Adherence to bisphosphonates therapy and hip fracture risk in osteoporotic women

Adherence of bisphosphonate and decreased risk of clinical vertebral fracture in osteoporotic patients: A propensity score matching analysis

Objectives

Bisphosphonate is associated with a decreased risk of vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis. However, there are limited studies on how poor compliance with bisphosphonate affects the risk of vertebral fractures in a nationwide cohort. We aim to evaluate whether adherence to bisphosphonate affects the risk of fracture in osteoporosis patients.

Methods

We used the data of the Korean National Health Insurance Service Senior Cohort. A total of 33,315 (medication possession ratio [MPR]: 50) osteoporosis patients were matched using the propensity score matching method: those who received low-dose bisphosphonate and those who received high-dose bisphosphonate. Twenty-two confounding variables, including age, socioeconomic status, medications prescribed, and underlying diseases that may affect the risk of fracture were adjusted for propensity score matching. The risk of vertebral fracture was assessed by Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Patients with a higher MPR showed a decreased vertebral fracture risk than those with a lower MPR (MPR 50 = hazard ratio [HR] 0.909; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.877–0.942 P < 0.001; MPR 70 = HR: 0.874, 95% CI: 0.838–0.913, P < 0.001; MPR 90 = HR: 0.822, 95% CI: 0.780–0.866, P < 0.001). MPR was associated with a decreased vertebral fracture risk in both groups with or without history of fracture. In the subgroup analysis, MPR was associated with a decreased vertebral fracture risk in women, in all ages, with or without T2DM, and with or without hypertension.

Conclusions

Higher MPR is associated with a lower vertebral fracture risk.

Divergent Patterns of Antifracture Medication Use Following Fracture on Therapy: A Population-Based Cohort Study

CONTEXT

Fracture on therapy should motivate better antifracture medication adherence.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe osteoporosis medication adherence in women before and following a fracture.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort analysis of antifracture medication possession ratios (MPR) among women in the Manitoba BMD Registry (1996-2013) included menopausal women who started antifracture drug therapy after a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-BMD assessment with follow-up for 5 years during which a nontraumatic fracture occurred at least 1 year after starting treatment. Linked prescription records determined medication adherence (estimated by MPR) in 1-year intervals. The variable of interest was MPR in the year before and after the year in which the fracture occurred, with subgroup analyses according to duration of treatment pre-fracture. We chose an MPR of ≥ 0.50 to indicate minimum adherence needed for drug efficacy.

RESULTS

There were 585 women with fracture on therapy, 193 (33%) had hip or vertebral fracture. Bisphosphonates accounted for 82.2% of therapies. Median MPR the year prior to fracture was 0.89 (IQR, 0.49-1.0) and 0.69 (IQR, 0.07-0.96) the year following the year of fracture (P < 0.0001). The percentage of women with MPR ≥ 0.5 pre-fracture was 73.8%, dropping to 57.3% post-fracture (P < 0.0001); when restricted to hip/vertebral fracture, results were similar (58.2% to 33.3%; P < 0.002). Among those with pre-fracture MPR < 0.5, only 21.7% achieved a post-fracture MPR ≥ 0.5.

CONCLUSIONS

Although fracture on therapy may motivate sustained/improved adherence, MPR remains low or even declines after fracture in many. This could reflect natural decline in MPR with time but is paradoxical to expectations. Fracture on therapy represents an important opportunity for clinicians to reemphasize treatment adherence.

Finite Element Evaluation of the Femoral Neck System as Prophylactic Fixation to Prevent Contralateral Hip Fractures

Introduction

Hip fractures cause significant morbidity and mortality for geriatric patients, and incidence is increasing as the population ages. Following a primary hip fracture, up to 20% may suffer a contralateral hip fracture within 5 years despite fracture risk reduction measures, including fall prevention and osteoporosis pharmacologic treatment. The aim of this study is to assess whether insertion of the Femoral Neck System (Depuy Synthes, West Chester, PA) into the contralateral proximal femur may strengthen the bone and decrease the incidence of contralateral hip fractures.

Materials and Methods

ScanIP, an image processing software was used to produce 3-dimensional models of a cadaver femur with the implanted device. Models were meshed and exported to Abaqus for finite element analysis to evaluate the device’s ability to reduce stress in the proximal femur. Results were analyzed for element-wise volume and von-Mises stresses.

Results

The implant reduced peak stress and bone failure at all levels of bone quality. Specifically in osteoporotic bone, the implant decreased peak stress by 27%, proximal femur trabecular bone failure by 5% and cortical bone failure by 100% in the femoral neck.

Conclusions

Our results from computer generated finite element analyses indicate that the Femoral Neck System may strengthen an osteoporotic proximal femur in the event of a lateral fall. Further investigation with expanded finite element analysis and cadaveric biomechanical studies are needed to validate these results.

A quantitative analysis of risk-sharing agreements with patient support programs for improving medication adherence

Medication adherence is a challenge for patients, drugmakers, and payers. To promote adherence, some payers adopt a form of pay-for-success value-based risk-sharing agreements. Drugmakers reduce prices for meaningful improvement in adherence and share patient information and resources with payers; as a return, payers run patient support programs and put drugs on a tier with lower copays. We use a game-theoretic approach to investigate the optimal program effect and the optimal prices with and without improvement in adherence, measured by Proportion of Days Covered, under such an agreement. Since negotiation power impacts how prices are determined, we consider several pricing settings: the payer or the drugmaker sets both prices or sets one price simultaneously or sequentially. Although a discount for improved adherence tends to promote adherence, it may not always be achievable nor guarantees better adherence. The drugmaker with strong negotiation power can align its interest with social welfare but the payer may not. The payer with strong negotiation power can improve more adherence than the drugmaker. Balanced negotiation power contributes either the most or the least to adherence depending on contract form and decision sequence. Although cost-sharing by the drugmaker expects to increase program efforts, it may not be true. We find that the policymaker prefers different levels of cost-sharing under different pricing settings. The payer may have a first-mover advantage when setting the price without improved adherence; the drugmaker, however, does not have such an advantage.

Adherence to Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Dosing Regimens of Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis Treatment in Postmenopausal Women in Japan: A Retrospective Study Using Claims Data

Poor medication adherence of osteoporosis patients is a major global medical problem because of its negative impact on health outcomes and quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate how differences in dosing regimens influence adherence to oral bisphosphonates using data from a large health insurance provider in Japan. This was a retrospective observational study using claims data obtained between October 2012 and January 2018, from the community-based National Health Insurance program of a large city in Japan. The data included in the analysis were obtained from women 60 to 74 years old whose oral bisphosphonate prescription was detected between April 2013 and February 2017. Treatment adherence was monitored from the initial prescription for one year, i.e., up to January 2018. Primary comparisons among the daily-dosing, weekly-dosing, and monthly-dosing groups were based on the mean medication possession ratio (MPR). Data from a total of 3,958 patients were analyzed. The numbers of patients aged 60-64, 65-69, and 70-74 were 425, 1,400, and 2,133, respectively. The highest mean MPR was 69.4% for the monthly-dosing of bisphosphonates, followed by the weekly-dosing at 63.5%, and daily-dosing at 57.2%. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn-Bonferroni correction, there were significant differences in mean MPR for daily versus weekly (p < 0.01), daily versus monthly (p < 0.001), and weekly versus monthly dosing regimens (p < 0.05). These results suggest significantly more patients adhere to a monthly or weekly regimen of bisphosphonates in the treatment of osteoporosis than to a daily regimen.

Effect of Dosing Interval on Compliance of Osteoporosis Patients on Bisphosphonate Therapy: Observational Study Using Nationwide Insurance Claims Data

Only a few studies are available on the effect of the dosing interval of bisphosphonate on drug compliance. We analyzed the data of patients who were newly prescribed bisphosphonate using a national insurance claims database. Drug compliance was assessed by calculating medication possession ratio (MPR) over a minimum of a 1-year follow-up. This analysis included 281,996 new bisphosphonate users with a mean age of 68.9 years (92% women). The patients were divided into daily, weekly, monthly, 3-monthly, and switch groups (who changed the drug to other dosing intervals). The average MPR was the highest in the switch group (66%), and the longer the dosing interval, the higher the compliance (3-monthly, 56% vs. daily, 37%). “Non-compliant” was defined as an MPR under 80%. Various factors which were possibly associated with “non-compliant” MPR were investigated using multiple regression analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that male patients were more likely to be non-compliant with pharmacotherapy than female patients, with as odds ratio of 1.389. Younger patients had a significantly lower likelihood of being non-compliant than older patients for age 60–69 vs. age 80+. Long dosing intervals were recommended to improve compliance and special attention was given to older and male patients.

