.
  • Incorporate anti-osteoporosis medications as needed.

Related Resources & Content

Original Source(s)

Lower odds of prevalent vertebral fractures with b/tsDMARD use among rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical remission: a retrospective observational study

  • by Yu Yamashita, Kazuhiro Maeda, Asami Zenitani, Mitsuru Saito

  • May 13, 2026

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