Evidence Hub

Crystalline arthropathy and bone health

Chang I, Gazeley D

Current opinion in rheumatology, 2018

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide insight on the proposed association between crystal arthritis and bone health. Crystal arthritis is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, and fractures contribute to significant morbidity and mortality, therefore, the relationship between the two is of clinical importance.

RECENT FINDINGS: There have been variable findings regarding hyperuricemia, low bone density and risk of fracture. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature showed a correlation between increased serum uric acid and lower risk of fracture. Less is known about calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease and bone health, although two large studies have suggested an association with osteopenia.

SUMMARY: A systematic review and meta-analysis of available data suggest a correlation between increased serum uric acid and lower risk of fracture. Findings support an association between bone health and crystal arthritis which warrants further study and may have implications for how we treat gout.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

Read the paper

Related studies

Go deeper in Evidence Hub

Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.

Open this study Sign up free