Study of Anticholinergic Drug Use and Fracture Risk in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the impact of medications with anticholinergic effects on fracture risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis RA, a chronic inflammatory disease. This observational study aims to understand how anticholinergic drug use contributes to anticholinergic load and the risk of fractures using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool FRAX. The study includes patients diagnosed with RA according to established criteria and considers the role of corticosteroids and other drugs affecting bone health. Participants will be grouped based on their anticholinergic burden, measured by tools including the Anticholinergic Drug Scale, Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale, and Anticholinergic Risk Scale. Bone mineral density will be assessed using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry DEXA, and fracture risk will be evaluated with the FRAX tool. Demographic data, systemic diseases, medications, laboratory tests, and bone density measurements will be recorded from patient files. During the study, researchers will collect and analyze data on anticholinergic load and fracture risk factors. Laboratory values such as calcium, phosphorus, thyroid hormones, vitamin D, and liver and kidney function tests will be reviewed. Primary outcomes include assessments of anticholinergic cognitive load and risk scales one week after study start, while fracture risk will be a key secondary outcome. The study is expected to run through 2025 and involves outpatient follow-up and data collection.

Anticholinergic Burden and Osteoporosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis