Osteoporosis Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is Osteoporosis?
Reduced bone density.
Osteopenia is a less severe form of osteoporosis.
What are some risk factors for Osteoporosis?
Risk factors include:
* Being elderly
* Low BMI
* Being female
* Post-menopausal
* Smoking
* Alcohol
* Low activity / mobility
* Being Caucasian or Asian
* Endocrine issues such as Hyperthyroidism, GH deficiency, DM
These factors increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.
What medications are a risk factor for Osteoporosis?
Medications include:
* Glucocorticoids
* SSRIs
* PPIs
* Anti-epileptics
* Anti-oestrogens e.g. tamoxifen
These medications can negatively affect bone density.
Who should be assessed for Osteoporosis?
Assess:
* Any female over 65
* Any male over 75
* Anyone with a fragility fracture
* Current or frequent glucocorticoid users
* Individuals with a history of falls
* Those with a family history of osteoporosis
* Low BMI individuals
* Smokers
* Heavy alcohol consumers
These groups are at higher risk for osteoporosis.
What are some baseline investigations for assessing Osteoporosis?
Investigations include:
* FBC
* U&E
* LFTs
* TFTs
* CRP
* Bone Profile
These tests help evaluate overall health and bone metabolism.
What is the FRAX Tool?
The FRAX tool indicates your 10-year risk of a fragility fracture.
It assesses fracture risk based on clinical risk factors.
What are the results of the FRAX Tool if BMD is assessed?
If BMD is assessed, FRAX gives one of three options:
* Reassure
* Consider treatment
* Strongly consider treatment
These options guide clinical decision-making.
What are the results of the FRAX Tool if BMD is not assessed?
If BMD is not assessed, FRAX gives one of three options:
* Low risk, reassure
* Intermediate, offer BMD
* High, offer bone protection
This approach helps determine further action based on risk levels.
What is the T-score based on?
The T-score is based on the bone health of a young person.
It compares an individual’s bone density to that of a healthy young adult.
What is the importance of the Z-score?
The Z-score is adjusted for age, gender, and ethnicity.
It provides a more personalized assessment of bone density.
How do you interpret a T-score?
Interpretation:
* Between 0 and -1: Normal
* Between -1 and -2.5: Osteopenia
* Below -2.5: Osteoporosis
* Below -2.5 with fracture: Severe osteoporosis
This classification helps in understanding the severity of bone loss.
What is the management of Osteoporosis?
Management includes:
* Offer all patients Calcium and Vitamin D
* Consider Bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronic acid)
* If intolerant, consider Risendronate or Etidronate
* If still intolerant, consider Ranelate or Raloxifene
These treatments aim to strengthen bones and prevent fractures.
What are some side effects associated with Bisphosphonates?
Side effects include:
* Gastric erosions
* Reflux
* Osteonecrosis of the jaw
* Osteonecrosis of the auditory canal
Awareness of these risks is important for patient management.
How should Bisphosphonates be taken?
Bisphosphonates should be taken on an empty stomach and the patient should remain upright for 30 minutes.
This helps minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
