Received Bone Mineral Density Research Articles

Screening of Fracture Risk and Osteoporosis Among Older Long-term Care Residents: A Prospective Study.

This prospective study assessed the effectiveness of screening older long-term care residents (LTCRs) for fracture risk and osteoporosis in Taiwan. Fracture risk screening was done using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX), and those with high or moderate risk were offered osteoporosis workup and treatment at the hospital. Among 785 LTCRs screened, 338 men (mean age 75.6) and 447 women (mean age 81.2) were included. Only 5.2% of women and no men were using anti-osteoporosis medication. Based on the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) recommendations, 69.2% of men and 92.6% of women were classified as high fracture risk. In 110 participants willing to receive bone mineral density examination, osteoporosis was diagnosed in 86.2% of women and half of men. FRAX could effectively differentiate fracture risk in 648 LTCRs who completed 2-year follow-ups; no fracture occurred in the low-risk group. The study emphasizes the importance of fracture risk screening to enhance osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment among LTCRs.

Bone health risk assessment in a clinical setting: an evaluation of a new screening tool for active populations

Introduction: Risk factors for poor bone health are not restricted to older, sedentary populations for whom current screening is focused. Furthermore, access to dual X-ray absorptiometry scanning can be limited in clinical practice. The purpose of the current study was to develop a bone health-screening tool suitable for inclusion of both younger and active populations, combined with assessing bone health with radiofrequency echographic multi spectrometry technology (REMS). Methodology: Participants (n=88) attending a physiotherapy clinic in the UK was recruited to the study: 71 women (mean age 41.5 SD 14.0 years); 17 men (mean age 40.2 SD 14.9 years). Participants completed an online bone health-screening questionnaire developed specifically for this study covering a range of lifestyle, physiological factors, combined with medical interview and received bone mineral density (BMD) measurement at the lumbar spine and femoral neck using REMS. Results: Scoring of the bone health-screening questionnaire produced a distribution of bone health scores, with lower scores suggesting a higher risk for poor bone health. In women, scores ranged from -10 to +12, mean score 2.2 (SD 4.8). In men, scores ranged from 0 to 12, mean score 6.9 (SD 3.2). A positive correlation was observed between the bone health score derived from the questionnaire and lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD Z-scores (p<0.01). Conclusions: This new and comprehensive bone health-screening questionnaire with interview was effective in identifying active individuals at risk of bone fragility, who might be missed by current screening methods. The use of REMS technology to measure bone health was feasible in the clinical setting.

A retrospective observational study of osteoporosis management after a fragility fracture in primary care

SummaryIn many countries, osteoporosis is predominantly managed by primary care physicians; however, management after a fragility fracture has not been widely investigated. We describe osteoporosis care gaps in a real-world patient cohort. Our findings help inform initiatives to identify and overcome obstacles to effective management of patients after fragility fracture.PurposeA fragility fracture is a major risk factor for subsequent fracture in adults aged ≥ 50 years. This retrospective observational study aimed to characterize post-fracture management in Canadian primary care.MethodsA total of 778 patients with an index fragility fracture (low-trauma, excluding small bones) occurring between 2014 and 2016 were identified from medical records at 76 primary care centers in Canada, with follow-up until January 2018.ResultsOf 778 patients (80.5% female, median age [IQR] 73 [64–80]), 215 were on osteoporosis treatment and 269 had osteoporosis diagnosis recorded prior to their index fracture. The median follow-up was 363 (IQR 91–808) days. Of patients not on osteoporosis treatment at their index fracture, 60.2% (n = 339/563) remained untreated after their index fracture and 62.2% (n = 23/37) continued untreated after their subsequent fracture. After their index fracture, fracture risk assessment (FRAX or CAROC) was not performed in 83.2% (n = 647/778) of patients, and 59.9% (n = 466/778) of patients did not receive bone mineral density testing. Of patients without osteoporosis diagnosis recorded prior to their index date, 61.3% (n = 300/489) remained undiagnosed after their index fracture. At least one subsequent fracture occurred in 11.5% (n = 86/778) of patients.ConclusionIn the primary care setting, fragility fracture infrequently resulted in osteoporosis treatment or fracture risk assessment, even after multiple fragility fractures. These results suggest a fragility fracture is not recognized as a major risk factor for subsequent fracture and its occurrence does not prompt primary care physicians to intervene. These data urge initiatives to identify and overcome obstacles to primary care physicians’ effective management of patients after fragility fractures.

