Definition of a population‐specific dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry reference standard in Isfahani women

Abstract

AbstractObjective: There are some clues that correct interpretation of bone mineral density (BMD) when measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) which requires a population specific reference range. We determined reference values of BMD and the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in postmenopausal Isfahani women.Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, 1118 healthy women from Isfahan, aged between 20 and 80 years were recruited door‐to‐door for research. BMD was measured at the anteroposterior lumbar spine (L2–L4) (AP) and femoral neck (FN) with the Lunar DPX‐IQ densitometer. Peak bone mass (PBM), reference curves of BMD, prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia were determined according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.Results: In Isfahani women osteoporosis and osteopenia of the AP lumbar spine exists at BMD < 0.898 g/cm2 and between 1.078 g/cm2 and 0.898 g/cm2, respectively. At the FN a BMD < 0.676 g/cm2 defines osteoporosis whereas osteopenia is defined as a BMD between 0.841 g/cm2 and 0.676 g/cm2. The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia at the AP lumbar spine in the age groups 51–55, 56–60, 61–65, 66–70, > 70 years were, 7.9%, 19.6%, 26%, 32.1%, 31.8%, and 28.9%, 36.5%, 38.4%, 41.1%, 45.5%, respectively. The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia at the FN in the same age groups, were, 2.6%, 2%, 12.3%, 14.3%, 22.7% and 28.3%, 39.9%, 43.8%, 50%, 68.2%, respectively.Conclusions: Our data would use a population‐specific reference range for DXA measurements and to estimate the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis.