Prednisolone Reduces Harmful Effects of Inflammation on Hip Bone

Low-dose prednisolone for rheumatoid arthritis reduces the harmful effect of inflammation on bone tissue in the hip. According to a study published in the journal Arthritis Research and Therapy, researchers in Sweden divided 150 patients into two groups. One of the groups was given 7.5 mg prednisolone daily while the other group received no prednisolone. Indicators of bone formation and bone degradation were assessed at the beginning of the study and at 3 months and 12 months. Bone density measurements of the lumbar spine and femoral neck were also analyzed at study onset and after 24 months.

P1NP, the indicator of bone formation decreased in the prednisolone group. CTX-1 and 1CTP, bone degradation markers fell more in the prednisolone group than the other group. Bone density of the spine declined in both groups but in the femur it fell more in the group not receiving prednisolone. Researchers concluded that low-dose prednisolone counteracts the negative impact of inflammation one bone tissue in the hip -- a result that was somewhat a surprise since a side effect of corticosteroids is thinning of the bone.

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• Corticosteroid-Induced Osteoporosis - What You Need to Know

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