Undertreatment of osteoporosis following hip fracture: a retrospective, observational study in Singapore

Age-dependent gender differences in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis during hospitalization in patients with fragility fractures

BACKGROUND

There is a gender difference in the acceptance of osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment in patients after fragility fractures, but this difference is rarely assessed during hospitalization, and it is unclear whether these differences are age-dependent. This study aimed to evaluate the differences between male and female fragility fracture patients of different age groups who received the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis during hospitalization.

METHODS

31,265 fragility fracture patients aged ≥ 50 years from the Fragility Fracture Management Database in a high-volume orthopedic hospital from December 2019 to February 2023 were included in this study. We compared the differences in the rates of men and women with fragility fracture who received the measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism biochemical markers (BMBMs) and treatment with anti-osteoporosis medications (AOMs), and follow-up to the internal medicine clinic within 3 months after discharge, across all age groups and across different age stages (50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and ≥ 80 years).

RESULTS

The detection rates of female patients receiving BMD and BMBMs during hospitalization were 31.88% and 5.30%, respectively, compared with 22.23% and 2.69% for men. The rate of receiving any AOMs treatment was 44.63% for women and 31.60% for men. The follow-up rate of returning to the internal medicine clinic within 3 months after discharge was 9.79% for women compared to 3.00% for men. There was a significant difference between males compared to females (P < 0.0001). Analysis of patients by different age group revealed that differences in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis were found only in patients under 80 years of age, while gender differences in the return to the internal medicine clinic for follow-up after discharge were present in all age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender differences present in osteoporosis management in patients with fragility fracture during hospitalization, especially for patients under 80 years of age. This finding suggests that orthopedic surgeons neglect to manage osteoporosis in male patients with fragility fracture during hospitalization.

Fragility fracture care gap at a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia

Fracture begets fracture, pharmacological treatment is needed to prevent secondary fractures. This study found that there was a fragility fracture care gap where both bone health investigations and treatment initiation rates were low. Strategies such as Fracture Liaison Service is needed to address the care gap.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the clinical burden and secondary fracture prevention of fragility fractures at a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia.

METHODS

Electronic medical records of all patients admitted with fragility fractures between 1 January 2017-31 December 2018 were reviewed. Patients < 50 years old, with non-fragility fractures, restricted access to medical records, transferred to another hospital or who passed away during admission were excluded. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise patients' characteristics, frequency of fragility fractures, and secondary fracture prevention details. Binomial logistic regression was performed to analyse predictive factors for post-fracture bone health assessments and treatment initiation.

RESULTS

1030 patients [female (767/1030, 74.5%)] presented with 1071 fractures [hip fractures (378/1071, 35.3%)]. 170/993 (17.1%) patients were initiated on anti-osteoporosis medications (AOMs) and 148/984 (15.0%) had bone mineral density (BMD) performed within 1-year post-fracture. Less than half (42.4%) of the patients remained on treatment at 1-year post-fracture. Older patients [65-74 years old: odds ratio (OR) = 2.18, 95%CI 1.05-4.52, p = 0.04; ≥ 75 years: OR = 3.06, 95%CI 1.54-6.07, p < 0.01], hip fractures (OR = 1.95, 95%CI 1.23-3.11, p < 0.01), Chinese ethnicity (OR = 1.90, 95%CI 1.07-3.35, p = 0.03),previously diagnosed with osteoporosis (OR = 2.65, 95%CI:1.32-5.31, p < 0.01) and a BMD test performed (OR = 12.48, 95%CI 8.04-19.37, p < 0.01) were found to have higher AOM initiation. Patients with past diagnosis of osteoporosis (OR = 4.45, 95%CI 2.25-8.81, p < 0.01) and initiated on AOM (OR = 11.34, 95%CI 7.57-16.97, p < 0.01) had a higher likelihood to undergo BMD testing.

CONCLUSION

The AOM initiation and BMD testing rates were low. There is a need to address the fragility fracture care gap with strategies such as Fracture Liaison Service.

