[Identification of clinical features and laboratory abnormalities associated with the development of vertebral fractures in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis].

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Vertebral fractures (VF) are a major risk factor for the development of further fractures. Therefore, it is important to identify clinical risk factors and laboratory abnormalities related to VF. We aimed to analyse clinical and biochemical alterations related to the presence of radiological VF in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Two-hundred and four postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (aged 64,9 [10] years) who were referred to an outpatient Rheumatology Unit were prospectively included. Bone mineral density (BMD), spine X-ray, and laboratory tests were performed in all participants before treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight per cent of patients had VF. Comparing women with and without VF, those with fractures were older (71.9 [10] vs 61.8 [8,6], P<.001), had lower stature (152 [7.2] vs 155 [6.2], P=.01), lower total hip T-score values (-2.2 [0,9] vs -1.9 [0.8], P=.041), higher prevalence of non-VF (38 vs 30%, P=.04) and a higher prevalence of low serum 25(OH)D levels (69 vs 53%, P<.05). In logistic regression analysis, age and BMD at the total hip were independent predictors of VF. Patients over 65 presented a higher frequency of VF (47 vs 12%, P<.0001). In addition, a T-score lower than -2,5 at the total hip was associated with an increased risk of VF (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.2-4.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Over the age of 65 nearly half of the postmenopausal women with osteoporosis have VF and a higher prevalence of low 25(OH)D serum measurements. Spinal X-ray and 25(OH)D serum measurements are especially indicated in this group of women since it influences the therapeutic approach.