ABSTRACT
Osteoporosis is a major health problem in many countries. Osteoporotic fractures are the main consequence of osteoporosis. Our aim was to identify the usefulness of bone mineral density and C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen as predictors of fracture risk. We evaluated both BMD and serum carboxy-terminal pyridinoline cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen [ICTP] in 212 subjects recruited from the community. This included healthy postmenopausal women and males over 60 years. Subjects were followed up for the occurrence of fractures jar one year. X-ray radio graphs of thoracic and lumber regions were done to detect silent vertebral fractures at baseline, and at the end of 1 year. Male gender was associated with a higher level of serum ICTP. BMD was insignificantly higher in males compared with females. Age, weight, BMI were significantly correlated with BMD. Age was significantly correlated with ICTP levels. BMD proved to be a strong predictor of incident fracture specially vertebral and hip fractures. Serum levels of ICTP were also predictors of incident fracture and this observation was more evident in females compared to males. Advancing age and low weight were predictors of increased incidence of fractures. Coffee was found to increases bone resorption, accordingly has a detrimental effect on bone strength. Other caffeine containing beverages [tea, cola] were not fond to have a significant effect on bone resorption