One-year outcomes of an osteoporosis liaison services program initiated within a healthcare system.

A significant gap exists in the care of patients with osteoporosis and fragility fractures. This study aimed to evaluate 1-year outcomes of an osteoporosis liaison service (OLS) program that includes two independent components: medication management services (MMS) to improve medication adherence and fracture liaison services (FLS) for secondary prevention. Patients with new hip fracture or untreated vertebral fractures enrolled in the FLS program (n = 600), and those with osteoporosis medication management issues but not necessarily fragility fractures enrolled in the MMS program (n = 499) were included. To evaluate outcomes, care coordinators assessed baseline items adapted from the 13 Best Practices Framework (BPF) standards of the International Osteoporosis Foundation, with telephone follow-up every 4 months for 1 year. Mean age of this cohort was 76.2 ± 10.3 years, 78.8% were female. After 1-year participation in the program, all patients had received bone mineral density tests, and medication adherence for the entire cohort at 12 months was 91.9 ± 19.6%, with significant improvement in fall rates (23.4% reduction), exercise rates (16.8% increase), calcium intake (26.5% increase), vitamin D intake (26.4% increase), and adequate protein intake (17.3% increase) (all p < 0.05). After 1-year OLS program, the overall rates of mortality, incident fracture, and falls were 6.6%, 4.0%, and 24.3%, respectively. The OLS program is associated with improved osteoporosis care, including increased medication adherence, calcium/vitamin D and protein intake, and reduced fall rate.

Impact of the Requirement of Bone Mineral Density Evidence on Utilization of Anti-osteoporosis Medications, Clinical Outcome and Medical Expenditures of Patient With Hip Fracture in Taiwan.

Background: Since 2011, Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) issued a regulation on the reimbursement to anti-osteoporosis medications (AOMs). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of this regulation in reimbursement on the utilization of AOMs, clinical outcomes and associated medical expenditures of patients with incident hip fractures. Methods: By using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), patients with incident hip fracture from 2006 to 2015 were identified as our study cohort. Patients younger than 50 years old or prescribed with AOMs within one year prior to incident fracture were excluded. Outcomes of interest were quarterly estimates of the proportion of patients who received bone mineral density (BMD) examination, who were prescribed AOMs, as well as who encountered subsequent osteoporotic fracture-related visits and associated medical expenditures. Particularly, age- and gender specific estimates were reported. An interrupted time series study design with segmented regression model was used to quantitatively explore the impact of the changes of the reimbursement criteria on the level (immediate) and trend (long-term) changes of these outcomes. Results: Our study enrolled 118 493 patients with incident hip fracture with those patients aged older than 80 years old accounting for the largest proportion. A significantly decreased trend of AOMs prescription rates was observed immediately post regulation except for female aged between 65 and 80, while the long-term pattern showed no significant difference. However, the percentage of patients encountered subsequent osteoporotic fracture-related visit was not statistically different between pre- and post-regulation periods. Noteworthy, the policy regulation was associated with an increasing trend of osteoporotic fracture associated medical expenditures, especially for patients older than 80 years old.Conclusion: The regulation on the reimbursement for AOMs decreased the prescribing rate of AOMs immediately although the effect did not sustain thereafter. However, higher subsequent osteoporotic fracture-related medical expenditures were introduced, especially among those very old population.

Prediction of Osteoporosis Among Vietnamese Women

Screening for osteoporosis and fracture risk in Vietnamese American women younger than 65 years is not well described. Controversy exists over who among this group should receive bone mineral density testing. This study compared the predictive value of 2 prescreening tools, the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians and the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool. A 6-month retrospective health record review was completed on 149 postmenopausal Vietnamese American women, 45 to 64 years old, in a primary care setting in Southern California. Demographic and clinical risk factors were used to calculate Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians and Fracture Risk Assessment Tool scores. Sensitivity and specificity to predict bone mineral density results are reported.

Management of Fragility Hip Fractures: Our Institutional Experience.

