Osteoporosis is often known as the "silent thief" because bone loss occurs without symptoms. Bone loss leads to increased bone fragility and risk of fracture particularly of hip, spine and wrist. The reduced quality of life for those with Osteoporosis is enormous. Osteoporosis can result in disfigurement, lowered self-esteem, reduction or loss of mobility and decreased independence.
Without effective action on osteoporosis prevention and treatment, the cost of treating osteoporosis and the fractures it causes, given the increasing population of older people, will surely rise.
We advocate preventative and promotive health and I believe that early diagnosis and interventions are more cost-effective than treatment of the advanced disease.
Finally, I want to take this opportunity and salute all those who were involved in the process of developing this guideline, both from government and civil society.
Osteoporosis is defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterised by low bone mass, measured as bone mineral density (BMD) and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue (difficult to assess) with consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptability to fractures, which typically involves the wrist, spine or hip.
Bone strength is largely determined by bone mass (BMD),which is a function of:
Peak bone mass is mainly determined by heredity and gender, while age-related (involutional) bone loss results mainly from menopausal hormone deficiency and ageing. Emphasis on early diagnosis and interventions will be more cost-effective than the treatment of advanced disease. Although osteoporosis is permanent condition, the disease can be prevented and progression can be retarded. The condition can improve dramatically with effective treatment.
Osteoporosis is a common costly bone disease, which carries a significant morbidity, mortality and disability and is frequently undiagnosed. Although the disease occurs in ll populations, it is currently perceived to be less common in men, African people and women of heavier build. A third of females over 60 years of age globally, have had at least one vertebral (spinal) fracture and a quarter of women aged 80 years have had a hip fracture, because of osteoporosis. A lifetime risk of fracture in Caucasoid women is 30 -40%. The prognosis after a fracture is poor ±20%increase in mortality risk after one year and more than 50%will never regain functional ability to lead an independent life.
Bone loss (resorption) is an inevitable process of ageing. However taking various precautions can slow down the rate of bone loss. In menopause the production of the hormone oestrogen falls, which leads to an accelerated decline of bone mass and an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Women who smoke tend to reach the menopause earlier than those who do not, and so are more susceptible to osteoporosis. Women at particular risk are those who have had an oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) before the menopause (especially before 45 years of age)
- All girls and boys at the age of puberty, women in their perimenopausal period (40 -50 years) and older women.
[Refer: Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle (CDL) guideline]
- People with osteoporosis
Risk factors for falls are:
| (1) Normal | A value for BMD or Bone Mineral Content (BMC) within 1 SD of the young adult reference mean |
| (2) Osteopenia (low bone mass) | A BMD or BMC value of more than 1 SD, but less than 2.5 SD below the young adult mean |
| (3) Osteoporosis | BMD or BMC more than 2.5 SD below the young adult mean |
| (4) Established osteoporosis (severe) | BMD or BMC more than 2.5 SD below young adult mean plus one or more fragility fractures |
WHO (1994)has proposed four diagnostic categories based on a subject ’s Bone Mineral Density (BMD) expressed in relation to the young adult reference mean (T-score) and the presence of fragility fractures.
These diagnostic criteria have limitations:
Also the diagnostic criteria is based on healthy postmenopausal Caucasian women. Extrapolations of these criteria to other populations assessed with different techniques and different sites should be cautioned against diagnosis of low BMD (osteoporosis/ osteopenia /or identifying of persons at risk of future fractures.
A case finding approach should be followed. Unselected screening is not recommended.
History, physical examination and laboratory assessment should aim to:
Bone biopsy is only recommended where osteomalacia is suspected (gastro-intestinal pathology, use of anti-epileptics, poor nutrition) or if severe osteopenia remains unexplained.
The four WHO diagnostic categories should not be regarded as intervention thresholds for all. Intervention is indicated for categories (iii) and (iv), unless the patient has a limited life expectancy, where intervention is then not indicated.
Prevention of osteoporosis focuses on increasing peak bone mass, which is usually reached between the ages 30-35 years, reducing bone loss in the later years. Peak bone mass is mainly determined by heredity and gender, but nutrition, physical activity, pubertal development and general health may have considerable influence. Age related bone loss appears to result from menopausal hormone deficiency, progressive age-related osteoblast incompetence and superimposed risk factors.
The latter is the only viable option and a combination of diagnostic methodology is the best option to identify the "at high-risk group ".
A balanced diet rich in calcium, energy and vitamins and without excess protein is recommended.
Calcium requirements change during the different life stages. If dietary calcium is insufficient in childhood, the skeleton will not develop to its full potential and strength; hence the risk of osteoporosis will be greater in later life.
As an individual ages the body ’s ability to absorb calcium declines, particularly from the age of 50 years onwards. Calcium deficiency has a more pronounced effect on age-related bone loss. Calcium requirements of older people are thus higher than those of younger adults and interventions later in life seem to be more beneficial. An adequate dietary intake of calcium throughout life can reduce the risk of osteoporosis significantly.
Calcium supplements can be useful if sufficient calcium cannot be obtained from dietary sources. Calcium supplementation also has a role to play in the treatment of osteoporosis but cannot substitute or replace hormonal or other non-hormonal forms of therapy for the prevention or management of osteoporosis.
Foods that contain significant amounts of calcium content are:
High dosages of fibre can reduce the absorption of calcium,therefore fibre and calcium should not be taken simultaneously.
