Bone mineral density screening: assessment of influence on prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of bone mineral density (BMD) screening on the decision to initiate preventive or therapeutic measures for osteoporosis.


METHODS
We offered low-cost BMD screening by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine and proximal femur in conjunction with National Osteoporosis Week. In an effort to assess whether the availability of the BMD measurements resulted in any medical action by the participants of the screening, we conducted a retrospective telephone survey 9 to 12 months after the screening.


RESULTS
In response to a newspaper promotion, 350 subjects underwent BMD screening during a 3- to 4-month period. Of these 332 female and 18 male participants, 83% were Caucasian, 10% were Asian, 5% were Hispanic, and 2% were African American. The mean age was 60 +/- 11 years (range, 29 to 93). Osteoporosis (T-score > or = -2.5) was present in 24% and osteopenia (T-score of -1 to -2.49) in 47% of the subjects. A report was sent to the participant and, if requested, also to a specified physician. Of the 350 participants, 249 (238 women and 11 men) responded to the telephone survey. Of these respondents, 63% had sought medical consultation after the BMD screening. Results of the BMD study led to an increase in calcium intake in 32% of female respondents (48% of those with osteoporosis). After BMD measurement, use of osteoporosis therapy approved by the US Food and Drug Administration increased from 38% to 78% of those with osteoporosis.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that low-cost BMD screening is highly effective in increasing awareness of osteoporosis, prompting medical consultation, and initiating measures for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Anastasopoulou
Catherine
C
University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine and Orthopaedic Hospital, Los Angeles, California 90089-9317, USA.
Rude
Robert K
RK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015519:Bone Density; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000175:diagnosis; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control
D002136:Calcium, Dietary