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01-12-2018 | Original Article

The burden and undertreatment of fragility fractures among senior women

Authors: Ana M. Rodrigues, Mónica Eusébio, Maria José Santos, Nélia Gouveia, Viviana Tavares, Pedro S. Coelho, Jorge M. Mendes, Jaime C. Branco, Helena Canhão

Published in: Archives of Osteoporosis | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Summary

Using a large population database, we showed that fragility fractures were highly prevalent in senior women and were associated with significant physical disability. However, treatment rates were low because osteoporosis treatment was not prescribed or not agreed to by the majority of women with prevalent fragility fractures.

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to estimate prevalence of fragility fractures (FF), risk factors, and treatment rates in senior women and to assess impact of FF on physical function and quality of life.

Methods

Women aged 65 years and older from the EpiReumaPt study (2011–2013) were evaluated. Rheumatologists collected data regarding FF, clinical risk factors for fractures, and osteoporosis (OP) treatment. Health-related quality of life (EQ5D) and physical function (HAQ) were analyzed. Peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed. FF was defined as any self-reported low-impact fracture that occurred after 40 years of age. Prevalence estimates of FF were calculated.

Results

Among 3877 subjects evaluated in EpiReumaPt, 884 were senior women. The estimated prevalence of FF was 20.7%. Lower leg was the most frequent fracture site reported (37.8%) followed by wrist (18.6%). Only 7.1% of the senior women reporting a prevalent FF were under treatment for OP, and 13.9% never had treatment. OP treatment was not prescribed in 47.7% of FF women, and 23.4% refused treatment. Age (OR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.11–5.47), obesity (OR = 2.05, 95% CI 1.14–3.70), and low wrist BMD (OR = 2.29; 95% CI 1.20, 4.35; p = 0.012) were positively associated with prevalent FF. A significantly higher proportion of women in the lowest quintile of wrist bone mineral density reported FF (OR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.20–4.35). FF were associated with greater physical disability (β = 0.33, 95% CI 0.13–0.51) independent of other comorbidities.

Conclusion

FF was frequently reported among senior women as an important cause of physical disability. However, the prevalence of OP treatment was low, which constitutes a public health problem in this vulnerable group.

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Title: The burden and undertreatment of fragility fractures among senior women
Authors: Ana M. Rodrigues
Mónica Eusébio
Maria José Santos
Nélia Gouveia
Viviana Tavares
Pedro S. Coelho
Jorge M. Mendes
Jaime C. Branco
Helena Canhão
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: Archives of Osteoporosis / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1862-3522
Electronic ISSN: 1862-3514
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-018-0430-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The burden and undertreatment of fragility fractures among senior women

Abstract

Summary

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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