Dual X-ray absorptiometry whole body composition of adipose tissue in rheumatoid arthritis

Aim. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may influence not only abdominal fat, but also whole body adiposity, since it is associated with chronic inflammation and disability. The study aims to evaluate the whole body adiposity of RA patients and to assess potential influences of disease specific measures.

Methods. The study was designed to include Caucasian postmenopausal female RA patients and age-matched postmenopausal female controls. Each subject underwent on the same day clinical examination, laboratory tests, whole body dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) composition and physical activity estimation using a self-administered questionnaire.

Results. A total of 107 RA women and 104 matched controls were included. Compared to controls, the RA group had less physical activity and a higher prevalence of normal weight obesity. Overfat RA women had a significantly higher toll of inflammation, disease activity, glucocorticoid treatment and sedentary behavior. RA women with inflammation, glucocorticoid treatment and higher disease activity class had higher whole body and trunk adipose tissue indices and higher prevalence of overfat status. Glucocorticoid treatment, inflammation, disease duration and severity correlated with whole body adipose tissue and significantly predicted high adiposity content and overfat phenotypes.

Conclusions. RA disease duration and severity are associated with higher whole body and regional adiposity. Low-dose glucocorticoid treatment seems to contribute to adiposity gain and redistribution. Clinicians may need to assess body composition and physical activity in RA patients in order to fully manage cardiovascular outcomes and quality of life.