Bone mineral density and osteoporosis among a predominantly Caucasian elderly population in the city of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

This cross-sectional study covered 301 individuals over 70 years of age--207 women (W) and 94 men (M)--living in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Our aims were to evaluate the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) in this population and the possible factors that influence BMD. The subjects were submitted to a bone densitometry scan (DXA) to evaluate the BMD at lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), trochanter (T), total femur (TF) and total body composition. At the time, the participants filled in a questionnaire about lifestyle habits, diet and medical history, as well as having blood samples taken to check hormone and biochemical levels. Anthropometric parameters were measured. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were defined in accordance with the criteria suggested by the World Health Organization. In the different sites studied, the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis varied, in men ranging 33.3-57.4% and 6.4-16.1%, respectively, and in women ranging 36.6-56.5% and 22.2-33.2%, respectively. Weight was the variable that most strongly correlated with BMD at the proximal femur in both sexes (men, r =0.44-0.52; women, r =0.48-0.52) and with BMD at LS in women (r =0.44). Height was the parameter that best correlated with BMD at LS in men (r =0.34). In men follicle-stimulating hormone, growth hormone and glycemia correlated with BMD at T and TF, while plasma albumin only correlated with BMD at T. In women glycemia correlated with BMD at LS, and follicle-stimulating hormone correlated with BMD at FN, T and TF. In conclusion, we found a high prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in this population, with weight being the best predictor of BMD. The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia at FN was as high in men as that observed in women.

Osteoporose e Expectativa de Vida Saudável: estimativas para o Brasil em 2008

“…Contuto, mesmo considerando o efeito da seleção pela mortalidade masculina, dado o grande diferencial nas prevalências, acredita-se que essas possam ser atribuídas principalmente às questões relacionadas à constituição corporal feminina, como as alterações hormonais pós-menopausa. [35][36][37] . Assim, as mulheres seriam mais acometidas por essa enfermidade, demandando atenção.…”

O impacto da osteoporose no Brasil: dados regionais das fraturas em homens e mulheres adultos - The Brazilian Osteoporosis Study (BRAZOS)

“…6,[23][24][25] The present study did not evaluate risk factors associated with bone density; however, our results allow the conclusion that those risk factors are very similar to those related with low-impact fractures. Pinheiro et al 26 showed that the main CRF associated with osteoporosis-induced fractures in any skeletal site, in 275 postmenopausal women, after statistical adjustments, included family history of hip fracture, advanced age, and underweight.…”

Prevalência de diagnóstico auto-referido de osteoporose, Brasil, 2006

“…3,4,7 In Europe, the United States and Japan, osteoporosis affects around 75 million people 8 and it is estimated that more than eight million hip fractures will occur over the next 50 years. 8,a In Brazil, Siqueira et al 15 found from a sample of more than 3,000 individuals that the prevalence of fractures among the population of Pelotas (southern region) was 28.3%.…”

“…3 Among the risk factors most associated with low bone density, advanced age, low consumption of dairy products and daily consumption of alcoholic drinks have been highlighted. On the other hand, high body mass index (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ) and daily physical activity lasting more than 30 minutes perform a protective role.…”