To optimise bone health,scientific findings support the intake of calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D increases the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate. It also aids bone mineralisation but in supra-physiological dosage may cause bone resorption.High doses of vitamin D can result in serious hypocalcaemia,hyper-calciuria and renal function impairment. Monitoring is therefore necessary.
Vitamin D is obtained from two sources: Dietary intake and cutaneous production. Dietary intake and absorption ability declines with age as well as the synthetic capacity of the skin.
In Southern Africa vitamin D supplementation is seldom necessary, except for housebound people. But recent studies here have shown poor provitamin D activation in the Western Cape.
Adequate intake of vitamin D is:
50 -70 years -400 IU daily
>70 years -800 IU daily
Chronic alcohol consumption decreases bone strength and increases the risk of falling. The risk of hip fractures doubles when more than 8 tots of alcohol is taken per week. Moderate alcohol intake in postmenopausal women has been associated with increased BMD, but the reasons remain unclear. Alcohol consumption should not be promoted because even moderate alcohol intake in premenopausal women and in men is risk factor.
Smoking decreases bone mass, increases the metabolism of oestrogen and lowers the intestinal absorption of calcium. Stop smoking!
Participation in moderate physical activities between the ages 5 -14 years increases bone density and consequently bone mass of the hip,arm and spine of children. Any weight-bearing activities especially walking is beneficial for bone strength in ll ages. on-weight bearing activity maintains neuro muscular performance and improves muscular strength, stability and balance, which help to reduce falls and risk of osteoporosis related injury. Exercise like marathon running and ballet dancing coupled with severe calory restrictions may have adverse effects on bone health.
Decisions about the need to treat will depend on:
- According to the WHO classification category 1 will need no intervention.
- Category 2 intervention requirements will largely be individualised. Routinely implement non-drug treatment and if so required, calcium supplementation.
- Category 3 and 4 is indicated for treatment unless limited life expectancy is predicted. In addition, in persons older than 75 years other factors than BMD should play a more important role in the decision to treat or not.
Another indication for the implementation of treatment is for women with a T-score of more than 2 SD below the young adult mean. A T-score 2 coincides with the so-called "fracture threshold ".
A daily dietary intake of 1000 -1500 mg is recommended. If intake or absorption is impaired, provide with supplement.
Routine supplementation is not recommended. In older persons, especially those with limited mobility and institutionalised persons, prophylactic dose of 400 -800 IU is proposed where a vitamin D deficiency is present,50 000 IU every two to four weeks is recommended.
NOTE In the latter dosage, monitor urinary calcium and vitamin D derivatives to void hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria and renal failure.
Long-term treatment (10 years and more) is necessary for the decreased, risk of fractures of the spine,hip, wrist, and myocardial infarction. A decrease in morbidity of up to 50%could be expected with effective treatment. Hormone replacement therapy reduces the rate of osteoporosis spine (60%)and hip fractures (30%) significantly. The response is dose-related, and the route is unimportant.
| Management | Comments | |
| Drug treatment | Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Intact uterus (no
hysterectomy): NB Progestogen must be added always with intact uterus
Oestrogen/progestogen combination e.g. Norgestrel +estradiol,oral,1mg/2mg daily Sequentially oestrogen and progesterone Oestrogen is given for 21 -28 days and progestogen for the last 10 -14 days HRT should be continued for at least OR 10-15 years from diagnosis. Single oral preparations. Continuous progestogen administration requires a minimum of 2.5 mg medroxy-progestrone acetate daily Uterus absent (post hysterectomy):Estradiol valerate,oral,1-2mg daily OR Oestrogen conjugated,oral,0.625mg - 1.25mg daily on a cyclical basis.0.625mg adjusted to a minimum effective dose to prevent postmenopausal bone loss OR Ethinylestradiol,oral,0.02mg -0.05mg daily |
The most important contraindication for HRT is previous
hormone dependent malignant tumour. In all instances, consult with a
specialist.
In women with an intact uterus, combination therapy should be used to
minimise the risk of uterine cancer HRT should also target patients >65 years of age when it is likely to be most cost-effective |
| Selective oestrogen receptor modulators e.g. Raloxifene
Testosterone |
Proposed for those women at risk of endometrial or breast
cancer
Only for hypgonadal males |
|
| Bisphosphonates,e.g. Alendronic acid,oral,10mg daily to be taken with water only on an empty stomach. Delay eating and drinking for 30 minutes or bone specific drug is required in healthy persons | Only to be initiated by specialists e.g.
geriatricians,gynaecologists,endocronologists.
This may be indicated when absolute contraindications for oestrogens exist. Beneficial for all ages |
|
| Anabolic steroids | Should be reserved for patient with advanced osteoporosis. To be prescribed by a specialist especially in frail older persons and acute vertebral fracture. | |
| Pain control | Paracetamol tab.500-1 000mg if necessary for 2 -3 weeks
Morfine |
Intense pain or vertebral fractures. |
- disease ’s progression e.g. new fracture, pain
- compliance
- drug side-effects
Then after stabilisation annually (up to 2 years of initiation)
The Department of Health wishes to thank all the people who were involved in the development of the Guideline on Management of Osteoporosis t Hospital Level Preventative Measures at Primary Level.
Special thanks to the following stakeholders: