Research highlights size of osteoporosis ‘treatment gap’

By David Young, PA

A majority of men and women who are at very high risk of a bone fracture due to osteoporosis are not being treated for the condition, research has indicated.

The study from the University of Galway said the “treatment gap” for the bone disease is much wider than originally thought.

Researchers from the university also found that many men and women who are at low risk of bone fractures are being prescribed osteoporosis medication that they do not need.

The data was released on Sunday to coincide with World Osteoporosis Day.

The research involved analysis of case studies of more than 5,000 men and women referred to the Galway University Hospital osteoporosis service.

It showed the majority of men (70 per cent) and women (54 per cent) found to be at very high risk of fracture were not on treatment.

The international research team said a national osteoporosis programme would help address the anomalies in treatment provision, reduce waste in the health service, prevent harm from overdiagnosis and overprescribing and improve appropriate prescribing for those most likely to benefit.

The research project was led by Professor John Carey and Associate Professor Attracta Brennan.

“Overprescribing in low-risk people has led to a false impression – an ecologic fallacy – that the treatment gap that we have for osteoporosis patients in Ireland is actually quite small,” said Prof Carey.

“When treatment indications are taken into account, the gap remains unacceptably large.

“A national osteoporosis programme would help address these anomalies, reduce waste and harm for the patient and improve treatment for those most likely to benefit.

“This would make a significant improvement in the quality of care and value for money.”

The research team estimated the true gap for patients not receiving appropriate treatment is in the region of 60-70 per cent.

Prof Carey said researchers found that calcium and vitamin D are being widely prescribed and overused in the mistaken belief that they are a treatment for osteoporosis.