Bone density testing intervals and common sense

Goal-directed treatment of osteoporosis

Drug treatment for osteoporosis typically begins with an oral bisphosphonate, regardless of initial bone mineral density (BMD) or fracture risk, and decisions to continue or change treatment are often based on evidence of response to treatment based on changes in BMD, bone turnover markers, and occurrence of fractures. This pattern differs from preventive therapy for other conditions, such as hypertension, where treatment is based on achieving a goal. We propose that a goal be established to guide treatments to reduce fracture risk. The goal could be a certain risk of fracture or level of BMD. Goal-directed treatment would individualize the initial choice of treatment based on the probability that alternatives would achieve the patient's goal. In contrast to changing treatments based on years of use or failure to respond, the patient's BMD and risk would be reassessed periodically and decisions to stop or change treatment would be based on achieving or maximizing the chance of reaching an acceptable level of fracture risk or BMD. The acceptance of goal-directed treatment and application to practice will require a consensus on a number of issues about goals along with models of fracture risk while on treatment and probabilities of achieving goals. The result could be more rational and effective use of the expanding array of treatments for osteoporosis.