Nurse-Initiated Fall and Osteoporosis Screening for Older Adults in the Emergency Department

Background Many older adults presenting to the emergency department (ED) after a fall are discharged without adequate assessment of their fall risk. A nurse-initiated protocol was introduced for the early screening of older adults with injurious falls. We aimed to promote osteoporosis education and right-site them to appropriate outpatient resources in the community. Methodology In this study, we included ≥65-year-old adults who attended the ED with injurious falls or near falls between December 2019 and December 2020. An ED nurse trained in basic geriatric care performed the cognitive assessment and provided advice on diet, footwear, fall safety, calcium/vitamin D supplementation, and osteoporosis screening. Results A total of 70 (75.7% female) patients aged 65-93 years were included. In total, 34 (48.6%) were started on calcium/vitamin D supplements and 22 (31.4%) went on to receive outpatient bone mineral density scans. Only three patients reattended the ED for recurrent falls/fractures in the six-month follow-up period. Conclusions A nurse-initiated fall and osteoporosis screening protocol is a feasible model of care for targeted screening and education of older adults who present to the ED with injurious falls.

Exploring the osteoporosis treatment gap after fragility hip fracture at a Tertiary University Medical Center in Thailand

BACKGROUND

(1) To evaluate the prescription rate of anti-osteoporosis medication, and (2) to identify factors associated with patients not receiving anti-osteoporosis medication or, when prescribed, not persisting with medication 1 year after hip fracture treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all fragility hip fracture patients admitted to the orthopedic unit of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, between July 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019. We identified patients who did not receive anti-osteoporosis medication both 6 months and 1 year after fracture treatment. Patients who did not receive the medication 1 year after their treatment were enrolled and interviewed using a no-treatment questionnaire.

RESULTS

In total, 530 patients with fragility hip fractures were eligible (mean age, 79.0 years), and most (74.5%) were women. Only 148 patients (31.6%) received anti-osteoporosis medication 1 year after hip fracture. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors for not receiving the medication: male sex (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1-3.0), Charlson comorbidity index score ≥ 5 (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.0-2.3), and secondary school education or below (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.3). The main reason for not receiving the medication was that healthcare providers neither discussed nor initiated pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis (48.2%). When the medication was prescribed, non-persistence primarily stemmed from transportation difficulties that resulted in patients missing follow-ups (50.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Improved physician attitudes toward anti-osteoporosis medications might enhance the treatment rate. Developing a follow-up team and facilitating access to medications (eg, courier delivery to patients) would promote therapy compliance.

TRIAL REGISTRATIONS

The protocol for the first phase and second phase was approved by the Siriraj Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand (COA no. Si 180/2021) and for the second phase, patients-informed consent forms used in the cross-sectional component were approved by the Siriraj Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand (COA no. Si 180/2021). The research was registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR number: 20210824002). The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Each patient (or a relative/caregiver) provided informed consent in writing or by telephone to participate in this second study phase.

Gaps and alternative surgical and non-surgical approaches in the bone fragility management: an updated review

Osteoporotic fractures are one of the major problems facing healthcare systems worldwide. Undoubtedly, fragility fractures of the hip represent a far greater burden in terms of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs than other fracture sites. However, despite the significant impact on the health and quality of life of older adults, there is a general lack of awareness of osteoporosis, which results in suboptimal care. In fact, most high-risk individuals are never identified and do not receive adequate treatment, leading to further fragility fractures and worsening health status. Furthermore, considering the substantial treatment gap and the proven cost-effectiveness of fracture prevention programs such as Fracture Liaison Services, urgent action is needed to ensure that all individuals at high risk of fragility fracture are adequately assessed and treated. Based on this evidence, the aim of our review was to (i) provide an overview and comparison of the burden and management of fragility fractures, highlighting the main gaps, and (ii) highlight the importance of using alternative approaches, both surgical and non-surgical, with the aim of implementing early prevention of osteoporotic fractures and improving the management of osteoporotic patients at imminent and/or very high risk of fracture.

Challenges in osteoporosis treatment initiation in geriatric patients admitted under the hip-fracture pathway

Osteoporosis is often untreated especially in older people. This study found a low prescribing rate of osteoporosis treatment medication of 22.4% in older people admitted under the hip-fracture pathway. Factors associated with greater odds of being prescribed osteoporosis medications are categorized into patient-related, physician-related and system-related factors.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis represents a growing healthcare problem which is often overlooked by healthcare providers and untreated especially in older people. This study aims to assess the rate of osteoporosis treatment initiation and to investigate underlying physician and system-related barriers in geriatric patients admitted for hip fracture.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on patients aged 60 years and older, admitted under the hip-fracture pathway from January 2019 to December 2019. Data collected included demographics, co-morbid conditions and laboratory data. Clinical charts were reviewed for whether bone mineral density (BMD) scan has been ordered, plans for bone health were made and reflected in the discharge summary, and if appropriate memos were written. The primary outcome was the prescription of osteoporosis treatment medications. Prescription lists were also reviewed for prescribing patterns of calcium and vitamin D.