Introduction:Approximately 320 000 fragility hip fractures are sustained in the United States annually, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality as well as significant economic burden on the health-care system. Nevertheless, a majority of these patients are not screened and do not receive treatment for osteoporosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate rates of osteoporosis screening and treatment in our institution and compare them to those reported in the literature.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study of 191 patients ages 50 and older who sustained osteoporotic hip fractures. Primary outcome measures were percentage of patients who (1) underwent bone health laboratory workup during admission, (2) were started on vitamin D, calcium, and/or a bisphosphonate, (3) received bone mineral density testing, and (4) followed up with a primary care doctor or endocrinologist. Secondary outcomes measures were (1) whether gender, race, or age influenced our primary outcomes and (2) whether obtaining in-hospital laboratory workup led to increased rates of further screening and treatment.Results:Fifty-six (29.3%) patients received full laboratory workup, 48 (25.1%) were prescribed vitamin D and calcium, 11 (5.7%) were prescribed a bisphosphonate, 13 (6.8%) underwent bone mineral density testing, and 41 (21.5%) followed up with primary care or endocrinology.Discussion:Women were more likely to be treated with vitamin D and calcium. Outcomes were similar regardless of race. Younger patients were more likely to undergo laboratory testing, bisphosphonate therapy, and bone mineral density testing. Initiating workup during admission did not lead to increased rates of outpatient treatment.Conclusion:Despite nationwide efforts to improve, rates of osteoporosis screening and treatment following hip fracture are suboptimal. Rates at our institution are similar to those reported in previous studies. There were disparities between gender and age groups. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether more recently implemented policies lead to better osteoporosis screening and management.

Influence of bone densitometry on the anti-osteoporosis treatment after fragility hip fracture

BackgroundFragility fracture significantly increases risk of future fracture. The fragility fracture cycle should be disrupted. The secondary fracture prevention is important for the patients with fragility hip fracture. The pharmacotherapy for osteoporosis is important for prevention of new fracture. However, many patients with hip fracture do not receive osteoporosis treatment. This retrospective study investigates the influence of bone mineral density (BMD) assessment on the initiation of anti-osteoporosis medications in the hospitalized patients with fragility hip fracture.MethodsThis retrospective research enrolled 1211 patients with fragility hip fracture 50 years of age and older. Among 1211 patients aged from 50 to 103 years with the average age of 77.83 ± 9.95 years, there were 807 females and 404 males. There were 634 fractures of femoral neck and 577 intertrochanteric fractures of femur. We examined whether patients had received bone mineral density assessment and received anti-osteoporosis therapy during the period of hospitalization. The patients were divided into BMD assessment group and no BMD assessment group. Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and compared with t test. All parameters of groups were compared with Chi-square test.ResultsOf 1211 patients, 331 (27.33%) had received BMD assessment and 925 (76.38%) had received anti-osteoporosis drugs during the period of hospitalization. The rate of bisphosphonate use was lower and only 11.31% in the total patients. The anti-osteoporosis treatment rate was 93.66% in the patients receiving BMD assessment and 69.89% in the patients without BMD assessment (p < 0.01). The zoledronate use significantly increased from 6.7% in the patients without BMD assessment to 23.56% in the patients receiving BMD assessment (p < 0.01).ConclusionsBMD assessment is a good basis for communication between patients and orthopedic surgeons. BMD assessment significantly increases the initiation of osteoporosis treatment and bisphosphonate use in the patients with hip fracture during the period of hospitalization.

Fracture prevention service to bridge the osteoporosis care gap.

