The effect of glucocorticoids on bone mineral density in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials

In patients with early and active RA, we found no difference in change in BMD between patients treated with prednisone/prednisolone versus placebo, suggesting that at least through 24 months, the suppression of inflammation by glucocorticoids may counterbalance their adverse effects on bone remodeling.