Association between vertebral fractures and comorbidities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at an increased risk of osteoporosis and vertebral fractures. We investigated the risk factors for vertebral fractures and severe vertebral fractures in patients with RA, including comorbidities and urinary pentosidine levels.

Materials and methods: This study included 637 patients with available clinical data on urinary pentosidine levels, vertebral fractures, and comorbidities. Vertebral fractures were evaluated using plain X-ray imaging. Comorbidities considered relevant to osteoporosis were type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and lung diseases.

Results: The prevalence of vertebral fractures in this cohort was 30.1%. Patients with vertebral fracture Patients with vertebral fractures were significantly more likely to be older [odds ratio (OR) 1.075; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.049-1.1.03], had higher prevalence of comorbidities (OR 1.770; 95% CI 1.138-2.753), higher urinary pentosidine levels (OR 1.028; 95% CI 1.013-1.044), higher history of non-vertebral fractures (OR 2.084; 95% CI 1.222-3.557), and lower total hip T-score (OR 0.526; 95% CI 0.329-0.841) than patients without vertebral fractures. Among patients with vertebral fractures, 54.2% had severe vertebral fractures. Patients with severe vertebral fractures were more likely to have lower lumbar spine T-scores (OR 0.768; 95% CI 0.622-0.949) than patients with non-severe vertebral fractures.

Conclusions: This study identified factors associated with vertebral fractures and severe vertebral fractures in patients with RA. Notably, vertebral fractures were associated with comorbidities and urinary pentosidine levels. In patients with RA and vertebral fractures, low BMD in the lumbar spine was a significant factor associated with severe vertebral fractures.