Bone mineral density response prediction following osteoporosis treatment using machine learning to aid personalized therapy

Osteoporosis is a global health problem for ageing populations. The goals of osteoporosis treatment are to improve bone mineral density (BMD) and prevent fractures. One major obstacle that remains a great challenge to achieve the goals is how to select the best treatment regimen for individual patients. We developed a computational model from 8981 clinical variables, including demographic data, diagnoses, laboratory results, medications, and initial BMD results, taken from 10-year period of electronic medical records to predict BMD response after treatment. We trained 7 machine learning models with 13,562 osteoporosis treatment instances [comprising 5080 (37.46%) inadequate treatment responses and 8482 (62.54%) adequate responses] and selected the best model (Random Forests with area under the receiver operating curve of 0.70, accuracy of 0.69, precision of 0.70, and recall of 0.89) to individually predict treatment responses of 11 therapeutic regimens, then selected the best predicted regimen to compare with the actual regimen. The results showed that the average treatment response of the recommended regimens was 9.54% higher than the actual regimens. In summary, our novel approach using a machine learning-based decision support system is capable of predicting BMD response after osteoporosis treatment and personalising the most appropriate treatment regimen for an individual patient.

Patients' first-year adherence to different anti-osteoporotic therapy after hip fractures

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis medication treatment is recommended after geriatric fractures. However, the percentage of patients receiving anti-osteoporotic treatment after a hip fracture is extremely low.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence to different anti-osteoporotic medications in elderly patients following hip fracture.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 520 patients treated with osteoporotic hip fracture between March 2014 and June 2019. The patients were asked to choose the medication for osteoporosis treatment at discharge. Adherence was monitored by follow-up visits to the outpatient clinic at 1 year following surgery.

RESULTS

Of 520 patients with baseline data, osteoporosis medications were prescribed to 250 (48.1%) patients. Of these patients, 110 (44.0%) took subcutaneous denosumab, 69 (27.6%) took oral selective estrogen receptor modulator, 55 (21.0%) took intravenous bisphosphonate. At 12 months, we followed up 178 (71.2%) patients. Of those prescribed a bone protection medication, only 85 patients (34.0%) reported still taking their medication 1 year later. The rate of adherence to 6-month subcutaneous denosumab injection was significantly higher than that for quarterly intravenous bisphosphonates (p = 0.024) or daily oral tablets (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed patients' adherence for osteoporosis treatments after hip fracture. 6-month subcutaneous denosumab injection was preferred over 3-month intravenous injection or daily oral tablets in this elderly population and exhibited significant lower discontinuation rates. However, because of the limited power of the study, further research is required to identify the reasons behind non-adherence and to improve adherence to anti-osteoporosis medications.

Comparing the efficacies of bisphosphonates' therapies for osteoporosis persistence and compliance: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent metabolic bone disorder worldwide. This review was undertaken to compare the efficacies of bisphosphonates therapies for patient persistence and compliance for the treatment of osteoporosis.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed in accordance with the available reporting items. MEDLINE and Cochrane library databases were applied for literature searched up to January 2020. All major studies such as prospective, retrospective and reviews articles that examined patient persistence or compliance to bisphosphonates for osteoporosis were included.

RESULTS

Literature search found 656 relevant published reports, out of which 87 were included. The 10,712,176 osteoporotic patients were studied for patient persistence and 5,875,718 patients were studied for patient compliances. Analysis of all studied bisphosphonates showed almost similar patterns for patient persistence rates as it was decreased over the time following initial prescription but persistence length was found to be significantly high for alendronate therapy as compared to the other studied bisphosphonates (p<0.001), whereas the length of persistence of all other bisphosphonates (other than alendronate) were almost same (p>0.05). Analysis of patient compliances with etidronate therapy showed the highest percent medication possession ratio (MRP) at 12 months, followed by the MRPs of ibandronate, alendronate, risedronate, and clodronate.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first systematic review that shows the comparison of the efficiencies of bisphosphonates for patient persistence and compliance for the treatment of osteoporosis. The data showed that the length of patient persistence was highest for alendronate therapy, whereas patient compliance was highest for etidronate therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis.

A novel effervescent formulation of oral weekly alendronate (70 mg) improves persistence compared to alendronate tablets in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis

BACKGROUND

A novel effervescent buffered solution of 70 mg alendronate (ALN-EX) was developed to improve upper gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability over alendronate tablets (ALN-T). Whether a better GI tolerability can improve persistence remains to be determined.

AIM

This study evaluated persistence and reasons for discontinuation in patients treated with ALN-EX compared to a historical cohort on ALN-T.

METHODS

Post-menopausal women (PMW) from a standardized clinical database with BMD T-score < -2.5, or between -2 and -2.5 and at least one vertebral fracture, starting ALN-EX between July 2015 and June 2016 were included. A historical cohort comprised of randomly selected and age-matched PMW on ALN-T was used as a control. Persistence at 6 and 12 months and reasons for discontinuation (e.g. adverse events; AE) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 144 PMW on ALN-EX and 216 PMW on ALN-T were analysed. Persistence at 6 and 12 months was 91% and 81% in the ALN-EX group vs. 75% and 69% in the ALN-T group, this difference attaining statistical significance at both 6- (p < 0.001) and 12 months (p = 0.009). A significantly higher proportion of patients receiving ALN-T discontinued treatment due to GI AEs (4% ALN-EX vs. 11% ALN-T; p = 0.027), or patient's decision to discontinue (6% ALN-EX vs. 13% ALN-T; p = 0.016). The adjusted odds ratio of persisting on ALN-EX treatment at 12 months was 2.02 (95% CI: 1.21-3.41, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that ALN-EX can provide greater persistence and improved tolerability compared to ALN-T, allowing it to be a viable alternative option in the management of osteoporosis.

Safety and Efficacy of Zoledronic Acid Treatment with and without Acetaminophen and Eldecalcitol for Osteoporosis

Objectives We aimed to investigate the safety of zoledronic acid (ZOL) combined with acetaminophen (APAP) regarding both the adverse events and the efficacy of ZOL combined with an eldecalcitol (ELD) in a randomized clinical trial conducted in patients with primary osteoporosis. Methods A total of 109 patients were administered ZOL 5 mg and then were randomly assigned to the following groups (3:2:1): those treated with ZOL, those treated with ZOL combined with APAP and ELD, and those treated with ZOL combined with ELD. For the analyses, the groups were classified into four treatment groups: patients treated with APAP (APAP group) and without APAP (non-APAP group), and those treated with ELD (ELD group) and without ELD (non-ELD group). The incidence rates of symptomatic adverse events were compared between the APAP and non-APAP groups, and the efficacy was compared between the ELD and non-ELD groups. Results In the APAP and non-APAP groups, the incidence rates of symptomatic adverse events were 20.6% and 44.6% (p=0.009), respectively. Age and APAP use were found to be significant factors associated with adverse events. The percent changes in the bone mineral density values from baseline (ΔBMD) in the ELD and non-ELD groups at 12 months were 8.2% and 6.2% for the lumbar spine, 4.2% and 4.0% for the total hip, and 3.9% and 2.2% for the femoral neck, respectively. The ΔBMD of all sites did not differ significantly between the ELD and non-ELD groups. Conclusion In ZOL treatment, the co-administration of APAP should thus be considered as a therapeutic option to reduce the occurrence of symptomatic adverse events stemming from ZOL treatment in Japanese patients with primary osteoporosis, particularly in younger patients.

Bone Health and Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a common condition and is associated with increased risk of fracture, including hip and vertebral fractures that in turn can have devastating consequences on morbidity and mortality. In this article, we review the pathogenesis and diagnostic approach to postmenopausal osteoporosis. We review available nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies and we discuss their clinical efficacy and complications, with a detailed discussion of atypical femur fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Autonomy begets adherence: decisions to start and persist with osteoporosis treatment after group medical consultation

Many individuals prescribed osteoporosis pharmacotherapy either do not start or do not persist with treatment. In this study, women who attended a group medical visit at an osteoporosis center which involved fracture risk assessment and focused on autonomous decision-making made treatment decisions with high confidence. Those who started pharmacotherapy were highly persistent.

PURPOSE

Adherence and persistence with osteoporosis pharmacotherapy is low, possibly reflecting lack of confidence in physicians' treatment recommendations. We evaluated treatment decisions, decisional confidence, and 12-month treatment adherence among women who attended a group bone health consultation that fostered autonomous decision-making.

