Consensus statement: osteoporosis prevention and treatment in Latin America—current structure and future directions

Abstract

BackgroundOsteoporosis is a common disorder affecting populations worldwide. In Latin America, an aging population combined with limited health care resources result in osteoporosis quickly becoming a condition of considerable magnitude with disproportionate morbidity and mortality.AimTo review the current state of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis in Latin America and to develop strategies and recommendations that may be adopted in the region, an expert panel of clinicians and scientists was assembled to develop a consensus statement outlining future directions.MethodThe panel conducted a comprehensive literature review of publications mainly related to osteoporosis in Latin America, and at an in-person meeting developed a consensus position to address the relevant issues.ResultsThe epidemiology, burden, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis in the region were discussed with particular attention to issues unique to the region. A series of recommendations were developed encompassing virtually all aspects of the disease, including improved public and health professional awareness, better diagnostic processes, improved access to care, and greater engagement by health policy makers, government, and a wide variety of private organizations.ConclusionsThe panel concluded that a comprehensive approach to osteoporosis prevention and treatment in Latin America is urgently needed.

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)

“…Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by loss of bone mass and deterioration of bone microarchitecture and bone quality, leading to an increased risk of fragility fractures [1]. Since there are no obvious symptoms of osteoporosis, this condition is often diagnosed after the occurrence of a fragility fracture [2].…”

“…Since there are no obvious symptoms of osteoporosis, this condition is often diagnosed after the occurrence of a fragility fracture [2]. Osteoporotic fractures can lead to pain, loss of functionality, limitation of daily activities, and extensive morbidity [1]. Osteoporotic hip and vertebral fractures have a significant adverse impact on the quality of life [3].…”

“…There is also increasing awareness about the importance of osteoporotic fractures at sites other than the hip and spine, which also contribute substantially to disability and impaired quality of life [4]. Consequently, osteoporotic fractures highly burden the healthcare system in terms of increased hospitalizations, surgeries, and prolonged home care and rehabilitation requirements [1]. For example, a large study conducted in the United States over a 12-year period (2000-2011) in postmenopausal women ≥55 years of age found that the hospitalization costs for osteoporotic fractures were greater than those for other serious conditions such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and breast cancer [5].…”

“…For example, a large study conducted in the United States over a 12-year period (2000-2011) in postmenopausal women ≥55 years of age found that the hospitalization costs for osteoporotic fractures were greater than those for other serious conditions such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and breast cancer [5]. The direct and indirect annual costs of hip fracture were estimated to be USD 34.8 billion worldwide in the year 1990; worldwide costs of osteoporosis are expected to reach approximately USD 132 billion by the year 2050 [1,3].…”

“…In the Latin America (LA) region, osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures continue to be a major healthcare concern [1]. The Latin American Vertebral Osteoporosis Study (LAVOS) conducted in five countries across LA in women ≥50 years old found that the standardized prevalence of radiographic vertebral fractures was 11.18 (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.23-13.4) [6].…”