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Search for hidden secondary causes in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

Cerdá Gabaroi D, Peris P, Monegal A, Albaladejo C, Martínez MA, Muxí A, Martínez de Osaba MJ, Surís X et al.

Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 2010

204 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of secondary processes in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP) is not well known. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of conditions contributing to bone loss in postmenopausal women with OP and to evaluate the clinical characteristics and the impact of these disorders on the severity of the disease.

METHODS: A total of 204 postmenopausal women (mean +/- SD age, 64.9 +/- 10 y) with OP were prospectively included. None had an evident secondary cause of OP. Bone mineral density assessment, spine x-ray, and laboratory tests including parathormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), thyroid hormones, urinary N-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx), and 24-hour urinary calcium and cortisol were performed in all participants before treatment.

RESULTS: As a group, 82% had low 25OHD levels (65 pg/mL), and 20% had hypercalciuria (>250 mg/24 h). In addition, 41% had increased NTx urinary levels (>65 nmol/mmol). PTH levels were related to age and were higher in women with femoral Z score less than -2.0 (80.3 pg/mL vs 57.7 pg/mL; P = 0.03). Participants with increased urinary NTx showed lower lumbar T and Z scores, whereas women with low 25OHD levels had lower femoral neck bone mineral density and T score values. In addition, participants with vertebral fractures had higher prevalence of 25OHD levels less than 20 ng/mL (69.2% vs 53.4%; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Secondary processes that contribute to low bone mass in…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 204 participants or records.

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