METHODS

We prospectively assessed postmenopausal women referred to an osteoporosis clinic who chose to attend a group medical visit in lieu of one-on-one consultation. The group visit was facilitated by a specialist physician and nurse, involving estimation of 10-year major osteoporotic fracture risk (using FRAX®) and extensive education regarding fracture consequences and potential advantages and disadvantages of pharmacotherapy. No direct advice was given by the specialist. Post-consult, participants made an autonomous decision regarding treatment intent and followed up with their family physician to enact their chosen plan. Intentions to initiate pharmacotherapy were assessed immediately post-consult. Treatment status and decisional confidence were evaluated 3 and 12 months later. Three-month treatment status was considered to reflect final treatment decision. Persistence was defined as proportion of participants on treatment at 3 months who remained treated at 12 months.

RESULTS

One hundred one women (mean (SD) age, 62.7 years (5.8); median (IQR) FRAX®, 10.7% (8.3-17.6)) participated. Immediately post-consult, 27 (26.7%) intended to initiate treatment. At 3 months, 23 (22.8%) were treated, and at 12 months, 21 (91.3%) remained persistent. Of 89 questionnaire respondents at 12 months, 85 (95.5%) reported confidence in their treatment decision.

CONCLUSION

When postmenopausal women are provided with individualized fracture risk estimates and enabled to make autonomous decisions regarding pharmacotherapy, ultimate decisions to receive treatment are made with confidence and result in high persistence at 12 months.

Hip Fracture Prevention in Osteoporotic Elderly and Cancer Patients: An On-Line French Survey Evaluating Current Needs

Background and objectives: Hip fracture is a major public health issue. Those fractures lead to high costs and a decrease in quality of life. A national French survey was conducted, with the objectives to firstly assess the current management of hip fracture and its prevention, both in the osteoporotic and cancer settings, and secondly to evaluate the opinions of physicians on the potential use of minimally invasive implantable devices to prevent hip fracture in alternative of surgery. Materials and methods: This national survey was conducted in France between April and July 2017. Questionnaires were sent to orthopedic surgeons, interventional radiologists, oncologists, and rheumatologists. Completed questionnaires were analyzed and compared according to two indications: orthopedics-traumatology and oncology. Factors associated with these responses were assessed using univariable analyses, based on chi-square tests or an exact Fisher test, as appropriate. Results: A total of 182 questionnaires were completed and further analyzed. Physicians have highlighted the need for a low re-fracture rate and to improve life expectancy for more than 1 year (50% for responders of the orthopedics-traumatology questionnaire and 80% for the responders interested in both indications), as well as quality of life (12.5% and 31%, respectively), but with no significant differences in the oncologic indication. Most of the experts were willing to use or prescribe implantable devices for prevention (63% in orthopedics-traumatology and 93% in oncology), although limited clinical experience (54 and 58%) and surgical risk (around 30% in each indication) were considered as limits. Conclusions: Prevention of hip fracture remains a concern for physicians. More clinical experience with implantable devices, in particular in cancer patients, is needed, but implemented in a strategy to maximize patient recovery while reducing costs.

Real-world effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment in the oldest old

We studied effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment in women older than 80 years, who often are not included in clinical trials. Treatments were as effective on bone density and fractures as in younger women.

INTRODUCTION

To study real-world effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment on BMD and fractures in the oldest old women (≥ 80 years) compared with women (60-79 years) in the clinical setting using Swedish health register data.

METHODS

National registers and data from DXA machines were used to study effectiveness of all available osteoporosis treatments in women 60-79 and ≥ 80 years using three approaches: (1) Total Hip BMD change up to 8 years after treatment start; (2) fracture incidence where patients served as their own controls, comparing the first 3 months after treatment start with the subsequent 12 months; and (3) comparison of fracture incidence post-fracture in women ≥ 80 years treated with osteoporosis treatment or calcium/vitamin D.

RESULTS

Analysis 1: Total Hip BMD increased by up to 6.7% and 7.7% in women 60-79 and ≥ 80 years old, respectively. The mean increase in BMD was 1.1%-units per year in both age groups. Analysis 2: Relative to the 3-month baseline, fracture incidence decreased during the subsequent 12 months of treatment. Incidence rate ratios were estimated at 0.65, 0.74, 0.29, and 0.81 for any, hip, vertebral, and non-hip-non-vertebral fracture, respectively. Analysis 3: A 24-month incidence of any fracture in women ≥ 80 years given post-fracture osteoporosis treatment was lower (HR = 0.78) than in women given calcium/vitamin D, but treatment allocation was not random, with lower mortality (HR = 0.51) in patients receiving OP treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoporosis medication in women > 80 years in clinical practice likely works, and the magnitude of effect is similar to what was estimated in younger women. The choice between osteoporosis treatment and calcium/vitamin D after fracture in women ≥ 80 years is not random but appears associated with the patient's health status and presence of vertebral fractures, rather than the known risk profile of sustaining a fracture at a high age.

Cost-effectiveness of antiosteoporosis strategies for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in China

OBJECTIVE

Osteoporosis has become an important public health problem in China, especially among elderly postmenopausal women. Massive amounts of medical and health resources have been devoted to patients with osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related fractures. This study estimated the cost-effectiveness of alendronate, zoledronate, raloxifene, teriparatide, and calcium/vitamin D as treatments for osteoporosis in elderly postmenopausal women in China from the medical system perspective.

METHODS

A Markov model was constructed by using TreeAge Pro 2015 software. This model simulated the disease process over 40 years in response to the five investigated therapeutic strategies. Each cycle lasted for 1 year. The model parameters included Chinese epidemiological data, clinical effectiveness, cost, and utility. Total treatment costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were estimated, and incremental cost-effectiveness analysis was performed. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to verify the model.

RESULTS

The calcium/vitamin D strategy, zoledronate, alendronate, teriparatide, and raloxifene offered patients 10.24, 10.83, 10.70, 10.88, and 10.54 QALYs at the cost of $3,799.72, $8,425.61, $9,849.89, $34,843.72, and $13,353.33 for over 40 years, respectively. The alendronate and raloxifene strategies were eliminated because they were less effective and more expensive than the other strategies. The base-case analysis revealed that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of the zoledronate strategy relative to those of the calcium/vitamin D strategy were $7,864.59/QALY. This result indicated that the zoledronate strategy was more cost-effective than other strategies and was within the willingness-to-pay threshold of China ($28,624/QALY). The ICERs of the teriparatide versus zoledronate strategies were $4,70,797.08/QALY, which exceeded the threshold.

CONCLUSION

From the perspective of the Chinese medical system, zoledronate is more cost-effective than the calcium/vitamin D strategy, alendronate, raloxifene, and teriparatide for the treatment of osteoporosis in elderly postmenopausal women. Not factoring the parameters of adherence and persistence in, and consequent variability in treatment effectiveness relative risks, seems like a major limitation, but it can be speculated that it would not change the conclusion that zoledronate is the most economical strategy.

Real-world Adherence and Persistence with Bisphosphonate Therapy in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Bisphosphonate therapy is a well-established and effective treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis and the prevention of osteoporotic fracture. However, poor adherence to and poor persistence with bisphosphonate therapy may reduce its benefits. Previous studies have documented the poor rates of adherence and persistence among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The objective of this systematic literature review was to evaluate adherence, persistence, and the impact of adherence and persistence on fracture risk in postmenopausal women with diagnosed osteoporosis.

METHODS

Articles eligible for review included observational studies of the real-world use of bisphosphonates in 23 countries and were identified by using MEDLINE, EMBASE, IMSEAR (Index Medicus for South-East Asia Region), and LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Database).

FINDINGS

We identified and evaluated 10 studies that assessed bisphosphonate adherence by measuring medication possession ratio (MPR), persistence, and/or the impact of adherence and persistence on fracture risk. Mean MPR at 1 year ranged from 54% to 71% in the 3 studies that reported this assessment of adherence, and 40%-85% of patients at 1 year were adherent, defined as an MPR ≥80%, in the 8 studies that reported this end point. At 1 year, rates of persistence ranged from 28% to 74%. Rates of adherence and persistence were highest with agents requiring less frequent administration and typically declined over time. Fracture rates were significantly lower among adherent women with MPRs ≥80% compared with women with MPRs <80%.

IMPLICATIONS

Our results show that suboptimal adherence to and persistence with bisphosphonate therapy in postmenopausal women are common and increase the risk of fracture. Additional research is needed to identify and incorporate effective strategies for improving adherence to bisphosphonates in postmenopausal women.

Favorable skeletal benefit/risk of long-term denosumab therapy: A virtual-twin analysis of fractures prevented relative to skeletal safety events observed

Antiresorptive therapies reduce fracture risk; however, long-term bone turnover inhibition may raise concerns about rare, but serious, skeletal adverse events-atypical femoral fracture (AFF) and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Denosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against RANKL, has demonstrated sustained low vertebral and nonvertebral fracture rates with low skeletal adverse event rates in the 3-year FREEDOM trial and its 7-year Extension (in which all subjects received open-label denosumab). In this analysis, we aimed to estimate fractures prevented relative to skeletal adverse events observed with 10 years of denosumab therapy. We modeled a hypothetical placebo group using the virtual-twin method, thereby allowing calculation of fractures prevented with denosumab treatment (relative to the virtual-placebo group) in the context of AFF or ONJ events observed in the long-term denosumab group. Estimated virtual-placebo and observed long-term denosumab exposure-adjusted fracture rates per 100,000 subject-years were calculated for fractures classified as clinical (3180 and 1777, respectively), major osteoporotic (2699 and 1525), vertebral (1879 and 901), and nonvertebral (2924 and 1528), and compared with observed AFF and ONJ in the long-term denosumab group (5 and 35 per 100,000 subject-years, respectively). The skeletal benefit/risk ratio (fractures prevented per adverse event observed) for clinical fractures was 281 (AFF) and 40 (ONJ). Based on this model, denosumab treatment for up to 10 years has a favorable skeletal benefit/risk profile when comparing fractures prevented per skeletal adverse event observed. Clinical trial registration: NCT00089791, NCT00523341.

Applying the information-motivation-behavioral model to explore the influencing factors of self-management behavior among osteoporosis patients

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) is rapidly increasing. Healthy behaviors are crucial for the management of OP. Application of the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model has been verified in various chronic diseases, but this model has not been investigated for behavioral interventions among people with OP. This study aimed to examine factors influencing OP self-management behavior and their interaction paths based on the IMB model.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study using a convenience sampling method in 20 community health service centers in Shanghai, China. Predictive relationships between IMB model variables and self-management behaviors were evaluated using an anonymous questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to test the IMB model.

RESULTS

In total, 571 participants completed the questionnaire, of which 461 (80.7%) were female. Participants' mean age was 68.8 ± 10.1 years. Only 101 (17.7%) participants were classified as having better OP self-management behaviors. The model demonstrated the data had an acceptable fit. Paths from information to self-efficacy (β = 0.156, P < 0.001) and self-management behaviors (β = 0.236, P < 0.001), from health beliefs to self-efficacy (β = 0.266, P < 0.001), from medical system support to self-efficacy (β = 0.326, P < 0.001) and self-management behaviors (β = 0.230, P < 0.001), and from self-efficacy to self-management behaviors (β = 0.376, P < 0.001) were all significant and in the predicted direction.

CONCLUSION

This study validated the utility of the IMB model for OP self-management behaviors in this population. Middle-aged and older adult patients with OP have poor self-management behaviors. Enhanced knowledge about OP and is important for improving self-management behaviors.

Retrospective evaluation of persistence in osteoporosis therapy with oral bisphosphonates in Italy: the TOBI study

The patients' persistence with osteoporosis treatments is low. This retrospective, multicenter survey showed that almost 30% of osteoporotic patients discontinued the treatment within the first 6 months and that those taking drinkable bisphosphonates were less likely to interrupt the therapy; instead, the use of generic bisphosphonates was associated to a more precocious interruption.

PURPOSE

Low persistence with osteoporosis medications is associated with higher fracture risk. This study aimed to assess the persistence to treatment with oral bisphosphonates among Italian osteoporotic patients under treatment for at least 6 months and to evaluate whether the different oral formulations of bisphosphonates may influence the interruption of the therapy.

METHODS

723 consecutive osteoporotic patients, aged 50 years or over, referred as outpatients for a follow-up visit after receiving a prescription of an oral bisphosphonate for the first time for at least 6 months were enrolled in this retrospective, multicenter survey carried out under conditions of usual clinical practice. All the patients enrolled were submitted to a standardized interview.

RESULTS

191 patients turned out to have discontinued treatment (28.7%), the more common causes for interruption being the adverse events (43.9%), fear of adverse events (23.3%) and perceived absence of efficacy of the treatment (15.8%). The osteoporotic patients taking drinkable bisphosphonate or on treatment with aromatase inhibitors or under the age of 70 years were less likely to interrupt the treatment. However, these associations were no longer significant when the pharmaceutical formulation (generic vs branded) was included into the multivariate logistic regression model.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the new drinkable formulations of bisphosphonates could be an interesting option able to reduce upper GI adverse events, thus increasing persistence; whereas the generic formulations of bisphosphonates were associated to a premature discontinuation.

Determinants, consequences and potential solutions to poor adherence to anti-osteoporosis treatment: results of an expert group meeting organized by the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) and the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)

Many patients at increased risk of fractures do not take their medication appropriately, resulting in a substantial decrease in the benefits of drug therapy. Improving medication adherence is urgently needed but remains laborious, given the numerous and multidimensional reasons for non-adherence, suggesting the need for measurement-guided, multifactorial and individualized solutions.

INTRODUCTION

Poor adherence to medications is a major challenge in the treatment of osteoporosis. This paper aimed to provide an overview of the consequences, determinants and potential solutions to poor adherence and persistence to osteoporosis medication.

METHODS

A working group was organized by the European Society on Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal diseases (ESCEO) to review consequences, determinants and potential solutions to adherence and to make recommendations for practice and further research. A systematic literature review and a face-to-face experts meeting were undertaken.

RESULTS

Medication non-adherence is associated with increased risk of fractures, leading to a substantial decrease in the clinical and economic benefits of drug therapy. Reasons for non-adherence are numerous and multidimensional for each patient, depending on the interplay of multiple factors, suggesting the need for multifactorial and individualized solutions. Few interventions have been shown to improve adherence or persistence to osteoporosis treatment. Promising actions include patient education with counselling, adherence monitoring with feedback and dose simplification including flexible dosing regimen. Recommendations for practice and further research were also provided. To adequately manage adherence, it is important to (1) understand the problem (initiation, implementation and/or persistence), (2) to measure adherence and (3) to identify the reason of non-adherence and fix it.

CONCLUSION

These recommendations are intended for clinicians to manage adherence of their patients and to researchers and policy makers to design, facilitate and appropriately use adherence interventions.

Quantifying the Value of Orally Delivered Biologic Therapies: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Oral Semaglutide

Oral semaglutide, which has undergone multiple phase 3 clinical trials, represents the first oral biologic medication for type 2 diabetes in the form of a daily capsule. It provides similar efficacy compared with its weekly injection counterpart, but it demands a dose on the order of 100 times as high and requires more frequent administration. We perform a cost effectiveness analysis using a first and second order Monte Carlo simulation to estimate quality-adjusted life expectancies associated with an oral daily capsule, oral weekly capsule, daily injection, and weekly injection of semaglutide. We conclude that the additional costs incurred to produce extra semaglutide for the oral formulation are cost effective, given the greater quality of life experienced when taking a capsule over a weekly injection. We also demonstrate that the potency of semaglutide allows the formulation to be cost effective, and less potent drugs will require increased oral bioavailability to make a cost effective oral formulation.

Real-world persistence and adherence with oral bisphosphonates for osteoporosis: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

This study examined patient adherence and persistence to oral bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteoporosis in real-world settings.

METHODS

A systematic review was completed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database NHS EED) databases were searched for studies published in English language up to April 2018. Prospective and retrospective observational studies that used prescription claim databases or hospital medical records to examine patient adherence and persistence to oral bisphosphonate treatment among adults with osteoporosis were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of included studies.

RESULTS

The search yielded 540 published studies, of which 89 were deemed relevant and were included in this review. The mean age of patients included within the studies ranged between 53 to 80.8 years, and the follow-up varied from 3 months to 14 years. The mean persistence of oral bisphosphonates for 6 months, 1 year and 2 years ranged from 34.8% to 71.3%, 17.7% to 74.8% and 12.9% to 72.0%, respectively. The mean medication possession ratio ranged from 28.2% to 84.5%, 23% to 50%, 27.2% to 46% over 1 year, 2 years and 3 years, respectively. All studies included scored between 6 to 8 out of 9 on the NOS. The determinants of adherence and persistence to oral bisphosphonates included geographic residence, marital status, tobacco use, educational status, income, hospitalisation, medication type and dosing frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

While a number of studies reported high levels of persistence and adherence, the findings of this review suggest that patient persistence and adherence with oral bisphosphonates medications was poor and reduced notably over time. Overall, adherence was suboptimal. To maximise adherence and persistence to oral bisphosphonates, it is important to consider possible determinants, including characteristics of the patients.