BackgroundA care gap exists between the health care needs of older persons with fragility fractures and the therapeutic answers they receive. The Fracture Prevention Service (FPS), a tailored in-hospital model of care, may effectively bridge the osteoporosis care gap for hip-fractured older persons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the FPS in targeting persons at high risk of future fracture and to improve their adherence to treatment.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study conducted in a teaching hospital with traumatology and geriatric units, and had a pre-intervention and post-intervention phase. The records of 172 participants were evaluated in the pre-intervention phase, while data from 210 participants were gathered in the post-intervention phase. All participants underwent telephone follow-up at 12 months after hospital discharge. The participants were patients aged ≥65 years admitted to the orthopedic acute ward who underwent surgical repair of a proximal femoral fracture. A multidisciplinary integrated model of care was established. Dedicated pathways were implemented in clinical practice to optimize the identification of high-risk persons, improve their evaluation through bone mineral density testing and blood examinations, and initiate an appropriate treatment for secondary prevention of falls and fragility fractures.ResultsCompared with the pre-intervention phase, more hip-fractured persons received bone mineral density testing (47.62% versus 14.53%, P<0.0001), specific pharmacological treatments (48.51% versus 17.16%, P<0.0001), and an appointment for evaluation at a fall and fracture clinic (52.48% versus 2.37%, P<0.0001) in the post-intervention phase. Independent of some confounders, implementation of the FPS was positively associated with recommendations for secondary fracture prevention at discharge (P<0.0001) and with 1-year adherence to pharmacological treatment (P<0.0001).ConclusionThe FPS is an effective multidisciplinary integrated model of care to optimize identification of older persons at highest risk for fragility fracture, to improve their clinical management, and to increase adherence to prescriptions.

Self-reported osteoporosis prevention in inhaled corticosteroid users in community pharmacy setting.

Objectives:The use of inhaled corticosteroids is the standard maintenance therapy in asthma therapy and as adjunct therapy in moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A dose-related increase in fracture risk is associated with inhaled corticosteroid use; there is an inverse relationship between bone mineral density and duration and cumulative dose of inhaled corticosteroid. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D are cornerstones of osteoporosis prevention. The objectives are to assess whether the proportion of patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids are taking calcium and vitamin D; the association between long-term inhaled corticosteroid use and abnormal bone mineral density or fractures; and how many qualified patients received bone mineral density scans.Methods:Patients who filled a prescription for inhaled corticosteroids at selected community pharmacies across Alberta were recruited for a survey of their osteoporosis prevention activities.Results:A total of 256 patients from 12 community pharmacies were included. The average age was 60 ± 17.4 years with 65% female. There were 21%, 51%, and 28% of patients on high, medium, and low dose inhaled corticosteroids, respectively. Only 17% of patients >50 years old received recommended calcium and vitamin D supplementation and 87 (73%) of the qualified patients received bone mineral density scan.Conclusion:Osteoporosis prevention in inhaled corticosteroid users is currently poorly addressed. More promotion is needed to raise pharmacist awareness of the risks of inhaled corticosteroids.

Cochrane Review Brief: Email for Clinical Communication Between Healthcare Professionals

Keywords: Communication; email; healthcare professionals, systematic reviewRetiew question:What are the effects of healthcare professionals using email to communicate clinical information to each other, on healthcare professional outcomes; patient outcomes; health service performance; and service efficiency and acceptability compared to the usual forms of communication such as face-to-face, postal letters, telephone, and text messaging?Nursing Implications:Email is a popular and commonly-used method of communication, but its use in healthcare is not routine. Nurses often need to discuss cases and liaise with doctors and other healthcare allies to coordinate patient care. There are advantages and disadvantages in the use of email for clinical communication and the effects of email use for clinical communication have yet to be established.Study Characteristics :This is a summary of a Cochrane systematic review. The review included one randomized controlled trial involving a total of 327 patients and 159 healthcare providers. There were two intervention arms of the trial which assessed the use of electronic medical record (EMR) reminders alone, or EMR + patient reminder, compared to usual care (no email reminder). However, to meet the objective of the review, only the comparison between the EMR reminder group (101 patients) and the usual care group (101 patients) was considered. Participants were women aged between 50 and 89 years who had suffered a fracture in 1999 and had not received bone mineral density (BMD) measurement or medication for osteoporosis. The intervention (EMR) was delivered to the primary care physicians of the patients to remind them of the patient's risk of osteoporosis and the need for evaluation and treatment, as well as a reminder (three months later) for ordering a BMDMeasured outcomes Included: (1) health professional actions and performance in terms of whether the care provider ordered a BMD measurement, and/or prescribed osteoporosis medications; and (2) patient outcomes Including behaviors such as calcium intake and activity level and patient satisfaction with the care and services received for bone health.This study was at high risk of bias due to inadequate allocation concealment and blinding and unclear risk of bias due to other sources, including use of a patient questionnaire that had not been validated.Summary of Key Evidence:As the review included only one study, it was not possible to conduct meta-analysis and the main findings were described using narrative summary. …

