Osteoporotic phenotype of body composition: Relationship with nutritional status and physical condition in women with rheumatoid arthritis

Aim of the study – to assess the relationship of the osteoporotic phenotype of body composition with nutritional and physical status in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Material and methods. 104 women (average age 59.5±8.7 years) with RA were enrolled. The examination included clinical, laboratory and instrumental (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) methods. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutrition Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), physical status – using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), “Chair stand test”, handgrip strength, “Timed Up and Go test” and gait speed.Results. Osteoporotic phenotype was diagnosed in 38.5% of patients. Malnutrition and risk of malnutrition according to MNA-SF had 51.0% of women. Low and moderate level of physical activity according to IPAQ – 51.9% of patients. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent factors associated with osteoporotic phenotype were determined: walking <30 minutes a day (odds ratio (OR) – 1.34; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.11–17.32), low muscle strength of the upper extremities (handgrip strength less than 16 kg) (OR=7.12; 95% CI: 1.02–49.57) and lower extremities (“Chair stand test” more than 15 seconds) (OR=4.45; 95% CI: 1.08–18.42), body mass index (BMI) less than 25 kg/m2 (OR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.04–1.85).Conclusion. A high frequency of the osteoporotic phenotype of body composition was revealed in patients with RA, among whom almost half of the examined individuals had insufficient nutrition and/or reduced physical activity. Walking <30 minutes a day, low upper and lower limb muscle strength, and BMI<25 kg/m2 were associated with the osteoporotic phenotype.