Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex inflammatory disease that modifies body composition. Using the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in RA patients could be a method for body composition changes detection.

Objectives: To study the body composition using DXA in patients with RA.

Methods: The study involved 79 women with RA, median age 60 [55; 65] years. The bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry using «Discovery A» (Hologic, USA). Assessment of body composition was carried out, using the program «Whole body». Sarcopenia (SP) was diagnosed as a decrease in appendicular mass index (AMI) <6.0 kg/m ² . Osteoporosis (OP) was diagnosed as a decrease in T-score <-2.5 SD. Osteosarcopenia was determined when T-score was <-1.0 SD, AMI was <6.0 kg/m ² , osteosarcopenic obesity - T-score was <-1.0 SD, AMI was <6.0 kg/m ² and total fat was >35%.

Results: The mean duration of RA was 9 [3; 11] years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.6±4.8 kg/m ² . Disease activity score in 28 joints-erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 4.5±1.3 points for the group. 39 (49.3%) patients used oral glucocorticoids continuously. Appendicular muscle mass and AMI were on average 17.8±3.0 kg and 6.8±1.0 kg/m ² , respectively. AMI <6 kg/m ² was detected in 20 (25.3%) patients. 56 (70.9%) women with RA had total fat > 35%, while only 22 (27.8%) of women with RA had obesity according to BMI (BMI >30 kg/m ² ). Isolated OP was found in 13 (16.5%), osteosarcopenia in 7 (8.9%) and osteosarcopenic obesity in 13 (16.5%) patients RA. No cases with isolated sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity were detected. Only 3 (3.8%) patients did not have appendicular muscle mass, AMI and BMD decrease and overfat or obesity.

Conclusion: About 97% women with RA had abnormal body composition phenotype: 16,5% - OP, 8.9% -osteosarcopenia, 16,5% - osteosarcopenic obesity and 54,4% - overfat.

Disclosure of Interests: None declared