ABSTRACT
Osteoporosis is a silent and frequent disease, which increases fracture risk. Approximately half of women and one of five men over 50 years old will suffer an osteoporotic fracture throughout their lives. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) allows a real bone mineral density (BMD) measurement in different parts of the skeleton and is considered the "gold standard" for quantifying osteoporosis with high accuracy and precision. The Board of the Chilean Society of Endocrinology and Diabetes (SOCHED) required from the Bone Disease Study Group to develop a consensus about the "Correct use of bone densitometry in clinical practice in Chilean population". Therefore, we elaborated 25 questions which addressed key aspects about the indications for a DXA scan, and the details of how to perform and report this test. Since some of the evidence obtained was of low quality or inconclusive, we decided to create a multidisciplinary group of national experts in osteoporosis to develop a consensus in this subject. The group consisted of 22 physicians including endocrinologists, gynecologists, geriatricians, radiologists, rheumatologists and nuclear medicine specialists. Using the Delphi methodology to analyze previously agreed questions, we elaborated statements that were evaluated by the experts who expressed their degree of agreement. The final report of this consensus was approved by the SOCHED board.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Osteoporosis/diagnostic imaging , Absorptiometry, Photon/standards , Bone Density , Societies, Medical , Chile , Consensus , Endocrinologists/standardsABSTRACT
The health of many women is affected in the climacteric period, either by symp-toms that deteriorate their life quality (QL) or by chronic diseases that affect their life expectancy. Therefore, it is mandatory to evaluate these two aspects, having as core objectives for any eventual therapeutic intervention, the improvement of QL and the reduction of cardiovascular risk and fractures. To evaluate QL it is mandatory to follow structured interviews that weigh systematically climacteric symptoms such as the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). The paradigm of the metabolic syndrome constitutes a suitable frame to evaluate cardiovascular risk. Age, a low body weight, a history of fractures and steroid use are risk factors for fractures. A proper evaluation will allow the detection of patients with a low QL or a high risk for chronic disease, therefore identifying those women who require therapy. The clinical management should include recommendations to improve lifestyles, increase physical activity, avoidance of smoking and to follow a low calorie diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Hormonal therapy is the most effcient treatment to improve the QL and its risk is minimized when it is used in low doses or by the transdermal route. Tibolone is an alternative, especially useful in patients with mood disorders and sexual dysfunction. Vaginal estrogens are also a good option, when urogenital symptoms are the main complaint. Some antidepressants can be an effective therapy in patients with vasomotor symptoms who are not willing or cannot use estrogens. The effectiveness of any alternative therapy for menopausal symptoms has not been demonstrated. Dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity and insulin resistance should be managed ac-cording to guidelines. Calcium and vitamin D have positive effects on bone density and certain tendency to reduce vertebral fractures. Bisphosphonates decrease the risk of vertebral fractures.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology , Climacteric/physiology , Quality of Life , Cardiovascular Diseases/chemically induced , Chile , Climacteric/drug effects , Estrogen Replacement Therapy/adverse effects , Gonadal Steroid Hormones/therapeutic use , Life Style , Risk Factors , Societies, MedicalABSTRACT
La mayoría de las mujeres ve afectada su salud en el período climatérico, ya sea por sintomatología que le deteriora su calidad de vida (CV) o por la aparición de enfermedades crónicas que le afectan sus expectativas de vida. Por lo tanto, es básico evaluar estos dos aspectos, teniendo como objetivos centrales de las eventuales intervenciones terapéuticas, mejorar la CV y reducir el riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares y/o fracturas...
Subject(s)
Female , Climacteric/metabolism , Bone Density/physiology , Quality of LifeABSTRACT
El objetivo de este documento es entregar una guía práctica de tratamiento del climaterio, debido a la confusión producida por el estudio WHI en 2002. La TH debe ser solo utilizada cuando exista una indicación clara para su uso. La paciente sintomática es la principal beneficiada del tratamiento. No existe un tratamiento alternativo a los estrógenos o estrógeno/progestina tan eficaz en el alivio de la sintomatología y en reducción de fracturas. La indicación de un tratamiento prolongado debe ser revisada anualmente.