Key clinical point: Sarcopenia and poor balance were associated with a higher risk for vertebral spinal osteoporotic fracture (VOPF), disease activity, and joint structure damage in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Major finding: Women with vs without RA had a significantly higher incidence of sarcopenia (60.0% vs 11.1%; P < .0001), poor balance (44.1% vs 7.9%; P < .0001), and VOPF (21% vs 3.2%; P < .0001). Among women with RA, those with vs without VOPF had a significantly higher incidence of sarcopenia (75.6% vs 55.8%; P < .0001) and poor balance (68.3% vs 37.7%; P < .0001) and those with vs without sarcopenia and poor balance had a higher disease activity, more serious joint damage, and worse joint function (all P < .05).
Study details: This study included 195 women with RA and 126 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals.
Disclosures: This study did not declare any source of funding . The authors declared no competing interests.
Source: Zhang M et al. Effect of sarcopenia and poor balance on vertebral spinal osteoporotic fracture in female rheumatoid arthritis. Sci Rep. 2022;12:9477 (Jun 8). Doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-13339-2