Biochemistry Flashcards
What is osteoporosis?
reduced bone mineral and increased porosity
leads to bone fragility and increased fracture risk
what is the intermediate stage before osteoporosis?
osteopenia
why does loss of bone mineral start occuring at around 30?
due to gradual slow-down of osteoblast activity
why do females tend to lose more bone mineral density after menopause?
due to increased osteoclastic bone resorption
this occurs due to loss of protective effects of oestrogen
what are the two types of osteroporosis?
type 1: post-menopausal osteoporosis
type 2: osteoporosis of old age
what are the 8 additional risk factors to osteoporosis?
alcohol abuse smoking poor diet lack of exercise reduced sunlight exposure corticosteroid use malnutrition chronic disease endocrine disorders
what type of osteoporosis do colles fractures and vertebral insufficiency fractures usually occur in?
type 1 osteoporosis
what type of osteoporosis do femoral neck fractures and vertebral fractures usualy occur in?
thype 2 osteoporosis
how do you diagnose osteoporosis?
dexa bone scan
what are the main pharmacological treatments used to prevent further loss of bone density?
vitamin D and calcium supplements
biphosphonates
desunomab (a monoclonal antibody)
strontium
how does biphosphonate help prevent further loss of bone density?
reduce osteoclastic resorption
how does desunomab help prevent further loss of bone density?
reduces osteoclast activity
how does strontium help prevent further loss of bone density?
increases osteoblast replication
what are the pros and cons of Zoledronic acid? (a IV form of biphophonate)
pro- once yearly
con- more expensive than oral forms
when can HRT be used in the prevention of osteoporosis?
when side effects with preferred medications occur
