Diagnosis & Management Of Osteoporosis In Postmenopausal Women: Newly Published European Guidance

Date: Mar-26-2013New ESCEO and IOF Guidance highlights new risk assessment and treatment strategies; points to high prevalence of fractures and low rates of diagnosis and treatment in Europe

A new Guidance recently published by the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis (ESCEO) and the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) reflects the most current advances in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, the 'silent disease' which affects up to one in two postmenopausal women.

"The serious impact of fragility fractures due to osteoporosis is vastly underestimated by many health care professionals," stated ESCEO President Professor Jean-Yves Reginster.

"Statistics clearly show that fragility fractures in older adults can result in early death or lead to long-term disability, diminished quality of life and loss of physical independence. Nevertheless, diagnosis and treatment rates are appallingly low, even among those patients who have already suffered a fracture. Barely 20% of these clearly 'high risk' patients receive treatment to prevent future fractures," he said.

The 2013 European Guidance for the Diagnosis & Management of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women, published in Osteoporosis International, is an update of the ESCEO Guidance published in 2008. The new report reflects the significant advances in the field over the past five years, including the development of new techniques for measuring bone mineral density, improved methods of assessing fracture risk and new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of fractures.

The Guidance highlights the following:
   Statistics related to cost and prevalence, morbidity and mortality in Europe
   Diagnostic guidelines and risk factors
  Management algorithm for the assessment of fracture risk with FRAX
  Intervention thresholds
  Assessment of fracture risk with limited or unlimited access to BMD using DXA
  General management regarding mobility and falls
  Nutrition recommendations
  Diagnostic work-up of patients with osteoporosis
  Anti-fracture efficacy of major interventions for postmenopausal osteoporosis

IOF President John Kanis commented, "Although this new Guidance is written from a European regional perspective, we hope that it will help inform the development or revision of guidelines at the national level, both in Europe and around the world. Given the serious impact of fractures on women's health worldwide, it is essential that clinicians are sensitized to the need for early diagnosis and treatment and are able to implement the latest strategies for the benefit of their patients."

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.