From the Guidelines
Treatments for osteoporosis diagnosed by DEXA scan include pharmacologic therapies such as bisphosphonates, peptide hormones, and selective estrogen receptor modulators, as well as non-pharmacologic interventions like dietary and supplemental calcium and vitamin D.
Treatment Options
- Bisphosphonates: alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, and zoledronic acid are commonly used to prevent bone resorption 1.
- Peptide hormones: teriparatide and calcitonin are used to treat osteoporosis, with teriparatide being a 1,3,4 amino acid fragment of parathyroid hormone 1.
- Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs): raloxifene and bazedoxifene are used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women 1.
- Denosumab: a biologic agent that is used to treat osteoporosis, particularly in patients with a high risk of fracture 1.
- Dietary and supplemental calcium and vitamin D: essential for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis, with recommended daily intake of 1200 mg of calcium and 800-1000 IU of vitamin D3 1.
Monitoring and Assessment
- DXA scans: used to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis, with T-scores and Z-scores used to assess bone mineral density 1.
- FRAX tool: used to assess fracture risk, taking into account clinical risk factors and bone mineral density 1.
- Biochemical markers of bone turnover: not recommended for monitoring response to therapy, but serum vitamin D levels can be checked to guide supplementation 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Osteoporosis Diagnosed by DEXA Scan
The following treatment options are available for osteoporosis diagnosed by DEXA scan:
- Fall prevention
- Adequate intake of calcium (at least 1,200 mg per day) and vitamin D (at least 700 to 800 IU per day) 2
- Treatment with a bisphosphonate as a first-line treatment 2
- Raloxifene, calcitonin, teriparatide, or hormone therapy may be considered for certain subsets of patients 2
Importance of DEXA Scan in Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Treatment
DEXA scan is an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, as it:
- Measures bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine and hip 3, 4, 5
- Helps clinicians advise patients about the appropriate use of antifracture treatment 3, 5
- Has a proven ability to predict fracture risk and target antifracture therapies 3, 5
- Is used to monitor response to treatment 3
Recommendations for DEXA Scan Screening
The following groups are recommended to undergo DEXA scan screening: