Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method is the main device for diagnosing osteoporosis; this method, however, involves the use of expensive equipment. Ultrasound method, being portable, noninvasive, and cost-effective, seems to be an appropriate screening device to identify subjects at risk of osteoporosis. Two hundred and twenty-four postmenopausal women (mean age: 57.9+/-6.2yr) were recruited at 2 Menopause Centers. All subjects were assessed by phalangeal Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) and by DXA at femur and rachis. Applying the first-level screening strategy, the following risk factors were considered: (1) Amplitude Dependent Speed-of-Sound T-score<-1.8 standard deviation (SD) or Ultrasound Bone Profile Index T-score<-1.8SD; (2) body mass index (BMI)<20kg/m(2). BMI identified 25 subjects (11%) of the total population as at risk, the QUS parameters 100 subjects (45%), and the combination of the 2 showed 118 subjects (53%). The percentage of osteoporotics identified by BMI was 17%, by QUS 78%, and by the combination of the two 90%. The sensitivity of this algorithm was 90%; 53% of the subjects would undergo a further densitometric evaluation, the remaining 47% were correctly identified as not at risk. The diagnostic work up proposed appears effective to be indicated for extensive clinical employment, thanks also to its simplicity.
Risk identification of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women by a simple algorithm based on ultrasound densitometry and body mass index
OMODEI, Umberto;
2008-01-01
Abstract
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method is the main device for diagnosing osteoporosis; this method, however, involves the use of expensive equipment. Ultrasound method, being portable, noninvasive, and cost-effective, seems to be an appropriate screening device to identify subjects at risk of osteoporosis. Two hundred and twenty-four postmenopausal women (mean age: 57.9+/-6.2yr) were recruited at 2 Menopause Centers. All subjects were assessed by phalangeal Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) and by DXA at femur and rachis. Applying the first-level screening strategy, the following risk factors were considered: (1) Amplitude Dependent Speed-of-Sound T-score<-1.8 standard deviation (SD) or Ultrasound Bone Profile Index T-score<-1.8SD; (2) body mass index (BMI)<20kg/m(2). BMI identified 25 subjects (11%) of the total population as at risk, the QUS parameters 100 subjects (45%), and the combination of the 2 showed 118 subjects (53%). The percentage of osteoporotics identified by BMI was 17%, by QUS 78%, and by the combination of the two 90%. The sensitivity of this algorithm was 90%; 53% of the subjects would undergo a further densitometric evaluation, the remaining 47% were correctly identified as not at risk. The diagnostic work up proposed appears effective to be indicated for extensive clinical employment, thanks also to its simplicity.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
