Suitability of the T-score for establishing bone mineral density categories.
The use of different reference ranges may give rise to different T-score values for the same bone mineral density (BMD) value. This study was designed to quantify the differences in the classification of a particular population on the basis of normal ranges obtained from other reference databases. The T-scores obtained in a sample of 148 women by applying the Spanish normal range were compared with the normal range obtained in NHANES III for femoral neck. Significant differences were found when T-scores were compared, but there were no differences in categorizations using the WHO criteria. The application of these reference ranges to a female population aged older than 45 years with known BMD showed significant differences in classification. In conclusion, the T-score can vary according to the normal range used as reference, but it has little influence on the categorization of individual patients. However, it may be important when applied to a general population.
Unitat de Reumatologia, D.A.P. Baix Llobregat Centre, Cornellá of Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
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Roig-Vilaseca
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JM
Nolla
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Roig-Escofet
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D015519:Bone Density; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005272:Femur Neck / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D012016:Reference Values; D013223:Statistics as Topic