title: Osteoporotic fractures in older women.
abstract: A case review of postmenopausal osteoporosis is presented in the context of recent literature in the field. Given the case patient's high risk for future fracture, a thorough workup and pharmacologic intervention are reasonable. Etiology of the patient's disease is explored, particularly vitamin D insufficiency, low body weight, smoking history, celiac sprue, use of glucocorticoids, and estrogen status. Means of reducing fracture risk include lifestyle changes, calcium and vitamin D repletion, antiresorptive therapy, and patient education. Development of new therapies to further reduce fracture risk in such individuals, and efficient strategies to target interventions toward those at highest risk, are needed.
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705-2222, USA. meelliott@pharmacy.wisc.edu
authors.forename: Mary E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Elliott
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D019386:Alendronate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000150:complications*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D014807:Vitamin D; D019386:Alendronate