Osteoporosis Flashcards
what is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by
low bone mass and structural deterioration
of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in
bone fragility
what are the risk factors for osteoporosis?
alcohol use
cigarette smoking
low cal/ vit d
medication
menopause
what is the most serious fracture? why?
- Hip fracture is the most serious consequence of falls among older people
– Reduced function, loss of independence, loss of confidence, high mortality rate (10% at 1 month, 30% die within a year of hip fracture)
what are some interventions to try and prevent further fracture?
- Prevent further fracture
“secondary prevention” (see
later) - If already on treatment check
adherence and administration - Lifestyle advice
- Falls assessment
- Including medication
review - Prevention of venous
thromboembolism with LMWH - Appropriate pain management
what is characteristic of spin: compressions fractures? what interventions can be made?
– Acute and chronic back pain
– Height loss, kyphosis
interventions …
* Secondary fracture(#) prevention
* Lifestyle advice
* Pain control and analgesia review
* Physiotherapy
* Surgical management
who do we give primary prevention to?
People who have never had a fracture but are at increased risk of fracture (All women aged 65 years and over, and all men aged 75 years and over.)
who do we give secondary prevention to?
People who have already had a fracture and need to reduce the risk of further fracture
Fracture liaison services have an important role here- pick up over 50s with fragility fracture
and offer DXA scan
what i FRAX?
- FRAX is an online tool that can be used to assess fracture risk (40-90 yrs)
- Gives a result as:
- 10 year risk of osteoporotic fracture
and 10 yr risk of hip fracture (%)
what action should be done following assessment?
Depending on fracture risk one or more of the
following options may be employed:-
* Lifestyle advice (smoking, alcohol, vit D, calcium, exercise)
* Referral for a DXA scan +/- specialist review
* Initiation of treatment (for “very high” fracture
risk also consider refer to specialist)
how do we treat?
- Bisphosphonates
- Oral (alendronic acid, risedronate, ibandronic acid)
- Parenteral (zoledronic acid, ibandronic acid)
- Denosumab (subcutaneous injection)
- Less commonly used:
– HRT (early menopause)
– Raloxifene (specialist only)
– Teriparatide (daily injections-expensive)
– Strontium- discontinued by manufacturer in 2017-
increased CV risk- brought by to the market 2019 - Romosozumab
why is patient information essential? what information do we give?
- Prophylactic treatment requires motivation
- Patients must be involved in treatment decision
- Explain
– Why they have been prescribed their medication
– How it works
– Benefits
– How to take correctly
– Side effects & what to do if they occur
– Length of treatment
what is first line ?
oral BPs
for prevention and treatment
what are the main drug interactions with BPs? what should be done to prevent?
(absorption)
– Avoid any other medicines for at least 30 mins
– Avoid calcium supplements for at least 2 hours (preferably 4hrs)
what are the main cautions and contraindications with BPs?
– eGFR <35ml/min/1.73m2 Alendronic acid
– eGFR <30ml/min/1.73m2 Risedronate (however note that some
clinicians will use below this)
– Known hypocalcaemia
– Dysphagia/swallowing difficulties
– (Recent) GI bleed
– Note that Risedronate may cause fewer GI side-effects
when should you review BPs?
Review after 5 years (continue vs. stop vs. pause in treatment ‘drug holiday’)
what counselling should be given for oral BPs?
- This medication will help to reduce chance of breaking a bone (by up to 50%);
you only need to take it once a week. - Take at least 30 minutes before breakfast, with a full glass of water, then
remain upright for 30 mins after (because…) - If you take calcium supplements take at a completely different time or miss
the morning dose on that day. - The most common side effect with this medication is heartburn/indigestion,
though not everybody gets this. If it happens to you and it is severe, stop
taking the medicine and go to see your GP. They may be able to switch you to
an alternative [i.e. some people may tolerate risedronate better from GI point
of view] - Maintain good dental hygiene, report any thigh/hip/groin pain…
- Usually we would review your treatment after 5 years, to check that you still
need it and to reduce the risk of any longer term side effects