Treatment and Management of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis within an Ambulatory Care Network

Background: Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite established guidelines for the care of PMO, the treatment and management of this disease remain suboptimal. Objective: To examine the treatment and management of PMO in a community-based ambulatory care setting. Methods: Women with a new diagnosis of PMO (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, code 733.01) were identified through the electronic health records (EHR) of a community-based ambulatory care network in northern California between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2008. Patients were included if they were 65 years of age or older and had EHR activity 26 months or more after diagnosis. They were excluded if they had a diagnosis of osteoporosis (ICD-9:733.xx) prior to the study period. A retrospective review of the EHR and medical charts was performed to identify patients who were prescribed FDA-approved pharmacotherapy, who received bone mineral density (BMD) testing via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and who experienced a fracture. Results: One hundred thirty-one PMO patients were identified who met study eligibility criteria. Fifty-nine patients (45%) were prescribed FDA-approved pharmacotherapy at diagnosis. Ninety patients (69%) were prescribed pharmacotherapy at any point during follow-up. Sixty-four patients (49%) had a baseline DXA scan and 95 patients (73%) had 1 or more DXA scans during follow-up. Seventeen of 90 patients (19%) who received pharmacotherapy had 2 DXA scans within 2 years of follow-up. Nineteen fractures were reported among 16 patients during the study period. Conclusions: The proportion of patients with PMO who received pharmacologic treatment at diagnosis and had a baseline DXA scan was relatively low; however, the majority of these patients received treatment and had 1 or more DXA scans at some point during the 26-month follow-up period. Future studies should be conducted to assess the role of early BMD testing and pharmacologic intervention in optimizing outcomes among women with PMO.

Physician Follow-up Care for Osteoporosis After Fragility Fractures

Osteoporosis affects > 10 million Americans each year. The disease is characterized by low bone mass and decreased bone strength, and patients often sustain fragility fractures. Previous research highlights low rates of identification and treatment of the disease after a fragility fracture, yet patients are still overlooked. This study identified patients who did not receive proper osteoporosis care after a fragility fracture in Southeastern Pennsylvania. In a telephone interview, we asked patients who had sustained a fragility fracture in 2008 and were treated at one orthopedic practice about information on events before and after their fractures. We concluded that a patient's bone health had suboptimal care if, after the fracture, the patient had no doctor interview, did not receive bone mineral density testing, and did not begin or change medications. Of the 224 patients who participated in our study, we determined that 149 (67%) patients received insufficient osteoporosis care. One hundred fourteen (63%) women and 35 (80%) men received inadequate osteoporosis care. The high incidence of unsatisfactory care, particularly in men, indicates that osteoporosis care continues to be a problem. We believe that one contributing factor is physician accountability for care. Our study indicates that no specific specialist takes responsibility for follow-up care, possibly signifying the lack of an adequate system for identifying and treating the disease. The opportunity to address this issue should be a high priority for both primary care physicians and orthopedic surgeons.

A multifaceted intervention to improve treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with wrist fractures: a cluster randomized trial

In a cluster randomized trial, we evaluated the effect of a multifaceted intervention (directed at both patient and primary care physician) on the rates of testing and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women within six months of their wrist fracture. Compared to usual care, women in the intervention practices were three times more likely to receive bone mineral density testing and prescribed osteoporosis treatments. Postmenopausal women with wrist fractures are at increased risk of future fragility fractures, yet they frequently do not receive evaluation and treatment for osteoporosis. We set out to evaluate a multifaceted intervention designed to improve management of osteoporosis in older women with recent wrist fractures. Cluster randomized trial of 270 women cared for in 119 primary care practices. We recruited postmenopausal women with an acute wrist fracture from the emergency departments of hospitals in southeastern Ontario, Canada. Family practices were randomly assigned to either the intervention or usual care. The intervention consisted of a mailed reminder with a summary of treatment guidelines and letter sent to the primary care physician, in addition to an educational package and letter to the women. The primary outcome was the proportion of women prescribed osteoporosis therapy within 6 months of their fracture. The mean age of women was 69(10.9) years. The intervention increased the proportion of women started on osteoporosis medications (28% vs. 10%) of controls, adjusted OR 3.45, 95% CI, 1.58-7.56, p = 0.002) and the proportion who had a bone mineral density (BMD) test (53.3% vs. 26%) of controls, OR 3.38, 95% CI, 1.83-6.26, p < 0.001). In addition to the intervention, having a female physician was a predictor of increased testing and treatment rates. A multifaceted intervention significantly improved rates of osteoporosis treatment and BMD testing in postmenopausal women with wrist fractures.