RESULTS

A total of 375 patients older than 60 years old were identified. 281 patients who fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria with complete data were further analysed. Within 1 year of hip fracture admission, 63 (22.4%) of them were prescribed with osteoporosis treatment. Multivariate logistic regression identified milder stage of CKD (p = 0.038, OR = 0.617, 95% CI 0.392-0.973) and BMD scan performed (p &lt; 0.001, OR = 6.515, 95% CI 3.180-13.348) as independent factors associated with the prescription of osteoporosis treatment within 1 year of hip fracture admission.

CONCLUSION

The rate of osteoporosis treatment initiation post-hip fracture is low. Systematic solutions will need to be established to ensure that osteoporosis treatment is addressed prior to discharge.

Quality improvement initiatives in the care and prevention of fragility fractures in the Asia Pacific region

This narrative review summarises ongoing challenges and progress in the care and prevention of fragility fractures across the Asia Pacific region since mid-2019. The approaches taken could inform development of national bone health improvement Road Maps to be implemented at scale during the United Nations 'Decade of Healthy Ageing'.

PURPOSE

This narrative review summarises recent studies that characterise the burden of fragility fractures, current care gaps and quality improvement initiatives intended to improve the care and prevention of fragility fractures across the Asia Pacific region.

METHODS

The review focuses on published studies, reports and quality improvement initiatives undertaken during the period July 2019 to May 2022.

RESULTS

Epidemiological studies conducted in countries and regions throughout Asia Pacific highlight the current and projected increasing burden of fragility fractures. Recent studies and reports document a persistent and pervasive post-fracture care gap among people who have sustained fragility fractures. Global initiatives developed by the Fragility Fracture Network and International Osteoporosis Foundation have gained significant momentum in the Asia Pacific region, despite the disruption caused by the COVID-pandemic. The Asia Pacific Fragility Fracture Alliance has developed educational resources including a Hip Fracture Registry Toolbox and a Primary Care Physician Education Toolkit. The Asia Pacific Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures Society-a new section of the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association-is working to engage orthopaedic surgeons across the region in the care and prevention of fragility fractures. The Asia Pacific Consortium on Osteoporosis developed a framework to support national clinical guidelines development groups. Considerable activity at the national level is evident in many countries across the region.

CONCLUSION

Development and implementation of national Road Maps informed by the findings of this review are urgently required to respond to the epidemiological emergency posed by fragility fractures during the United Nations 'Decade of Healthy Ageing'.

A 2-year follow-up of a novel Fracture Liaison Service: can we reduce the mortality in elderly hip fracture patients? A prospective cohort study

Osteoporosis is an underdiagnosed disease that results in bone fragility and risk of fractures. Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) is a secondary prevention model which identifies patients at risk for fragility fractures. The introduction of a FLS protocol showed an increase of anti-osteoporotic drug prescription and significant reduction of all-cause mortality.

INTRODUCTION

Hip fractures are the most severe osteoporotic fracture due to their associated disability and elevated risk of mortality. FLS programs have enhanced the management of osteoporosis-related fractures. Our objective is to analyze the effect of the FLS model over survival and 2-year mortality rate following a hip fracture.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study on patients over 60 years of age who suffered a hip fracture during 3 consecutive years, before and after the implementation of the FLS in our center (i.e., between January 2016 and December 2018). Patients' information was withdrawn from our local computerized database. Patients were followed for 2 years after the hip fracture. Mortality and re-fracture rates were compared between the two groups using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

A total of 1101 patients were included in this study (i.e., 357 before FLS implementation and 744 after FLS implementation). Anti-osteoporotic drugs were more frequently prescribed after FLS implementation (583 (78.4%) vs 44 (12.3%); p < 0.01). There was an increase of adherence to treatment after FLS implementation (227 (38.9%) vs 12 (3.3%); p = 0.03). A total of 222 (29.8%) patients after FLS implementation and 114 (31.9%) individuals before FLS implementation (p = 0.44) died during the follow-up period. A second fracture occurred in 49 (6.6%) patients after FLS implementation and in 26 (7.3%) individuals before FLS implementation (p = 0.65). Patients who were treated with anti-osteoporotic drugs after the implementation of the FLS protocol had a lower all-cause 1-year and 2-year mortality compared with patients managed before the implementation of the FLS protocol (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.96; HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.69-1.09, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a FLS protocol was associated with an increase of anti-osteoporotic treatment, higher adherence, and greater survival in elderly hip fracture patients. There was a significant reduction of all-cause mortality in the FLS patients treated with anti-osteoporotic. However, the application of the FLS did not affect the risk of suffering a second fragility fracture.

