Latest research may help doctors identify which postmenopausal women are at an increased risk for a future fracture. Researchers say the most important// predictor of bone fracture in postmenopausal women without a previous fracture is bone mineral density. Bone mineral density is measured by a T-score. As the T-score decreases, the risk for fracture increases. The question has been what level of a T-score indicates an increased risk.

In one study, researchers looked at different levels of T-scores and fracture incidence within one year of bone mineral density testing. According to the World Health Organization, a T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis. The study showed that of 2,259 women who had fractures, only 6.4 percent of the women had a T-score of -2.5 or less. If treatment is only given to women with a T-score of -2.5 or less, many women who had fractures will miss the opportunity for treatment. Researchers say in order to reduce osteoporotic fractures doctors cannot just rely on T-scores.

The second study focused on identifying women with osteopenia at potential risk for fracture within one year of bone mineral testing. Osteopenia is indicated by a T-score of -2.5 to -1.0. The study looked at data on 57,421 women. Researchers looked at 32 risk factors for a fracture and it was found that the most important predictors of fracture included: women who had a previous fracture; a T-score at a peripheral site, such as the forearm, of -1.8 or less; self-rated poor health status and poor mobility. The classification system developed by the researchers correctly identified 74 percent of women who suffered from a future fracture.

Researchers say they hope that the above guidelines will be useful for physicians in evaluating the risk of fracture in postmenopausal women.
'"/>




Page: 1
Related medicine news :

1. Evaluating The Risks and Benefits of Hormone Therapy
2. Evaluating The Benefits Of A Low – carb Diet
3. Risk Factors for vision problems in Diabetes
4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Risk Factors
5. Factors That Might Increase The Risk Of Schizophrenia
6. Risk Factors For Stroke Studied
7. Analyzing The Risk Factors For Diabetic Neuropathy
8. Heart Disease Risk Factors Found To Increase Risk of Dementia In Old Age
9. Environmental Factors Found To Have An Impact On The Sex of A Child
10. Environmental Factors Found To Have An Impact On The Sex of A Child
11. Prostate Cancer Test Is Influenced By Age and Nutrition Factors