Clinical decision support system for the management of osteoporosis compared to NOGG guidelines and an osteology specialist: a validation pilot study

Background

Although osteoporosis is an easily diagnosed and treatable condition, many individuals remain untreated. Clinical decision support systems might increase appropriate treatment of osteoporosis. We designed the Osteoporosis Advisor (OPAD), a computerized tool to support physicians managing osteoporosis at the point-of-care. The present study compares the treatment recommendations provided by OPAD, an expert physician and the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG).

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 259 patients attending the outpatient osteoporosis clinic at the University Hospital in Iceland. We entered each patient’s data into the OPAD and recorded the OPAD diagnostic comments, 10-year risk of major osteoporotic fracture and treatment options. We compared OPAD recommendations to those given by the osteoporosis specialist, and to those of the NOGG.

Results

Risk estimates made by OPAD were highly correlated with those from FRAX (r = 0.99, 95% CI 0.99, 1.00 without femoral neck BMD; r = 0.98, 95% CI, 0.97, 0.99 with femoral neck BMD. Reassurance was recommended by the expert, NOGG and the OPAD in 68, 63 and 52% of cases, respectively. Likewise, intervention was recommended by the expert, NOGG, and the OPAD in 32, 37 and 48% of cases, respectively. The OPAD demonstrated moderate agreement with the physician (kappa 0.51, 95% CI 0.41, 0.61) and even higher agreement with NOGG (kappa 0.69, 95% CI 0.60, 0.77).

Conclusion

Primary care physicians can use the OPAD to assess and treat patients’ skeletal health. Recommendations given by OPAD are consistent with expert opinion and existing guidelines.

Factors associated with inadequate responses to risedronate in Japanese patients with osteoporosis

Factors associated with an inadequate response (IR) to bisphosphonates have been reported in many countries, but not in Japan, where the approved dose is half the global dose. We analyzed factors associated with IR to risedronate in Japanese patients with osteoporosis. This was a post hoc analysis of 1261 Japanese osteoporosis patients who received risedronate for 1 year in phase III trials. IR was defined as more than one new vertebral fracture (VF) and/or negative change in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) at 1 year. Various baseline and follow-up variables were examined for potential contribution to IR. Of the 1261 subjects, 118 exhibited an IR. At baseline, IR was associated with a higher BMD, lower levels of bone turnover markers (BTM) (serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, urinary N-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen and C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen), and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] below 16 ng/mL. BTM changes were blunted at 6 months in subjects with IR. On simple regression analysis, all the above variables and poor drug adherence were associated with an IR. On multivariate regression analysis, factors associated with IR were high BMD, vitamin D deficiency at baseline and low BTM at baseline, or a decreased BTM response at 6 months. Low serum 25(OH)D and BTM as well as high BMD at baseline were independent predictors of an IR to risedronate in Japan. These results emphasize the importance of the assessment of serum 25(OH)D and BTM in the management of osteoporosis with bisphosphonates.

European guidance for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Guidance is provided in a European setting on the assessment and treatment of postmenopausal women at risk from fractures due to osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION

The International Osteoporosis Foundation and European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis published guidance for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in 2013. This manuscript updates these in a European setting.

METHODS

Systematic reviews were updated.

RESULTS

The following areas are reviewed: the role of bone mineral density measurement for the diagnosis of osteoporosis and assessment of fracture risk; general and pharmacological management of osteoporosis; monitoring of treatment; assessment of fracture risk; case-finding strategies; investigation of patients; health economics of treatment. The update includes new information on the evaluation of bone microstructure evaluation in facture risk assessment, the role of FRAX® and Fracture Liaison Services in secondary fracture prevention, long-term effects on fracture risk of dietary intakes, and increased fracture risk on stopping drug treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

A platform is provided on which specific guidelines can be developed for national use.

Dose-Intensity of Bisphosphonates and the Risk of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Osteoporosis Patients

Objective: To examine the incidence rates and association between dose-intensity, stratified by exposure duration, of bisphosphonates and the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw among Korean osteoporotic patients older than 50 years. Study Design and Setting: Using the population-based National Health Insurance Claims Data of Korea from January 1, 2006, through December 3, 2012, 13,730 new bisphosphonate users as of 2006 were identified. Truncated age-standardized incidence rate estimation and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: In this retrospective cohort study, increasing age-standardized incidence rates of ONJ attributed to bisphosphonate exposure were observed for individuals with less than 1 year, 1–2 years, over 2 years of defined daily dose (DDD) of bisphosphonate exposure (13.85, 16.19, and 38.20, respectively), using a truncated 2000 United States Standard Population. Also, over 2 years of bisphosphonate DDDs was associated with an increased risk of developing of ONJ with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.51 (95% confidence interval: 1.31–1.75), compared to individuals with less than 1 year of bisphosphonate exposure. Conclusion: Our data provided the evidence to support the association between risk of ONJ and duration of bisphosphonate exposure used in the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis.

The Hidden Burden of Fractures in People Living With HIV

The survival of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has increased markedly since the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, other morbidities have emerged, including osteoporosis. The estimated incidence of fractures at any site in people living with HIV ranges from 0.1 per 1000 person‐years to 8.4 per 1000 person‐years: at least twice that of people without HIV. This increased risk seems to be related to HIV itself and its treatment. Risk factors for bone disease in HIV‐positive (HIV⁺) subjects include both classical risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture and factors linked to HIV itself, such as inflammation, reconstitution syndrome, low CD4, ART, and co‐infection with hepatitis B and C viruses. The risk of fractures in these individuals can be at least partially assessed by measurement of BMD and the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX™). Only alendronate and zoledronic acid have been studied in HIV⁺ individuals; both show beneficial effects on BMD, although data on fracture reduction are not available. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Cost-effectiveness of pulse-echo ultrasonometry in osteoporosis management

Purpose

Osteoporosis is asymptomatic morbidity of the elderly which develops slowly over several years. Osteoporosis diagnosis has typically involved Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) followed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in specialist care. Point-of-care pulse-echo ultrasound (PEUS) was developed to overcome DXA-related access issues and to enable faster fracture prevention treatment (FPT) initiation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of two proposed osteoporosis management (POMs: FRAX→PEUS-if-needed→DXA-if-needed→FPT-if-needed) pathways including PEUS compared with the current osteoporosis management (FRAX→DXA-if-needed→FPT-if-needed).

Materials and methods

Event-based probabilistic cost–utility model with 10-year duration for osteoporosis management was developed. The model consists of a decision tree for the screening, testing, and diagnosis phase and is followed by a Markov model for the estimation of incidence of four fracture types and mortality. Five clinically relevant patient cohorts (potential primary FPT in women aged 75 or 85 years, secondary FPT in women aged 65, 75, or 85 years) were modeled in the Finnish setting. Generic alendronate FPT was used for those diagnosed with osteoporosis, including persistence overtime. Discounted (3%/year) incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was the primary outcome. Discounted quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), payer costs (year 2016 value) at per patient and population level, and cost-effectiveness acceptability frontiers were modeled as secondary outcomes.

Results

POMs were cost-effective in all patient subgroups with noteworthy mean per patient cost savings of €121/76 (ranges €107–132/52–96) depending on the scope of PEUS result interpretation (test and diagnose/test only, respectively) and negligible differences in QALYs gained in comparison with current osteoporosis management. In the cost-effectiveness acceptability frontiers, POMs had 95%–100% probability of cost-effectiveness with willingness to pay €24,406/QALY gained. The results were robust in sensitivity analyses. Even when assuming a high cost of PEUS (up to €110/test), POMs were cost-effective in all cohorts.

Conclusion

The inclusion of PEUS to osteoporosis management pathway was cost-effective.

A Randomized Study to Compare a Monthly to a Daily Administration of Vitamin D₃ Supplementation

We aimed to determine whether a cumulative dose of vitamin D₃ produces the same effects on the serum concentration of 25(OH)D₃ if it is given daily or monthly. This is a monocentric, two-armed, randomized, interventional, open, and parallel study conducted from November 2016 to March 2017 in Belgium. We randomized 60 subjects with vitamin D deficiency to receive 2000 IU vitamin D₃ daily or 50,000 IU monthly. The same cumulative dose of vitamin D₃ was given to each treatment group (150,000 IU). The 25(OH)D₃ serum concentrations from baseline to day 75 were 14.3 ± 3.7 to 27.8 ± 3.9 ng/mL in the monthly group and 14.1 ± 3.4 to 28.8 ± 5.4 ng/mL in the daily group. The mean change versus the baseline level was significantly different between the groups at day 2, 4, 7, and 14 and no longer different from day 25. One day after the intake of vitamin D₃, as expected, serum 25(OH)D₃ and 1,25(OH)₂D₃ increased significantly in the monthly group, whereas they did not change significantly in the daily group. The median time to reach the 20 ng/mL target concentration was significantly different in the two groups, in favor of the monthly regimen (1 day versus 14 days; p = 0.02). In conclusion, a monthly administration of 50,000 IU vitamin D₃ provides an effective tool for a rapid normalization of 25(OH)D₃ in deficient subjects. A daily administration of the same cumulative dose is similarly effective but takes two weeks longer to reach the desirable level of 20 ng/mL.

