Osteoporosis Risk Factors and Bone Mineral Density in Women With MS

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the results of bone mineral density (BMD) screening in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to identify risk factors for osteoporosis in women with MS and their use of preventive strategies. Methods: BMD screening was performed at the os calcis. A self-administered survey, formatted as a checklist, asked women with MS about their risk factors for osteoporosis and their use of osteoporosis prevention strategies. Findings: 142 women with MS completed the study. Using a modified classification system suggested for use with peripheral measurements of BMD, 44.4% of women in the sample were categorized as having normal BMD, 35.2% were osteopenic, and 20.4% were osteoporotic. The number of risk factors for osteoporosis reported by women with MS ranged from zero to 10 with a mean of 4.6 ± 1.8. Relatively few women were using strategies to minimize their risks for osteoporosis. Of those who did employ a risk-minimization strategy, the lowest number of women in the sample (4.3%) used raloxifene, and the highest number of women (38.6%) used calcium supplementation. Conclusions: Low BMD is common in women with MS, increasing their risk for osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. Greater awareness is needed among health care providers regarding the increased risk and high incidence of osteoporosis in women with MS. Strategies to detect and prevent osteoporosis are warranted in women with MS in order to prevent further disability caused by osteoporosis-related fractures. (Int J MS Care. 2002; 4: 17–23, 29)