[Fracture risk calculated with the FRAX index in patients with osteoporosis treated and untreated]

Background and objective: To estimate the fracture risk with the FRAX in patients treated and not treated in clinical practice.

Material and methods: From a database of risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture, that included absorptiometry measurements, we selected all patients who met the following criteria: 1) Age between 40 and 90 years, 2) to have the weight and size, 3) To have the first study by DXA scan after September 2005, 4) To know the therapeutic intervention made after bone densitometry, and 5) Not have done any treatment before the first densitometry. The calculation of the fracture risk was achieved with the application available on the Web during June 2008.

Results: One hundred and ninety two people (45 men) were included, 81 of which received treatment after densitometry. Treated patients had more risk factors (1,06 + or - 0,97 [IC 95% 0,88-1,24] vs. 1,49 + or - 1,03 [IC 95% 1,27-1,71], p=0,003). Fracture risk was higher in treated patients in all groups (major osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture, with and without bone absorptiometry). In all cases, fracture risk was lower when using the densitometric value. In patients younger than 65 years, the fracture risk was significantly lower than in patients over 64 years in all cases.

Conclusions: The risk of fracture measured by the FRAX is higher in patients receiving treatment, although there is a significant overlap between the two groups.