Baseline characteristics of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis treated with teriparatide in a real-world setting in Latin America: a subregional analysis from the Asia and Latin America Fracture Observational Study (ALAFOS)

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a major healthcare concern in Latin America. Factors such as changing demographics, fragmented healthcare systems, and financial considerations may result in a huge increase in the burden of osteoporosis in this region. The aim of this article is to describe the baseline clinical characteristics and fracture history of patients who are prescribed teriparatide in normal clinical practice in Latin America. Methods: We conducted a prospective, multinational, observational study (the Asia and Latin America Fracture Observational Study [ALAFOS]) in 20 countries worldwide to assess the incidence of fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis receiving teriparatide as a part of routine clinical practice in a real-world setting. In this subregional analysis of the ALAFOS study, we report the clinical characteristics, fracture history, risk factors for osteoporosis, comorbidities, previous osteoporosis therapies and health-related quality of life measures at baseline for patients from the four participant Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. Results: The Latin America subregional cohort included 546 postmenopausal women (mean [SD] age: 71.0 [10.1] years; range: 40-94 years), constituting 18% of the ALAFOS total population. The baseline mean (SD) bone mineral density T-scores were − 3.02 (1.23) at the lumbar spine and − 2.31 (0.96) at the femoral neck; 62.8% of patients had a history of low trauma fracture after the age of 40 years and 39.7% of patients had experienced ≥1 fall in the past year. Osteoporosis medications were used by 70.9% of patients before initiating teriparatide. The median (Q1, Q3) EQ-5D-5 L Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for perceived health status at baseline was 70 (50, 80). The mean (SD) worst back pain numeric rating scale score for the overall Latin American cohort was 4.3 (3.4) at baseline.

Combined Aerobic and Strength Training Improves Dynamic Stability and can Prevent against Static Stability Decline in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Postmenopausal women present postural control impairments when standing across a variety of conditions (e.g., bipedal and semi-tandem; eyes open and closed). [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Gait impairments are also observed in this population, with slow gait velocity and long double support time. 11,12 Impairments in postural control and gait may result in difficulty in managing daily activities and increase the risk of falls.…”

Retrospective analysis of the use of osteoporosis medication at the presentation of fragility fractures in a predominantly Hispanic population

“…Osteoporosis leads to fragility fractures most commonly observed in the distal radius, proximal humerus, vertebral, proximal femur, and ankle that result from minimal trauma, such as a fall from a standing height. Fragility fractures can lead to loss of functionality, pain, limitation of activities of daily living (ADLs), increased morbidity, disability, and significant adverse effect on the quality of life [6]. These consequences present a high burden on the healthcare systems due to increased hospitalizations, surgeries, utilization requirements (e.g., Rehabilitation/P.T., home care, nursing), and medical costs [3].…”