Denosumab and alendronate treatment in patients with back pain due to fresh osteoporotic vertebral fractures

INTRODUCTION

Denosumab specifically inhibits the receptor activator for nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), and prevents osteoporotic fractures. Several reports have analyzed the effects of denosumab and alendronate alone on bone mineral density (BMD) or reduction of fracture risk. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of antiresorptive osteoporosis pharmacotherapy on pain relief in patients with fresh vertebral fracture.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center study included 80 patients (10 males, 70 females) with fresh osteoporotic vertebral fractures treated using denosumab at a dose of 60 mg subcutaneously every 6 months (40 patients) or alendronate at a dose of 35 mg orally every week (40 patients) for 6 months in our hospital. The mean age of subjects was 77 years (range, 55-92 years). The primary outcome was duration of back pain. Secondary outcomes included changes in BMD, serum type 1 collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX), and serum N-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (P1NP) from baseline to 6 months. Pain catastrophizing due to back pain was assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). The incidences of further vertebral fracture and adverse events were also assessed.

RESULTS

Pain relief was obtained at a mean of 3.3 weeks with denosumab and 5.4 weeks with alendronate. Pain relief was achieved significantly earlier with denosumab than with alendronate. At 6 months, change in BMD was higher with denosumab (6.1%) than with alendronate (0.8%). No significant differences in changes in NTX and P1NP were observed between groups. Scores for PCS were significantly lower for denosumab than for alendronate. The incidence of further vertebral fractures was 5% with denosumab and 10% with alendronate. Adverse event rates were similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Denosumab enabled earlier pain relief than alendronate and avoided catastrophizing in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures after 6 months of treatment.

Facilitators and barriers to exercise adherence in patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis: a systematic review

The aim of this study was to categorize the facilitators and barriers of exercise and identify methods to promote exercise adherence in the osteoporosis population. Despite the fair methodological quality of included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), less than 75 % identified facilitators and barriers to exercise. Methods to promote and measure exercise adherence were poorly reported.

INTRODUCTION

Several studies have shown exercise to be successful in maintaining or increasing BMD in individuals with low bone mass. Yet, adherence to exercise is poor, with 50 % of those registered in an exercise program dropping out within the first 6 months, lack of time being the number one barrier in many populations. However, in the osteoporosis population, the main facilitator and barrier to exercise is still unclear. The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which RCTs reported the facilitators and the barriers to exercise and identified methods to promote adherence to an exercise program.

METHODS

PubMed, CINHAL, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Review were queried using a predefined search criterion, and the resulting citations were imported into DistillerSR. Screening was carried out by two independent reviewers, and articles were included in the analysis by consensus. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale.

RESULTS

Fifty-four RCTs examining exercise interventions in patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis were included. A spectrum of facilitators and barriers to exercise for osteoporotic patients were identified; however, no one facilitator was more frequently reported than the other. The most commonly reported barriers were lack of time and transportation. In most RCTs, methods to promote and measure exercise adherence were unsatisfactory. Of the 54 papers, 72 % reported an adherence rate to an exercise program; the lowest reported rate was 51.7 %, and the highest 100 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Most RCTs found were of fair quality; however, less than three quarters identified facilitators and barriers to exercise. Reporting of methods to promote and measure exercise adherence were low. Future work should be directed toward identifying major facilitators and barriers to exercise adherence within RCTs. Only then can methods be identified to leverage facilitators and overcome barriers, thus strengthening the evidence for efficacy of optimal interventional exercise programs. This review has been registered in PROSPERO under registration number CRD42016039941.

Poor 1st-year adherence to anti-osteoporotic therapy increases the risk of mortality in patients with magnetic resonance imaging-proven acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures

AIM

Anti-osteoporotic therapy requires years of proper compliance to reduce the risk of fractures. This study investigated the effects of 1st-year adherence to anti-osteoporotic treatment on the risk of mortality in patients with magnetic resonance imaging-proven acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures after vertebroplasty.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 294 patients (252 females; mean age, 73.93±7.18 years) with osteoporosis and acute vertebral fractures treated with vertebroplasty between January 2001 and December 2007. Sex, age, body mass index, comorbidities, previous hip fracture, number of vertebral fractures, 5-year re-fracture rate, and use of anti-osteoporotic therapy were recorded for each patient. Adherence was determined according to compliance and persistence for 1 year. Compliance was calculated as the medication possession ratio (MPR), and persistence as the time from treatment initiation to discontinuation. Poor adherence was defined as either non-compliance or non-persistence.

RESULTS

The MPR of the patients at 1 year was 55.1%, with a persistence rate of 69.4% and a poor adherence rate of 62.6%. Cox regression analysis revealed that poor adherence to medications was associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality after adjustment for potential confounders (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.13-2.71). Poor adherence to medications was significantly associated with an increase in the rate of infection (HR: 4.56; 95% CI: 1.12-18.52), which was the most common cause of death.

CONCLUSION

Poor adherence to anti-osteoporotic therapy significantly increases the risk of morality, possibly due to an increased risk of infection. Efforts should be made to improve adherence.

Prophylactic augmentation of the osteoporotic proximal femur-mission impossible?

The high incidence of secondary hip fractures and the associated markedly increased mortality call for preventive actions that could help to avoid these injuries. By providing immediate strengthening and not relying on patient compliance, internal prophylactic augmentation of the osteoporotic proximal femur may overcome the main limitations of systemic bone drugs and wearable protective pads. However, such a method would have to provide sufficient and reliable strengthening effect with minimal risks and side effects to justify the need of an invasive treatment. The requirements for an internal reinforcement approach are thus strict and include mechanical, biological, clinical, ethical and financial criteria. Here we first attempt to describe the properties of an ideal augmentation method. Previously published methodologies and techniques developed at our research institute, including approaches using cements, metals, other materials or combined approaches, are then reviewed and evaluated according to these aspects. We conclude that none of the discussed methodologies appears to be able to deliver a sufficiently high gain-versus-risk ratio that could justify the clinical application and thus augmentation of the osteoporotic proximal femur remains a challenge. Finally, we provide suggestions for the development and evaluation of future strategies.

Treatment and Management of Osteoporotic Fractures: A Nation-wide Survey of 484 Senior Orthopaedists in China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the treatment given to osteoporotic fracture patients by orthopaedists at major hospitals in China.

METHODS

A 25-item quantitative questionnaire survey, categorized into five domains, including primary purpose of osteoporosis treatment, anti-osteoporosis therapy, calcium and vitamin D supplement, monitoring of osteoporosis, and knowledge of osteoporosis treatment, was designed to elicit information on orthopaedists' views on the treatment of osteoporotic fracture. A pre-survey test was conducted with a sample of 40 orthopaedic specialists to confirm the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Each interview of the survey took approximately 15 min and did not directly involve any patients. The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews at 119 tier 3 hospitals in 28 cities across Mainland China.

RESULTS

A total of 484 valid responses were received. Seven in ten respondents have ≥10 years of professional practice. While two-thirds believed that osteoporosis treatment was to prevent fractures or re-fractures, 95.0% agreed that anti-osteoporosis medication should be administered to patients with a history of fragility fractures. Three in four would prescribe anti-osteoporosis medication perioperatively. Of these, 79.0% regarded bisphosphonates as the first-line drug. Approximately 86.0% of the 21-30 years cohort chose bisphosphonates compared to 71.4% for those with ≤10 years. More of the younger (≤10 years) cohort chose calcitonin compared to their older (21-30 years) colleagues (25.7% vs 11.6%). The most commonly prescribed daily dose is 800 IU for vitamin D supplements and 600 mg/day for calcium.

CONCLUSIONS

Our respondents generally adhered to guidelines for the treatment and management of osteoporosis. A significant number had recommended lower dosages of vitamin D and calcium. Some differences exist between the younger cohort and their older colleagues in the prescription of pharmacological therapies. The criteria for initiating therapy should be more holistic and include other factors besides bone mineral density (BMD). Our results demonstrated that more comprehensive guidelines for osteoporosis management and a greater awareness of these guidelines by orthopaedists are needed to enable them to better manage their patients.

