Akt 6 Flashcards
(283 cards)
What are significant risk factors for osteoporosis?
Advancing age and female sex
The prevalence of osteoporosis increases from 2% at 50 years to more than 25% at 80 years in women.
What are the most important risk factors used by major risk assessment tools such as FRAX?
- History of glucocorticoid use
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Alcohol excess
- History of parental hip fracture
- Low body mass index
- Current smoking
List some other risk factors for osteoporosis.
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Premature menopause
- Caucasians and Asians
- Endocrine disorders
- Multiple myeloma, lymphoma
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Chronic kidney disease
- Osteogenesis imperfecta, homocystinuria
Which medications may worsen osteoporosis?
- SSRIs
- Antiepileptics
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Glitazones
- Long term heparin therapy
- Aromatase inhibitors (e.g. anastrozole)
What are the reasons for further investigations in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis?
- Exclude diseases that mimic osteoporosis
- Identify the cause of osteoporosis and contributory factors
- Assess the risk of subsequent fractures
- Select the most appropriate form of treatment
What investigations are recommended by NOGG for osteoporosis?
- History and physical examination
- Blood cell count
- Sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein
- Serum calcium
- Albumin
- Creatinine
- Phosphate
- Alkaline phosphatase
- Liver transaminases
- Thyroid function tests
- Bone densitometry (DXA)
Fill in the blank: The minimum blood tests for all patients with osteoporosis include full blood count, urea and electrolytes, ______, CRP, and thyroid function tests.
liver function tests
What are some additional procedures that may be indicated for osteoporosis investigations?
- Lateral radiographs of lumbar and thoracic spine/DXA-based vertebral imaging
- Protein immunoelectrophoresis and urinary Bence-Jones proteins
- 25OHD
- PTH
- Serum testosterone, SHBG, FSH, LH (in men)
- Serum prolactin
- 24 hour urinary cortisol/dexamethasone suppression test
- Endomysial and/or tissue transglutaminase antibodies (coeliac disease)
- Isotope bone scan
- Markers of bone turnover, when available
- Urinary calcium excretion
What is a DEXA scan used for?
To assess bone density and diagnose conditions like osteoporosis
DEXA stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry.
What does the T score represent?
Bone mass compared to a young reference population
A T score indicates how much an individual’s bone density deviates from the average bone density of a healthy young adult.
What does a T score of -1.0 indicate?
Bone mass is one standard deviation below that of the young reference population
This is considered the threshold for normal bone density.
What is the Z score adjusted for?
Age, gender, and ethnic factors
The Z score provides a comparison of an individual’s bone density to that of others of the same age and demographic.
What does a T score greater than -1.0 indicate?
Normal bone density
This is a sign that the bone density is within the healthy range.
What T score range indicates osteopaenia?
-1.0 to -2.5
Osteopaenia is a condition where bone density is lower than normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis.
What T score value indicates osteoporosis?
< -2.5
Osteoporosis signifies significantly reduced bone density, increasing fracture risk.
What is a QFracture or FRAX score used for?
To identify patients at high risk of fragility fractures
These scores help assess the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.
What lifestyle changes should patients at risk of osteoporosis be advised to make?
- Healthy, balanced diet
- Moderate alcohol consumption
- Avoid smoking
These changes can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
What dietary supplementation should be offered to women at risk of osteoporosis?
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
Supplementation is recommended unless the clinician is confident of adequate intake.
What type of exercise is encouraged for patients at risk of osteoporosis?
Regular weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercise
Exercise is crucial for maintaining bone health.
What are the first-line drug treatments for patients at risk of fragility fractures?
Bisphosphonates
Oral bisphosphonates like alendronate and risedronate are typically used first.
What is the recommended treatment following a hip fracture according to NOGG?
IV zoledronate as the first-line treatment
This is given yearly after a hip fracture.
What is the BMD threshold for defining osteoporosis?
A T-score of -2.5 SD or below
This measure is used to assess bone mineral density.
What should be done if a postmenopausal woman begins glucocorticoid treatment?
Start bone protective treatment simultaneously
Do not wait for a DEXA scan before starting treatment.
What is a common side effect of oral bisphosphonates?
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Oesophagitis
- Hypocalcaemia
These side effects are important to monitor in patients.