[Quantitative bone ultrasound: impact of the application of two different reference databases to a population of 5.195 postmenopausal women].
OBJECTIVE
The application of different reference databases to calculate the T-score values of the bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry techniques may result in variations in the number of subjects diagnosed with osteoporosis. There are no similar dataregarding quantitative bone ultrasound. To compare the results of the application of two different reference databases: the manufacturer's normal range and the Spanish normative data.


METHODS
Evaluation of the heel ultrasound with a Sahara sonometer in 5,195 women >= 65 year-old who were attended for any reason in primary care centers.


RESULTS
Bone ultrasound estimated BMD T-score mean values were 1.27 and 1.29 when applying the manufacturer's normal range and the Spanish normative data, respectively (p = 0.001). Percentages of women with a T-score below 2.50 standard deviations were 12.7% and 12.8% respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The application of these two reference databases shows very similar results which, although statistically different, are clinically irrelevant.
Marín
Fernando
F
Departamento de Investigación Médica. Lilly S.A. Madrid. Spain. marin_fernando@lilly.com
Vila
Joan
J
González-Macías
Jesús
J
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015519:Bone Density; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014465:Ultrasonics; D014463:Ultrasonography
Ecografía cuantitativa ósea: impacto de la aplicación de dos poblaciones de referencia diferentes a una cohorte de 5.195 mujeres posmenopáusicas.