Role of Side Effects, Physician Involvement, and Patient Perception in Non-Adherence with Oral Bisphosphonates

INTRODUCTION

The benefits of osteoporosis therapy are compromised by low adherence, thus requiring a better understanding of its barriers and unmet needs. The objective of this study was to assess reasons for non-adherence with oral bisphosphonates among osteoporotic women.

METHODS

A cross-sectional patient survey of women who initiated therapy with risedronate or alendronate between the years 2010 and 2012 were non-adherent [Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) <70%] or switched therapy within the first year. Survey participants were identified using Maccabi Health Services computerized database. Patients who gave informed consent completed a 20-min telephonic survey, assessing reasons for discontinuation or switching, including physician involvement, side effects, administration regimen, perceptions of bone health, and medications' efficacy.

RESULTS

The study population included 493 females (mean age = 66 ± 7) of whom 40% discontinued all anti-osteoporotic therapy (mean MPR = 19%), 9% remained on initial therapy (mean MPR = 47%), and 51% switched therapy (mean MPR = 62%). Family history, fracture history, socioeconomic status, and index drug class and frequency were similar in all groups. The most common reasons for switching or discontinuation of the first-line therapy were gastrointestinal side effects, such as heartburn, acid reflux or other (40.0%), and physician recommendation (26.7%). The major reasons for complete discontinuation of therapy were side effects (26.9%) and physician recommendation (20.0%). Perceived low importance was more commonly mentioned than high cost of medication (14% vs. 3%).

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the importance of low tolerability to non-adherence with osteoporosis therapy and underlines poor patients' awareness and sub-optimal physicians' involvement in conveying the importance of this therapy.

FUNDING

Merck & Co Inc.

Proportion and Characteristics of Patients in Sweden Remaining at High Risk of Fracture Despite Prior Treatment

PURPOSE

Fragility fractures are a clinical consequence of osteoporosis (OP). Evidence suggests however, current OP treatments may be inadequate in reducing fracture risk. The purpose of this study was to estimate the proportion and characteristics of Swedish patients who remain at high risk of fracture after 2 years of treatment, as evidenced by osteoporotic bone mineral density (BMD), a decrease in BMD, or the occurrence of new fractures.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, descriptive analysis of a subset of participants obtained from a Swedish osteoporosis patient registry from 1991 to 2009. Patients were required to be osteoporotic, to be treatment naive at baseline, to have returned for at least 1 follow-up visit, and to have reported osteoporosis treatment use for ≥2 years after the baseline visit with a BMD T score. Two overlapping cohorts remaining at high risk of fracture were defined using the BMD T score measured after 2 years of treatment from baseline. The osteoporosis cohort comprised patients who remained osteoporotic, whereas the BMD decrease cohort included patients whose total hip or lumbar spine T score decreased by ≥3%.

FINDINGS

A total of 3292 osteoporotic patients were identified in the registry, of whom 392 met the study inclusion criteria. The mean (SD) patient age was 68.3 (8.5) years, with most patients being female (92.3%). Among all patients, 297 (75.8%) remained osteoporotic after at least 2 years of treatment, 90 (23.0%) experienced a BMD decrease of ≥3%, and 23 (5.9%) reported an incident fracture between the baseline and first follow-up visit. More than three-quarters (76.8%) of all patients reported taking bisphosphonates, whereas only 72.4% and 47.8% reported this in the osteoporosis and BMD decrease cohorts, respectively. Raloxifene was the only nonbisphosphonate used, with 24.2% of all patients reportedly taking it.

IMPLICATIONS

This study highlighted that despite 2 years of osteoporosis treatment, a high percentage of patients remain at high risk of fracture. There is a need for improved treatment strategies that reduce fracture risk and improve patient outcomes in the real-world setting.

How the knowledge of fracture risk might influence adherence to oral therapy of osteoporosis in Italy: the ADEOST study

The patients' adherence to osteoporosis treatments is low. In our study population a history of osteoporotic fractures was associated to better compliance and persistence; however, a 12-month randomized study carried out on 816 osteoporotic women showed that providing the patients with their individual fracture risk information did not prove effective.

PURPOSE

Several drugs are currently available for the treatment of osteoporosis, but the patients' compliance and persistence with these treatments are low. This study aimed to both analyze the adherence to oral osteoporosis medications among Italian osteoporotic patients (cross-sectional study) and evaluate if providing patients with their individual fracture risk information may improve compliance and persistence (prospective study).

METHODS

A total of 3379 osteoporotic patients referred as outpatients for a visit 1 year after receiving a prescription of oral osteoporosis medications for the first time, were enrolled for the retrospective study. Moreover, 816 postmenopausal women receiving an oral prescription for osteoporosis for the first time, were randomized into two groups: group 1 (managed according to standard clinical practice) and group 2 (managed with greater patient involvement and information on the individual risk of major osteoporotic fractures calculated by DeFRA algorithm).

RESULTS

In the retrospective study, a history of osteoporotic fractures, the frequency of drug administration and a condition of being overweight/obese had a significant influence on both compliance and persistence. Of the 816 patients enrolled in the longitudinal study, 731 (374 of group 1 and 357 of group 2) attended the 1 year follow-up visit. The percentage of women with high compliance or persistence was greater in group 2 (64.2 vs. 58.1 % and 66.8 vs. 62.6 %, respectively), but without reaching any statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Although providing the patients with their individual fracture risk information was not statistically effective, further studies on additional interventions able to improve the patients' perceived risk of fracture are warranted.

Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis of Medication Adherence With Once-weekly Versus Once-daily Therapy

PURPOSE

To compare medication adherence rates for once-weekly (QW) versus once-daily (QD) dosing regimens in patients with chronic disease.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify articles published in English-language journals examining the rate of adherence to medications in patients with chronic disease. Relevant studies were identified from January 2002 through August 2013 using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases. Twenty-two published observational studies reporting adherence were identified by 2 independent reviewers, and 7 articles reported relevant measures for analysis. All studies were conducted in patients with osteoporosis. Meta-analyses estimated (1) mean difference (MD) in adherence (defined using the mean medication possession ratio [MPR]) between QW and QD dosing groups and (2) odds ratio (OR) for adherence (defined using an MPR cutoff of ≥80%) for QW versus QD dosing. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I(2) values, and meta-analyses used both fixed- and random-effects models.

FINDINGS

The random-effects meta-analysis revealed a significantly greater MPR with QW compared with QD dosing (pooled MD = 12.29%; 95% CI, 10.76%-13.82%; n = 9 [data reported in 7 publications]). Because of the high level of heterogeneity (I(2) = 83.4%), the fixed-effects model results were not appropriate to report for the pooled MD. When examining the OR for adherence, both fixed- and random-effects models provided similar results due to the low level of heterogeneity (I(2) = 7.9%; n = 5 [data reported in 3 publications]). Using either model, the pooled odds of being adherent (MPR ≥80%) in the QW dosing group was approximately 1.9 times the odds in the QD dosing group (random-effects OR = 1.90; 95% CI, 1.81-2.00; fixed-effects OR = 1.92; 95% CI, 1.84-1.99).

IMPLICATIONS

In our meta-analysis, QW dosing was associated with better adherence levels and greater odds of being adherent compared with QD dosing in patients with osteoporosis.

Non-adherence with bisphosphonates among patients with osteoporosis: impact on fracture risk and healthcare cost‏

Osteoporosis-related fractures at the spine and hip have a substantial impact on mortality, morbidity, and quality of life in older adults worldwide. Adherence to bisphosphonates is essential for effective treatment and fracture prevention. Nevertheless, numerous studies from various populations and study designs clearly indicated that adherence and persistence are poor with more than 50% of patients discontinuing therapy within one year. This is primarily explained by mild adverse effects, dosing regimens, and costs. Studies have also shown that good adherence is associated with reduced osteoporosis-related and non-related healthcare costs as soon as 2 years from therapy initiation. Nonetheless, we found only little improvement in adherence rates over the years. In light of the importance of medication adherence and the limited success of previous programs, other than reducing dosing frequency, new directions should be explored to engage patients and care givers in order to improve adherence and prevent fractures.

The impact of preventive measures on the burden of femoral fractures - a modelling approach to estimating the impact of fall prevention exercises and oral bisphosphonate treatment for the years 2014 and 2025

BACKGROUND

Due to the demographic transition with a growing number of old and oldest-old persons the absolute number of fragility fractures is expected to increase in industrialized countries unless effective preventive efforts are intensified. The main causes leading to fractures are osteoporosis and falls. The aim of this study is to develop population based models of the potential impact of fall-prevention exercise and oral bisphosphonates over the coming decade.

