[Calcium-phosphate metabolism in chronic polyarthritis]

20 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis were studied to evaluate both, radiological and scintigraphic osseous changes, as well as possible disturbances in calcium phosphate metabolism. Joint and osseous alterations were assessed in all of them. Serum levels of magnesium, calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphate were within the normal range, and also concurrent measurements of serum 25-OH-D3 concentrations and plasma levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). However, in our patients with normal renal function, the plasma concentration of calcitonin (CT) was significantly elevated compared to normals (p less than 0.01). Our data indicate that in patients studied PTH and 25-OH-D3 does not contribute to the development and progression of osseous changes due to rheumatoid arthritis. Possibly the stimulatory effect of various osteolytic factors may cause as counterbalance elevations in plasma CT levels.