BMI and low bone mass in an elderly male nursing home population

Little is known about osteoporosis in institutionalized older adults. Risk factors such as low body mass index (BMI) have been investigated in female populations, but remain understudied in men. The objective of this study was to examine characteristics of older men residing in a nursing home who received bone mineral density evaluations. 57 male Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) nursing home residents were screened for osteoporosis using a peripheral dual X-ray (pDXA) technique. T-scores were categorized into three groups: normal (0 > -1); osteopenic (-1 to -2.49); osteoporotic (< -2.5). Average age was 76.2 years (standard deviation = 11.5; range: 48-100). T-scores indicated that 37.3% of the population was normal, 35.6% osteopenic, and 27.1% osteoporotic. 35.6% of patients had normal BMIs, 3.4% were underweight, 47.5% were overweight, and 13.6% were considered obese. There was a high prevalence of overweight and obese individuals (61.1%) in the osteopenic and osteoporotic groups. As expected, there was a high prevalence of low bone mass in our population (62%). However, overweight and obese men were more likely to have osteoporosis and osteopenia, contrary to literature and clinical knowledge. This finding may be partially explained by the prevalence of sedentary lifestyle and relative lack of weight-bearing activity in this group of men.

Electronic Medical Record Reminder Improves Osteoporosis Management After a Fracture: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Osteoporosis treatment rates after a fracture are low. This study evaluated methods to increase guideline-recommended osteoporosis care postfracture. Participants were randomly assigned to usual care or one of two interventions. Analysis of primary outcomes used electronic data and linear regression. A Pacific Northwest nonprofit health maintenance organization. Female patients aged 50 to 89 who suffered a fracture in 1999 and had not received bone mineral density (BMD) measurement or medication for osteoporosis (n=311) and their primary care providers (n=159). Patient-specific clinical guideline advice to the primary care provider delivered by electronic medical record (EMR) message or electronic reminder to the provider plus an educational letter mailed to the patient. BMD measurement and osteoporosis medication. At 6 months, provider reminder resulted in 51.5% of patients receiving BMD measurement or osteoporosis medication, provider reminder plus patient education resulted in 43.1%, and usual care resulted in 5.9% (P<.001). The effect of provider advice combined with patient education was not significantly different from provider advice alone (P=.88). Patients aged 60 to 69 were 18% (95% confidence interval=3-34) more likely to receive BMD measurement or an osteoporosis medication than those aged 80 to 89. Patient-specific postfracture advice to the provider through an EMR message significantly increased BMD measurement and osteoporosis medication. As EMRs become more widespread, this intervention could improve osteoporosis management for many postfracture patients. Future research should identify barriers to and facilitators of care for older, high-risk patients.

Impact of Pharmacist Intervention on Osteoporosis Treatment after Fragility Fracture

Objective and Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether increasing patient, nurse, and family physician awareness about osteoporosis had an effect on post-discharge initiation of osteoporosis treatment after fragility fracture. A recent study had found that less than 20% of patients with osteoporosis who were treated in hospital for bone fracture received subsequent investigation and treatment of their osteoporosis. Methods: The subjects consisted of a historical cohort of 33 patients and a prospective intervention group of 33 patients admitted to a community hospital with a diagnosis of fragility fracture. Data were analyzed for 28 patients in the historical control group and 27 patients in the intervention group. All patients in the latter group gave verbal consent to discuss risk factors and treatment options for osteoporosis. Subjects were included if they were at least 50 years of age and had been admitted to hospital because of hip, wrist, or ankle fracture. Patients were excluded if they had traumatic fractures or fractures related to cancer and if they had dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Patients in the intervention group received education from the pharmacist about osteoporosis. Patients in both groups received a follow-up phone assessment six months after the initial hospital admission. The main outcome measures were number of patients who received bone mineral density (BMD) tests and the number for whom osteoporosis treatment was initiated. Results: No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of the number of BMD tests ordered ( p = 0.49), however, significantly more patients in the pharmacist intervention group had started treatment for osteoporosis at six months after the fragility fracture ( p = 0.001). Conclusions: When pharmacists provided education about osteoporosis to patients and nurses and provided information about osteoporosis to family physicians, the proportion of patients receiving treatment for osteoporosis after a fragility fracture was significantly greater than when such information was not provided.