The Impact of Frailty, Falls and Cognition on Osteoporosis Management in the Oldest Old

Data and clinical guidelines on the management of osteoporosis in nonagenarians are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of osteoporosis management and identify any gaps or trends in a cohort of nonagenarians who were newly diagnosed with osteoporosis during an inpatient admission. A retrospective analysis of nonagenarians admitted to the medicine department of a tertiary hospital who were newly diagnosed with osteoporosis based on extracted ICD-10 codes. Baseline demographics, frailty based on the clinical frailty scale, comorbidities, initiation, compliance and adverse effects on osteoporosis medication were analysed. Mean age of the study group was 93.0 ± 2.5 years. There was a high prevalence of frailty (71.7%), cognitive impairment (34.2%) and recurrent falls (30.0%). 82.5% were started on osteoporosis treatment with denosumab (43.4%) being the most prescribed, followed by alendronate (41.4%). Cognitive impairment and male gender were associated with less likelihood of being on osteoporosis treatment on multivariate analysis. Having a previous fracture was associated with a higher likelihood of being on osteoporosis treatment. There was a discontinuation rate of 49.5% with a mean time to discontinuation of 26.3 ± 22.9 months. There was a high rate of osteoporosis treatment in nonagenarians with osteoporosis. The presence of previous fractures was associated with initiation of osteoporosis medications, whereas frailty and falls had no impact on treatment decisions. Cognitive impairment and males were associated with a lower rate of initiation of osteoporosis medication.

Anti-osteoporotic Drug Utilization Rates for Secondary Prevention Among Patients with Osteoporotic Fractures

OBJECTIVES

Anti-osteoporotic drugs (AOD) are essential for secondary prevention of osteoporotic fracture (OF) in patients with established osteoporosis. However, data about AOD utilization rates are scarce among patients with OF. This study was therefore aimed at determining the AOD utilization rates among those particularly vulnerable patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study followed the medical records of patients with OF starting from their first OF diagnosis date. Each patient's preventive osteoporosis treatments (vitamin D, calcium+vitamin D) and AOD utilization rate were recorded for a 12-month period following OF diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 210 patients (168 females, mean age: 67.8±11.9 years; 42 males, mean age 62.4±16.1 years) were enrolled in the study. Of these, 65.7% (n=138) did not use any medication for primary protection against osteoporosis before OF diagnosis. The ratio of patients not using any type of medication for secondary prevention after OF increased from 26.5% to 51% during a 12-month period. In addition, by one year following diagnosis, AOD usage rate had decreased from 62.3% to 41.3%.

CONCLUSION

The AOD usage rates for secondary prevention of OF were insufficient, and cessation rates were high. Identification of factors associated with decreased AOD utility rates will provide important information for guiding patient follow-up in order to reduce the occurrence of OF.

The Relationships Between Glycated Hemoglobin and Bone Turnover Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes but No Diabetic Nephropathy

Purpose

To investigate the relationships between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and bone turnover markers (BTMs) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) but no diabetic nephropathy.

Patients and Methods

Patients with T2DM were recruited at Hebei General Hospital in China. The participants were allocated to three groups: an HbA1c <7% group, an HbA1c 7%–9% group, and an HbA1c ≥9% group. Their general characteristics, biochemical indices, and BTM concentrations were recorded.

Results

The ages of the HbA1c <7% group and the HbA1c 7%–9% group were significantly higher than that of the HbA1c ≥9% group (P<0.05). The prevalence of a history of hypertension in the HbA1c 7%–9% group was significantly higher than that in the HbA1c ≥9% group. The circulating low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration in the HbA1c ≥9% group and the apolipoprotein B concentration in the HbA1c 7%–9% group were significantly higher than those in the HbA1c <7% group (P<0.05). Compared with that in the HbA1c <7% group, the circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentration was significantly lower in the HbA1c ≥9% group (P<0.05). Additionally, the circulating 25OHD and osteocalcin (OC) concentrations negatively correlated with HbA1c (P<0.05).

Conclusion

An increase in HbA1c is associated with gradual decreases in the circulating concentrations of 25OHD and OC.

