Original Article

Assessment of the antiosteoporotic treatment initiation: A retrospective observational study in Greece

Stavroula Rizou¹, Leon Aravantinos², Aristofanis Paganas³, Michael Ballas⁴, George P. Lyritis¹

1. Hellenic Osteoporosis Foundation, Athens, Greece
2. 2^nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece
3. Health center of Litochoro, Pieria, Greece
4. Department of Rheumatology, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece

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Keywords: FRAX, Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal women, Fracture risk

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Abstract

Objective: A study to retrospectively assess the decision to implement treatment for osteoporosis based on Greek version of FRAX tool. Methods: The study population was 1000 postmenopausal women aged 45 or above, excluding those with medical conditions demanding specific osteoporosis management. Data were collected regarding their medical history and additionally, risk factors incorporated in FRAX questionnaire. FRAX score was estimated at the time of the anti-osteoporotic treatment initiation. Results: The mean age of the study sample was 58.5±8.79 years. 46.8% of the participating osteopenic women had initiated treatment for osteoporosis at their first consultation while the 80.6% met the current national intervention threshold of FRAX tool. Conclusion: Stemming from our results there is an indication that women who are borderline eligible for treatment and seek consultation for osteoporosis are likely to be given treatment regardless of the potential benefit. One cannot ignore the fact that a clinician’s good clinical judgment is of the utmost importance and under no circumstances can be replaced by any prognostic assessment tool.

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