Skeletal health in postmenopausal survivors of early breast cancer

Estrogen plays an important role in the skeletal health of all women. Many therapies used in the treatment of breast cancer reduce estrogen levels and have the potential to affect bone negatively by increasing the risk of osteoporosis and associated bone fractures. The long-term effects of systemic endocrine therapy on bone, therefore, are an important consideration in the adjuvant setting. Tamoxifen has been shown to have a moderate protective effect on postmenopausal bone due to its partial estrogen agonist activity; however, its long-term use is potentially associated with negative side effects, such as an increased risk of thromboembolic disease and endometrial cancer. Newer agents, the third-generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs), anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane, for example, do not possess estrogen agonist effects and have improved breast cancer outcomes when compared to the standard 5 years of tamoxifen. However, patients treated with adjuvant AIs have been shown to have an increased incidence of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. In order to select the optimal adjuvant therapy for each patient, it is important to assess the overall risk:benefit ratio for each endocrine strategy. All postmenopausal women should follow published guidelines to assess the risk of osteoporosis and, where appropriate, they should receive bone mineral density monitoring. Postmenopausal women with breast cancer who are at increased risk of osteoporotic fracture should be identified and managed with appropriate nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic measures.

A Prospective Study Evaluating the Effects of Depo Proveba® on Bone Mineral Density in Adolescent Females: A Preliminary Report

Background Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo Provera ® ) is a popular contraceptive method among adolescents. Little is known, however, about the long term effects of Depo Provera ® on bone mineral density in adolescent females. This ongoing study prospectively evaluates the effects of Depo Provera ® and oral contraceptive pills on bone mineral density, compared to normally menstruating adolescents receiving no hormonal contraception. Methods From March 1, 1995 to December 31, 1997, 55 patients aged 12 to 17 presenting for new start hormonal contraception (Depo Provera ® : n = 30, oral contraceptive pills: n = 25) received baseline lumbar vertebral bone mineral density evaluation by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Patients continuing with their original contraceptive method received bone mineral density evaluation every six months. Patients who subsequently discontinued hormonal contraception, became, pregnant or switched to an alternative contraceptive method were removed from the study. Exclusion criteria included prior use of hormonal contraception, previous pregnancy, and pre-existing risk factors for osteoporosis. Results Baseline DEXA scans revealed no significant difference in bone mineral density between the three groups. After 1 year, bone mineral density decreased from baseline by 0.017 gm/cm 2 or 1.8% in the Depo Provera ® group (n = 15), and increased by 0.030 gm/cm 2 or 3.0% in the oral contraceptive group (n = 8), p = 0.013. Bone mineral density increased by 0.0093 gm/cm 2 or 1.2% in the normally menstruating group over 1 year. After 18 months, bone mineral density decreased from baseline by 0.036 gm/cm 2 or 3.8% in the Depo Provera ® group (n = 10), and increased by 0.062 gm/cm 2 or 6.1% in the oral contraceptive group (n = 4), p 2 (2.0%) in the same time period. A subset of patients receiving Depo Provera ® over 24 months (n = 5) experienced a decrease of 0.222 gm/cm 2 or 4.8% in bone mineral density from baseline. There were no significant differences between the Depo Provera ® and oral contraceptive groups with respect to body mass index, race, smoking, alcohol consumption, or osteoporosis risk factors. Conclusions Depo Provera ® administration in adolescent females appears to be associated with a decrease in bone mineral density which becomes more pronounced with long term use. This is particularly significant as peak bone mineral density is accrued during the adolescent years. Further research is needed to determine whether decreased skeletal bone mineralization induced by Depo Provera ® is reversible on discontinuation of Depo Provera ® , or may be prevented by the concurrent administration of anti resorptive/bone forming agents.