AB1200 From the calcaneus quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) to the femoral radiofrequency echographic multi spectrometry (REMS): non-ionising approaches to diagnosize osteoporosis proposed by f.i.r.m.o. foundation

Abstract

BackgroundThe high prevalence of osteoporosis and its insidious development, often silent until a fracture occurs, make it necessary to resort to prevention by promoting early diagnosis and educational programmes for a healthy life style.ObjectivesTo develop screening campaigns of the Italian population for the osteoporosis prevention thanks to the collaboration with F.I.R.M.O. Foundation (Fondazione Italiana Ricerca Malattie Ossee).1 MethodsAn experienced medical staff administered to the afferent people the IOF “One minute risk test” questionnaire, (to detect the presence of clinical risk factors), together with a densitometric examination performed by a portable device aboard a mobile unit, in several Italian cities between 2011 and 2017.The technique employed to assess bone status in 2011 and 2012 was calcaneus Quantitative Ultrasonography (QUS), applied to a peripheral skeletal site, which has been shown as effective in identifying osteoporotic men or post-menopausal women.2 Although representing a low-cost and accessible approach, the heel measurement of speed of ultrasound (SOS) can be influenced by foot positioning, oedema and temperature.3 Since 2017, a novel non-invasive densitometric technique is available, which allows to evaluate the axial fragile bone sites (spine and femur). It is Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS), that a multicentric clinical study has been shown to provide parameters highly correlated with DXA ones.ResultsAs measured by calcaneus QUS in 7305 subjects, the prevalence rate of osteoporosis was approximately 18.7%, while the 42.6% had a T-score compatible with osteopenia. People with a QUS T-score <−2.5 was recommended to early undergo a DXA at lumbar and femoral sites and a specialistic visit.On the other hand, REMS examinations at femoral neck, performed on 397 people, revealed that osteoporosis resulted in 25% of the sample and osteopenia in 54%. Also in this case, people with a T-score <−2.5 was suggested to perform a DXA, considering that the accuracy and operator-independent automatic analysis performed by REMS, make more reliable the obtained data.ConclusionsNowadays, with REMS introduction, F.I.R.M.O. foundation and the health system could avail themselves of a new non-invasive, rapid, easy-to-use and automatized technology for the prevention of osteoporosis.References[1] Cavalli L, Guazzini G, Cianferotti L, et al. “Prevalence of osteoporosis in the Italian population and main risk factors: results of BoneTour Campaign”. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2016) 17:396; DOI 10.1186/s12891–016–1248–8[2] Krieg MA, Barkmann R, Gonnelli S, Stewart A, Bauer DC, Del Rio Barquero L, et al. Quantitative ultrasound in the management of osteoporosis: the 2007. ISCD official positions. J Clin Densitom. 2008;11:163[3] Hans D, Krieg MA. Quantitative ultrasound for the detection and management of osteoporosis. Salud Publica Mex2009;51suppl 1:S25-S37AcknowledgementsThe authors are grateful to F.I.R.M.O. Foundation for promoting these screening campaigns.Disclosure of InterestN...