[Bone ultrasound in healthy women and bone mass related factors].

BACKGROUND

Bone mineral density (BMD) has been related with age, hormonal status, body mass index (BMI) and life style. We have evaluated the influence of these factors on BMD in healthy women, without risk factors for osteoporosis, using ultrasound measures.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We have selected 255 women (136 premenopausal and 119 postmenopausal). We measured the weight and height. Other factors related to BMD were assessed with a clinical questionnaire. With an ultrasonic bone contact analyser broadband ultrasonic attenuation (BUA) and speed of sound (VS) were obtained.

RESULTS

Premenopausal women had mean (SD) BUA and VS values (73.4 [13.1] and 1,617.2 [30.4], respectively) significantly higher than postmenopausal women (BDA 64.1 [14.9] and VS 1,601.1 [34.5]; p < 0.001). No relationship between BUA, VS and the style of life related variables was found. Age and weight were significant predictors of BUA in all women in multiple regression model, and the length of lactation in premenopausal women. The association of BUA with age were significantly stronger (p < 0.05) in postmenopausal women.

CONCLUSIONS

Age and body weight were the factors more strongly associated with ultrasonic measures in healthy women. The effect of age was different depending on menopausal status. No relation has been found between life habits and bone mass.