METHODS

The German federal state of Bavaria served as the model population. Model interventions were limited to community-dwelling persons aged 65 years and older. Models are based on fall-prevention exercise being offered to all persons aged 70 to 89 years and oral bisphosphonate treatment offered to all persons with osteoporosis as defined by a T-score of ≤ - 2.5. Treatment effect sizes are estimated from meta-analyses. Reduction in all femoral fractures in the population of community-dwelling persons aged 65 years and older is the outcome of interest. A spreadsheet-based modelling approach was used for prediction.

RESULTS

In 2014, reduction of femoral fractures by 10 % required 21 % of all community-dwelling persons aged 70-89 to participate in fall-prevention exercise, or 37 % of those with osteoporosis to receive oral bisphosphonates. Without intervention, demographic changes will result in a 24 % increase in femoral fractures by 2025. To lower the increase of fractures between 2014 and 2025 to 10 %, fall-prevention-exercise participation rate needs to be 25 % and bisphosphonate treatment rates 41 %, whereas to hold the 2025 rates flat at 2014 rates require 43 % fall-prevention-exercises participation, and is not achievable using oral bisphosphonates.

CONCLUSIONS

Unrealistic high treatment and participation rates of the two analysed measures are needed to achieve substantial effects on the expected burden of femoral fractures at present and in the future.

Gastrointestinal symptoms and association with medication use patterns, adherence, treatment satisfaction, quality of life, and resource use in osteoporosis: baseline results of the MUSIC-OS study

SUMMARY

The Medication Use Patterns, Treatment Satisfaction, and Inadequate Control of Osteoporosis Study (MUSIC-OS) is a prospective, observational study of women with osteoporosis in Europe and Canada. At baseline, patients with gastrointestinal symptoms reported lower adherence to osteoporosis treatment, treatment satisfaction, and health-related quality of life, than those without gastrointestinal symptoms.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to examine gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and the association between GI symptoms and treatment adherence, treatment satisfaction, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among osteoporotic women in Europe and Canada.

METHODS

Baseline results are reported here for a prospective study which enrolled postmenopausal, osteoporotic women who were initiating (new users) or continuing (experienced users) osteoporosis treatment at study entry (baseline). A patient survey was administered at baseline and included the occurrence of GI symptoms during 6-month pre-enrolment, treatment adherence (adherence evaluation of osteoporosis (ADEOS), score 0-22), treatment satisfaction (Osteoporosis Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (OPSAT-Q), score 0-100) and HRQoL (EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) utility, score 0-1; OPAQ-SV, score 0-100). The association between GI symptoms and ADEOS (experienced users), OPSAT-Q (experienced users), and HRQoL (new and experienced users) was assessed by general linear models adjusted for patient characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 2959 patients (2275 experienced and 684 new users) were included. Overall, 68.1% of patients experienced GI symptoms in the past 6 months. Compared with patients without GI symptoms, patients with GI symptoms had lower mean baseline scores on most measures. The mean adjusted differences were ADEOS, -0.43; OPSAT-Q, -5.68; EQ-5D, -0.04 (new users) and -0.06 (experienced users), all P < 0.01. GI symptoms were also associated with lower OPAQ-SV domain scores: physical function, -4.17 (experienced users); emotional status, -4.28 (new users) and -5.68 (experienced users); back pain, -5.82 (new users) and -11.33 (experienced users), all P < 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with GI symptoms have lower treatment adherence and treatment satisfaction and worse HRQoL than patients without GI symptoms.

Cost and Consequences of Nonadherence With Oral Bisphosphonate Therapy: Findings From a Real-World Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

Adherence to osteoporosis treatment remains poor despite available treatments and physician and patient education. This study aims to determine the effect of low adherence in real-world data.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between adherence with oral bisphosphonate therapy and fracture risk as well as health care resource utilization.

METHODS

Women included in this retrospective analysis were 55 years or older and had started oral bisphosphonate therapy between 2005 and 2011 in a large not-for-profit health care center in Israel. Adherence to therapy was measured by the medication possession ratio (MPR) during the first year from therapy initiation. Patients with MPR lower than 70% were considered nonadherent. Study outcomes were osteoporotic fracture events and health care utilization (including physician visits and hospitalizations) during the second year from therapy initiation.

RESULTS

Among the 17 770 women included in the analysis (mean age = 66.5 years; SD = ±8.3 years), 48.9% were nonadherent to therapy during the first year of treatment. Osteoporotic fracture risks during the second year among adherent and nonadherent patients were 2.1% and 2.5%, respectively (P = 0.1). When analysis was limited to patients 75 years or older, nonadherence with bisphosphonates was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.49 (95% CI = 1.08-2.04) for osteoporotic fractures compared with adherent patients. Nonadherent patients had 13.4% higher medical costs than their adherent counterparts among patients 75 years and older (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients 75 years and older, nonadherence with oral bisphosphonates can be associated with significantly greater short-term risk of osteoporotic fractures and higher utilization of health care services.

Cost-effectiveness of raloxifene in the treatment of osteoporosis in Chinese postmenopausal women: impact of medication persistence and adherence

AIMS

Raloxifene treatment of osteoporotic fractures is clinically effective, but economic evidence in support of raloxifene reimbursement is lacking in the People's Republic of China. We aimed at evaluating the cost-effectiveness of raloxifene in the treatment of osteoporotic fractures using an osteoporosis health economic model. We also assessed the impact of medication persistence and adherence on clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of raloxifene.

METHODS

We used a previously developed and validated osteoporosis state-transition microsimulation model to compare treatment with raloxifene with current practices of osteoporotic fracture treatment (conventional treatment) from the health care payer's perspective. A Monte Carlo probabilistic sensitivity analysis with microsimulations was conducted. The impact of medication persistence and adherence on clinical outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of raloxifene was addressed in sensitivity analyses. The simulated patients used in the model's initial state were 65-year-old postmenopausal Chinese women with osteoporosis (but without previous fractures), simulated using a 1-year cycle length until all patients had died. Costs were presented in 2015 US dollars (USD), and costs and effectiveness were discounted at 3% annually. The willingness-to-pay threshold was set at USD 20,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained.

RESULTS

Treatment with raloxifene improved clinical effectiveness by 0.006 QALY, with additional costs of USD 221 compared with conventional treatment. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was USD 36,891 per QALY gained. The cost-effectiveness decision did not change in most of the one-way sensitivity analyses. With full raloxifene persistence and adherence, average effectiveness improved compared with the real-world scenario, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was USD 40,948 per QALY gained compared with conventional treatment.

CONCLUSION

Given the willingness-to-pay threshold, raloxifene treatment was not cost-effective for treatment of osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal Chinese women. Medication persistence and adherence had a great impact on clinical- and cost-effectiveness, and therefore should be incorporated in future pharmacoeconomic studies of osteoporosis interventions.

A phase IV, two-armed, randomized, cross-over study comparing compliance with once-a-month administration of vitamin D3 to compliance with daily administration of a fixed-dose combination of vitamin D3 and calcium during two 6-month periods

In a randomized, cross-over study, once monthly administration of vitamin D3 was preferred over a once daily administration of a fixed-dose combination of vitamin D3 and calcium, with a better compliance but without any significant difference in the increase in vitamin D levels.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to compare a once-monthly administration of vitamin D3 to a daily administration of a fixed-dose combination of vitamin D3 and calcium during two treatment periods of 6 months.

METHODS

One hundred volunteers aged 50 years old or older were randomized to receive either one drinkable ampoule containing 25,000 IU vitamin D3 (D-Cure®, SMB) once monthly (group VD) or one chewable tablet containing 1000 mg calcium carbonate + 800 IU vitamin D3 (Steovit Forte®, Takeda) once daily (group VDCa) during 6 months. After the first 6 months of treatment, the groups were reversed according to the randomized cross-over design. Treatment compliance (i.e. the primary outcome), preference, acceptability and vitamin D levels and adverse events were all collected.

RESULTS

For the two periods, the patients had a significantly higher compliance in the VD group than in the VDCa group (p < 0.0001). During the study, 50 (56.8 %) patients preferred the VD treatment, 16 (18.2 %) patients preferred the VDCa, and for 22 (25.0 %) patients, neither treatment was preferred. At the end of the first 6 months of treatment, the mean (SD) increase of 25(OH)D was 6.57 ng/mL (8.19) in the VD group and 3.88 ng/mL (10.0) in the VDCa group (p = 0.16 between groups).

CONCLUSION

In this study, a once-monthly administration of vitamin D3 was preferred over a once-daily administration of a fixed-dose combination of vitamin D3 and calcium, with a better compliance but without any significant difference in the increase in vitamin D levels.