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Researchers investigate potential guideline for bone mineral density testing intervals in postmenopausal women
Gourlay ML. N Engl J Med. 2011. 366:225-233
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A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed data the authors hope may help guide decisions about the interval between bone mineral density tests in postmenopausal women older than 65 years.
According to the study results, osteoporosis displayed a development rate of less than 10% in postmenopausal women with normal bone mineral density (BMD) or mild osteopenia during 15-year rescreening intervals, postmenopausal women with moderate osteopenia during 5-year intervals and postmenopausal women with advanced osteopenia during 1-year intervals.
The researchers worked with a cohort of 4,957 women 67 years of age or older who demonstrated normal BMD and no history of hip fracture, vertebral fracture or treatment for osteoporosis. The women were followed prospectively for up to 15 years.
“The BMD testing interval was defined as the estimated time for 10% of women to make the transition to osteoporosis before having a hip or clinical vertebral fracture, with adjustment for estrogen use and clinical risk factors,” the authors wrote.
The researchers recorded any transitions away from BMD, as well as any reported mild, moderate or advanced osteopenia. BMD testing interval for women with normal BMD was found to be 16.8 years, with women who demonstrated mild osteopenia having an interval of 17.3 years, women with moderate osteopenia 4.7 years and women with advanced osteopenia 1.1 years.