Ireland Osteoporosis Quiz

Osteoporosis in Ireland: Prevalence and Impact

• Estimated prevalence of osteoporosis in >50-year-olds in Ireland is 300,000
• More than 2,800 hip fractures occur annually in Ireland
• Average hospital stay for hip fractures is 18 days, with a cost of €12,000 per patient
• Immediate mortality rate for hip fractures is 12%
• Excess mortality within 6-12 months of hip fracture is 20%
• 50% of hip fracture patients are unable to walk without assistance
• 25% of hip fracture patients require long-term care
• Only 30% of hip fracture patients regain independence
• The cost of falls and fractures in Ireland is estimated at €400 million annually
• Factors affecting osteoporosis risk include peak bone mass attainment and age-related bone loss
• Peak bone mass is achieved by late 20's with 60-70% laid down in puberty
• Accelerated bone loss in women post-menopause due to estrogen deficiency

Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Treatment Overview

• BMD is expressed as T-score or Z-score, with low BMD being an independent predictor of fragility fractures.
• The T-score measures BMD in comparison to a young healthy adult, with a decrease in T-score correlating to a higher fracture risk at the spine and hip.
• The Z-score compares BMD to the population of the same age and gender, and a Z-score of -2.0 is considered within the expected range for age.
• Treatment guidelines recommend bisphosphonates to inhibit bone resorption and improve mineralization, leading to an increase in spine and hip BMD during the first 3 years of treatment.
• In the context of multimorbidity and frailty, there is no consistent evidence supporting continuing bisphosphonate treatment for another 3 years or harm from stopping after 3 years.
• Preventing fractures in the elderly involves interventions to prevent falls, as a fragility fracture increases the risk of future fractures.
• Lifestyle measures such as smoking cessation, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and maintaining adequate intakes of calcium and vitamins are crucial in preventing osteoporosis.
• Vitamin D sources include oily fish, cod liver, margarine, butter, milk, fortified cereals, eggs, and sunlight exposure, with guidelines recommending a minimum of 400 IU daily.
• Correction of 25(OH) vitamin D levels is more important than increasing calcium intake, with desired 25(OH) vitamin D level of 75nmol/l and ideal daily doses of 1500 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D.
• Evidence suggests that vitamin D supplements may have a beneficial effect on BMD, fracture risk, and falls.
• Lifestyle and dietary factors, such as high calcium intake and consuming "bone-sparing" foods, play a role in preventing osteoporosis.
• Osteoporosis also affects men, with 20% of men developing it, and lifestyle measures and treating underlying causes are essential for pre-menopausal women with low bone mass.

Test your knowledge about the prevalence and impact of osteoporosis in Ireland with this quiz. Learn about the estimated prevalence, annual hip fracture rates, mortality rates, long-term care requirements, and associated healthcare costs. Understand the factors affecting osteoporosis risk, such as peak bone mass attainment and age-related bone loss.