Osteoporosis Flashcards
What does osteoporosis involve?
A significant reduction in bone density
Osteoporosis leads to weaker bones that are more prone to fractures.
What is osteopenia?
A less severe decrease in bone density
It serves as an intermediate stage before osteoporosis.
How is bone mineral density measured?
Using a DEXA scan
DEXA scan uses x-rays to measure radiation absorption by bones.
What is the most important reading from a DEXA scan?
Femoral neck reading
This reading is critical for assessing bone health.
What is a T-score?
A measure of bone mineral density indicating the number of SDs from the average healthy young adult
It is used to diagnose osteoporosis.
What does a T-score of -1 indicate?
Bone mineral density is 1 SD below average for healthy young adults
This score is part of the assessment for diagnosing osteoporosis.
What is the T-score range for normal bone density?
More than -1
This indicates healthy bone density.
What T-score range indicates osteopenia?
-1 to -2.5
This range signifies a risk of developing osteoporosis.
What T-score indicates osteoporosis?
Less than -2.5
Severe osteoporosis is defined as less than -2.5 plus a fracture.
List three risk factors for osteoporosis.
- Older age
- Post-menopausal women
- Reduced mobility and activity
Other factors include low BMI, low calcium or vitamin D intake, alcohol and smoking, chronic diseases, long-term corticosteroids, and certain medications.
What role does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have in osteoporosis?
Protective against osteoporosis
HRT helps mitigate bone density loss in post-menopausal women.
What is the function of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)?
Stimulates estrogen receptors in uterus and bones
Helps prevent osteoporosis but increases the risk of endometrial cancer.
What is the QFracture tool used for?
Calculating 10-year risk of major osteoporotic fracture & hip fracture
It helps categorize patients as low, intermediate, or high risk.
What is the first-line treatment for osteoporosis?
Bisphosphonates
Recommended based on DEXA scan results.
What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of bisphosphonates?
Interfere with the way osteoclasts attach to bone, reducing activity and reabsorption of bone
This helps in maintaining or increasing bone density.
List two important side effects of bisphosphonates.
- Reflux
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw
Other side effects include atypical fractures and osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal.
What is the recommended calcium intake for osteoporosis management?
At least 1000 mg
Adequate calcium intake is essential for bone health.
What should patients do when taking bisphosphonates?
Take on an empty stomach with a glass of water and sit upright for 30 minutes
This reduces the risk of reflux or esophageal erosions.
When should bisphosphonates be reassessed?
After 3-5 years
If DEXA is greater than -2.5, consider stopping bisphosphonates.
