Prevalence of Primary Post-Menopausal Osteoporosis in Indian Women

Abstract

Osteoporosis is characterized by decrease in bone mineral density (mass/volume) of normally mineralized bone which makes it vulnerable to fragility fracture. Post-menopausal females are prone to osteoporosis due to deficiency of estrogen following menopause. Due to lack of literature regarding bone mineral density distribution at various sites of body in post-menopausal osteoporosis, we conducted a cross sectional study to evaluate the bone mineral density and the prevalence of primary postmenopausal osteoporosis at various sites. A total number of 397 post-menopausal females between age group of 45-75years were recruited initially in our study. Out of 397 patients, only 175 patients satisfied our inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria were taken in the final study. All patients underwent BMD measurement through DEXA scan. BMD was measured at lumbar Spine, both hips, both femur and left forearm. DEXA scan is interpreted in terms of T score as per World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The analysis was carried out by using statistical software. Total prevalence of osteoporosis was 37.8% and maximum prevalence of osteoporosis was observed at spine (34%) followed by hip (22%) than at forearm (19%) and minimum at the femur. There is high prevalence of post-menopausal osteoporosis among Indian females and females are unaware of it because of its silent presentation, we need to create awareness regarding osteoporosis so that morbidity and mortality related to its can be avoided.