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Chronic low-dose corticosteroid administration is associated with osteoporosis and increased risk of vertebral fracture. This double-blind trial evaluated whether calcium and vitamin D minimized bone loss in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, many of whom received chronic low-dose corticosteroids.
Participants were 130 adults with rheumatoid arthritis who were randomized to placebo or calcium carbonate (1000 mg/d) and vitamin D3 (500 IU/d). During a two-year study period, 29 patients failed to complete follow-ups. Of the 96 patients completing the study, 66 were receiving treatment with corticosteroids. Patients receiving calcium and vitamin D significantly increased bone density in their spines and femurs while those receiving placebo lost…