2nd bone density test doesn ’t help gauge fracture risk in postmenopausal women

FINDINGSFor postmenopausal women who have undergone an initial bone mineral density test, having a standard second assessment three years after the first does not improve physicians ’ ability to determine their risk of osteoporosis-related hip, spine, forearm and shoulder fractures, a study has found.In addition, the study authors say, the initial testis more predictive of fracture risk than the second test, regardless of race, ethnicity and age.BACKGROUNDPhysicians routinely perform afollow-upbone density tests in postmenopausalwomen approximately three years after the first test todetect any loss in bone mass and thus gauge patients ’risk ofbone fractures in subsequent years.METHODThe researchers used data collected from more than 7,000 postmenopausal womenbetween theages 50and 79 years from across the U.S. who were followed for nine yearsas part ofthe Women ’s Health Initiative,a long-term health study sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.The participants underwent bone mineral density measurements at baseline and again approximately three yearslater. Following the second measurement, participants provided information regarding whether theyhad experienced major osteoporosis-related fractures.IMPACTBecausebone mineral density testing three years after baseline testing does not predict a postmenopausal woman ’s risk for bone fractures, itshould not be routinely performed,as has been the standard practice.AUTHORSDr. Carolyn Crandall (UCLA), Josep...

Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - July 28, 2020 Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news