| [ Summary ] |
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of anti-TNFα agent, the anti-human TNF-α monoclonal antibody, infliximab (IFX) on bone metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Eighty-seven patients (IFX 43 ; nonbiologics 47) who were followed for twelve months or longer were analyzed. Fifty-two weeks after treatment, a bone resorption marker, NTx markedly decreased in the urine and the serum osteocalcin level, bone formation marker, increased significantly in the IFX group. There was no change in bone mineral density (BMD) in the femoral neck. However, in the IFX group, BMD in the femoral neck was significantly higher than that in rheumatoid arthritis patients who were not treated with biologic agents. In conclusion, anti-TNF-α therapy with IFX inhibits bone resorption and promotes bone formation, thus preventing decreases in BMD in rheumatoid arthritis patients. |