Alarming signs in patients with higher FRAX score

Zoltán Lakó-Futó, Andrea Kiszely, Krisztián Vörös

Keywords: osteoporosis, FRAX, screening

Background:

Osteoporosis (OP) and resulting fractures are associated with increased mortality. Each year, OP leads to nearly 9 million fractures, and by 2040, more than 319 million people worldwide are projected to be at high risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. FRAX is an effective tool for primary care providers to screen for OP.

Research questions:

The study aims to further characterize patients with high FRAX values and map certain characteristic physiological parameters and comorbidity factors.

Method:

Female patients aged 55-65 (n = 98) of a suburban GP practice in Budapest, Hungary, were enrolled in August 2022. After recording demographic, anthropometric, and anamnestic data and medication habits, we calculated the country-specific FRAX score (https://frax.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/tool.aspx?country=27).

Results:

We compared the values of patients with a higher (2%) FRAX risk of hip fracture with those of low-risk patients. Among patients with high FRAX scores, were more common: the lower BMI ((body mass index) 29.8 kg/m2 vs 23.0 kg/m2 Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0,001), bone fractures over 50 years of age (1.2% vs 58.3%, Khi-square test, X2 (1) = 44.89, p < 0,001), osteoporosis and femoral neck fracture in parents (6.5% vs 42.9%, Khi-square test, X2 (1) = 12.36, p = 0,002), accidents involving fractures (5% vs 25%, Khi-square test, X2 (1) = 6.99, p = 0,025.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, we have developed an OP screening program for primary care, in which we have attempted to gather additional information about the high-risk population. With further studies and a larger number of elements, we expect to obtain additional valuable and more precise information about this patient group. The results will allow us to identify at-risk patients earlier and provide more effective treatment and care.

Points for discussion:

Frax score

Pre screening of osteoporosis

High risk patients for osteoporosis

#181