Abstract

Secondary Causes of Osteoporosis

Author(s): Joao Lagoas Gomes, Jaime Cunha Branco

Osteoporosis (OP) is characterized by low bone mass, microarchitectural disruption and skeletal fragility, resulting in decreased bone strength and an increased risk of fracture. In fact, fractures are the clinically relevant signs of OP, an otherwise silent disease. In inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) the systemic burden caused by inflammation, glucocorticoid treatment, immobilization and reduced physical activity due to painful joints and muscle weakness are associated with decreased bone mass and deterioration of bone quality leading to increased risk of falls and fragility fractures