Osteoporosis: A Global Health Issue
With the increasing global lifespan, aging populations face a rising risk of developing osteoporosis. An estimated 500 million people worldwide suffer from this condition, often undiagnosed. The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) reports that approximately 37 million fractures occur annually, equating to 70 fractures per minute.
Osteoporosis in Mexico
Currently, one-third of Mexican women and one in five men over 50 years old live with osteoporosis. By 2050, it is projected that 37% of Mexicans over 50 will have the condition.
Risk Factors
Key risk factors for osteoporosis include:
- Decreased estrogen levels in women during menopause, accelerating bone turnover and loss.
- Thyroid issues, hormonal imbalances, low calcium intake, prolonged corticosteroid use, and family history of osteoporosis.
Dr. Max Saráchaga, Amgen Mexico’s medical director, emphasizes that osteoporosis often goes unnoticed until a bone fracture occurs. He stresses the importance of raising awareness about bone health, particularly for those over 50 and at-risk individuals, to consult their doctors and undergo necessary diagnostic tests for timely treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Specialized tests, such as Density Mineral Bone (DMB) assessments, provide instant bone health evaluations. These tests detect osteoporosis, assess fracture risk, and monitor treatment response.
Osteoporosis can be managed through treatments aimed at reducing fracture incidence. General recommendations include:
- Balanced diet rich in calcium, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
- Supplementation of calcium and vitamin D, as advised by a doctor.
- Daily exercise to prevent falls and maintain bone mass.
Dr. Saráchaga highlights the importance of post-fracture evaluations by primary care physicians, who should order osteoporosis diagnostic tests like bone densitometry when risk factors are present. Positive diagnoses warrant treatment to prevent future fractures.
Specialized Treatment Units
Unidades de Coordinación de Fracturas (UCF) are specialized services focusing on secondary fracture prevention. They implement tailored osteoporosis treatments.
Economic studies confirm the efficacy of UCF models in secondary prevention, reducing fractures, enhancing patient quality of life, and saving healthcare costs.
Treatments may involve monoclonal antibodies targeting bone loss, strengthening bones and reducing fracture likelihood by regulating osteoclasts (bone-degrading cells). This therapy is recommended for postmenopausal women, reducing hip, vertebral, and non-vertebral fractures. It also treats bone loss in prostate or breast cancer hormone ablation patients and osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoids.
For high-risk postmenopausal women with fracture history or multiple risk factors, or those intolerant to standard osteoporosis treatments, sclerostin inhibitors offer dual bone formation and reduced loss benefits. A study showed a 73% reduction in new spine fractures after 12 months with this treatment.
Dr. Saráchaga concludes that Amgen Mexico’s commitment to science-driven medication development aims to improve the quality of life for chronic disease sufferers. Effective treatments and tools now enable osteoporosis patients to reduce fracture risks, minimize the economic impact of the disease, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is osteoporosis? A condition characterized by weakened bones, making them more susceptible to fractures.
- Who is at risk? Primarily postmenopausal women, older adults, and those with risk factors like thyroid issues or family history.
- How is osteoporosis diagnosed? Through Density Mineral Bone (DMB) tests that evaluate bone health.
- What are the treatment options? Lifestyle changes, medications (like monoclonal antibodies or sclerostin inhibitors), and exercise programs to prevent falls.
- What are Unidades de Coordinación de Fracturas (UCF)? Specialized services focusing on secondary fracture prevention and tailored osteoporosis treatments.
