[Adequacy of treatment for osteoporosis in primary prevention. Quantitative and qualitative study]

Clinical Management of Women with Newly Diagnosed Osteoporosis: Data from Everyday Practice in Bulgaria

INTRODUCTION

The real duration of osteoporosis treatment in clinical practice is still not well described. The primary objective is to estimate the proportion of patients who stayed on treatment during a 4-year follow-up, and the secondary objective is to estimate the proportion of patients who switched treatment and the reasons for switch or discontinuation.

METHODS

This was a national retrospective chart review, based on routine clinical data. Data were collected electronically from medical records in 33 representative primary care physicians' sites. Inclusion criteria were women with postmenopausal osteoporosis that have received initial treatment prescription following diagnosis by DXA between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2014, and at least a 12-month database history after the index date. Exclusion criteria were women receiving treatment for osteoporosis and follow-up at secondary care physicians' sites only. All statistical analyses were performed with the R statistical package.

RESULTS

A total of 1206 female patients with newly diagnosed osteoporosis and treatment initiation were followed for 4 years. The majority (88.3%) had no history of previous fractures. Bone mineral density data were available in 70.1%. Endocrinology was the most common specialty among prescribing specialists (40.0%), followed by rheumatology (30.3%). Bisphosphonates (BPs) were the most common initial treatment (72.7%), followed by denosumab (20.1%). Ibandronate (70.2%) and alendronate (24.2%) constituted the majority of all prescribed BPs; 731 patients remained on treatment during the second year (60.6%), 524 during the third year (43.4%) and 403 (33.4%)-at study end (fourth year). In all groups, except that on denosumab, the most common reason for switching to another treatment was presumed lack of effect. The main reasons for treatment discontinuation were financial on the patient's part.

CONCLUSIONS

The duration of osteoporosis treatment in real-world clinical practice is far from optimal: < 3-4 years irrespective of fracture risk. Factors other than medical considerations are at play, mainly limitations set by the Health Insurance Fund. The health authorities should be aware of this.

Organisational and Clinical Approach to Osteoporosis in Rheumatology: OP-SER-Excellence Survey and Consensus

OBJECTIVE

To determine and analyse the organisational approach adopted by Spanish rheumatologists to osteoporosis (OP) to define strategic priorities.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A group of experts designed a questionnaire on OP in the rheumatologist practice. The survey was sent to the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER) members. Through the Delphi round, strategic priorities were agreed upon in OP.

RESULTS

The priorities are: 1) The SER should promote the inclusion of OP in 100% of the services and expand the training offer; 2) Rheumatology services should promote the role of the nurse in OP, promote quality indicators and referral protocols agreed with primary care in addition to promoting their training in this area; 3) The SER and Rheumatology services should promote electronic consultation, OP monographic clinics and participation in Fracture Liaison Service units.

CONCLUSIONS

Strategic priorities in OP help identify areas of improvement at organisational, structural and quality standards level in this pathology.