- During a case presentation at your clinic, you review four women with predisposing factors for osteoporosis. Which patient is least likely to be at risk for osteoporosis?
A. Nehineza, an overweight African American female with a family history of uterine cancer
B. Cristina, a Hispanic woman living a sedentary life
C. Park-Gim-Ka, an underweight Asian woman with a history of tobacco use
D. Skylar, a Caucasian woman experiencing early onset of menopause. - Densitometry results are given as T-scores. Which values would be considered osteopenia?
- After prompt analysis of your patient, you decide to institute treatment for osteoporosis. Which class of medication is considered the first-line treatment? Are there any considerations to be made prior to starting therapy? Which recommendations would you provide to the patient regarding this treatment?
Clinical Case Scenario
Full Answer Section
- D) Skylar: Early menopause is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis.
- T-Scores and Osteopenia:
- Normal: T-score of -1 or higher
- Osteopenia: T-score between -1.0 and -2.5
- Osteoporosis: T-score of -2.5 or lower
- Treatment for Osteoporosis:
- First-Line Treatment: Bisphosphonates are typically considered the first-line treatment for osteoporosis. Examples include alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), and zoledronic acid (Reclast).
- Considerations Before Starting Therapy:
- Ensure accurate diagnosis: Confirm osteoporosis diagnosis with a DEXA scan.
- Evaluate for underlying causes: Rule out any underlying medical conditions that might contribute to bone loss.
- Assess individual risk factors: Consider factors like age, overall health, and potential medication interactions.
- Dental health: Bisphosphonates can rarely cause jaw problems, so a dental checkup before starting is recommended.
- Recommendations for Patients on Bisphosphonates:
- Take medication exactly as prescribed.
- Take medication with a full glass of water on an empty stomach and stay upright for at least 30 minutes.
- Maintain good calcium and vitamin D intake through diet or supplements.
- Maintain a healthy weight-bearing exercise routine.
- Report any side effects like heartburn or stomach pain to the doctor.
- It's important to individualize treatment plans based on the specific patient and their risk factors.
- Other medications like denosumab (Prolia) and teriparatide (Forteo) may be used in specific cases.
Sample Answer
Addressing Osteoporosis Risk and Treatment
1. Identifying the Patient Least Likely at Risk:
Out of the options presented, (A) Nehineza, an overweight African American female with a family history of uterine cancer, is least likely to be at risk for osteoporosis.
Here's why the other options have higher risk factors:
- (B) Cristina: A sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for osteoporosis.
- (C) Park-Gim-Ka: Being underweight, Asian ethnicity, and having a history of tobacco use are all risk factors for osteoporosis.