Validation of the Dutch guidelines for dual X-ray absorptiometry measurement.
BACKGROUND
In Europe, a case-finding strategy for osteoporosis is recommended above widespread population-based screening. However, no universally accepted policy currently exists. In 2005, the Dutch College of General Practitioners published guidelines for GPs to select patients for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of the Dutch guidelines to select participants with osteoporosis for DXA.


METHODS
Cross-sectional.


METHODS
A total of 345 females aged over 50 years (mean age = 62 years, standard deviation [SD] = 8.3) and 99 males over 65 years of age (mean age = 72 years, SD = 5.2) of a Dutch general practice.


METHODS
Calculation of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the Dutch case-finding instrument for selecting patients with osteoporosis for DXA measurement.


RESULTS
Sensitivity was 19.5%, specificity 85.6%, PPV 18.6%, and NPV 86.6%.


CONCLUSIONS
The Dutch guidelines are unreliable in detecting people at risk for osteoporosis.
Verdijk
Noortje A
NA
The Centre of Research for Psychology in Somatic diseases, Medical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands. n.a.verdijk@uvt.nl
Romeijnders
Arnold C
AC
Ruskus
Jos J
JJ
van der Sluijs
Corien
C
Pop
Victor J
VJ