Adherence to dosing schedule of denosumab therapy for osteoporosis during COVID-19 lockdown: an electronic medical record and pharmacy claims database study from Asia

COVID-19 lockdowns have impacted management of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis. Adherence to the 6-monthly dosing schedule of denosumab, the parenteral anti-osteoporosis medication most often used in Singapore, was significantly reduced during the lockdown period compared to that during pre-COVID-19 times. Patients managed by endocrinologists were more likely to be adherent.

PURPOSE

No study thus far has quantified actual adherence rates to anti-osteoporosis therapy with denosumab during COVID-19 or explored factors associated with it. We aimed to estimate the adherence rates to denosumab in Singaporean men and women during COVID-19 lockdown and to compare it with those during the pre-COVID-19 period.

METHOD

We conducted this retrospective, electronic medical records, and pharmacy claims database study at Singapore General Hospital, the largest hospital in the country. Patients initiated on subcutaneous denosumab between August 2019 and December 2019 and were thus scheduled to receive the second dose during the COVID-19 first-wave period from February 2020 to June 2020 (lockdown group) were analyzed, as were patients initiated anytime on denosumab between September 2011 and December 2018 (pre-COVID-19 group). Data extracted from the hospital's electronic prescription platform and patients' pharmacy purchase records were matched. Adherence was defined as being punctual (with an allowable delay of up to 4 weeks) with the second dose scheduled 6 months from the 1st dose. A sensitivity analysis with an allowable delay up to 8 weeks was also performed. We compared the adherence rates between the two periods and explored factors associated with adherence.

RESULTS

A total of 768 and 1458 patients respectively during the lockdown and pre-COVID-19 periods were analyzed. The mean adherence rate during lockdown was 63.9%. The odds of being adherent during lockdown were higher if patients were managed by endocrinologists as opposed to those by other specialists [OR 2.516 (95% CI: 1.836-3.448); p < 0.001]. Adherence rates during the pre-COVID-19 period was 75.4%. Overall, the odds of being adherent to denosumab was significantly lower during lockdown than that during the pre-COVID-19 period [OR 0.525 (95% CI 0.430-0.640); p < 0.001], and odds of being adherent were higher if patients were managed by endocrinologists than if they were managed by other specialists (OR 1.765 (95% CI: 1.444-2.158; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Adherence to denosumab was significantly lower during COVID-19 lockdown than the pre-COVID-19 period. The odds of being adherent were higher in patients managed by endocrinologists. Whether healthcare providers from certain specialties spend more time counselling and educating patients about the importance of adherence to osteoporosis medications needs to be explored further.

Osteoporosis awareness among patients in Singapore (OASIS)-a community hospital perspective

This study examines factors associated with osteoporosis awareness and knowledge using Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Tool (OPAAT). Of 410 patients, majority of patients had a OPAAT score < 24 (n = 362, 88.3%). Lower education level (odds ratio (OR) (primary education): 3.63; OR (no formal education): 111.5; p < 0.001) and diabetic patients (OR: 1.67; p = 0.003) were associated with lower OPAAT scores.

INTRODUCTION

Lack of osteoporosis awareness forms a critical barrier to osteoporosis care and has been linked with increased institutionalization, healthcare expenditures, and decreased quality of life. This study aims to identify factors associated with osteoporosis awareness and knowledge among female Singaporeans.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult female patients (aged 40 to 90 years old) who were admitted into Outram Community Hospital from April to October 2020. Osteoporosis awareness and knowledge were assessed using interviewer-administered Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Tool (OPAAT). High knowledge was defined as a OPAAT score ≥ 24. Multivariate logistical regression analyses were used to identify predictors of low OPAAT scores.

RESULTS

Of 410 patients recruited, their mean age was 71.9 ± 9.5 years old and majority of patients had a OPAAT score < 24 (n = 362, 88.3%). Patients with lower OPAAT scores tended to be older (72.5 ± 9.2 vs 67.5 ± 10.1, p < 0.001), attained lower education level (p < 0.001), and were more likely to live in public housing (92.5% vs 81.5%, p = 0.009). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was higher in patients with low OPAAT scores (39.2% vs 18.8%, p = 0.006). After adjustment for covariates, lower education level (odds ratio (OR) (primary education): 3.63; OR (no formal education): 11.5; p < 0.05) and patients with diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.67; p = 0.03) were associated with lower OPAAT knowledge scores.

CONCLUSION

Elderly female patients in community hospital have inadequate osteoporosis awareness despite being at risk of fractures. There is a need to address the knowledge gap in osteoporosis, especially among diabetic patients or patients with lower education.