Prevalence and treatment of fragility fractures in Spanish primary care: PREFRAOS study

Independent predictors of functional loss and refractures in patients with femur fracture: Follow-up at 6 and 18 months in a Fracture Liaison Service

BACKGROUND

In elderly patients hospitalized for a femur fracture, this study aimed to evaluate the functional evolution, and to estimate the incidence of second fractures at 6 and 18 months after hospital discharge.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A longitudinal prospective study was designed at an Orthogeriatric Unit after implementing a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS). The variables collected included the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, and the outcome variables on discharge, at 6 and 18 months of follow-up. Logistic regressions models were applied to identify independent predictors of functional evolution.

RESULTS

478 patients were admitted. Independent predictors of functional loss at follow-up were institutionalisation, severe dependence either prior to and on discharge, delirium, protein malnutrition, prior acute myocardial infarction, GFR<30ml/min/1.73m2 and not receiving treatment for osteoporosis on discharge. Patients attending follow-up appointments presented improved compliance with osteoporosis treatment both at 6 and 18 months. A lower number of 2nd fractures were recorded at 18 months for patients who attended their appointments (4.8% vs 12.1%, p=0.01). At 6 and 18 months follow-up, a lower rate of readmission was recorded (7% vs 15.3%, p=0.006), (9.6% vs 25.6%, p<0.0001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The independent predictors of functional loss at 6 and 18 months were institutionalisation, severe dependence either prior to and on discharge, delirium, protein malnutrition, prior acute myocardial infarct, GFR<30ml/min/1.73m2 and not receiving treatment for osteoporosis on discharge. A lower incidence of refractures, a lower readmission rate and a better treatment compliance were observed in patients attending follow-up visits.

Real-World Osteoporosis Treatment Gap and Costs in Spain: Data from Women with a First Fragility Fracture or Diagnosis of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

INTRODUCTION

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) increases the risk of fragility fractures (FF), leading to disability, higher mortality, and elevated healthcare costs. Despite available treatments, osteoporosis (OP) remains undertreated, especially in women over 50 years at high risk for FF. Real-world data on OP care in Spain are limited. This study aims to assess the OP treatment gap, healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU), and costs among Spanish women following a first FF or PMO diagnosis.

METHODS

This retrospective study used data from the BIG-PAC® administrative database on women aged ≥ 50 years with a first FF (cohort 1) or newly diagnosed PMO (cohort 2) between 2014 and 2018. Patients were followed for 2 years after the index event. The primary outcome was the proportion of women not prescribed OP medication within 6 months after the index event (treatment gap). Secondary outcomes included fracture incidence, mortality, HCRU, and costs.

RESULTS

The study included 22,142 women: 3190 in cohort 1 and 18,952 in cohort 2. The OP treatment gap was higher in cohort 1 vs cohort 2 (41.5% vs 23.6%). In cohort 1, 59.2% were diagnosed with PMO after the first FF, with 88% experiencing subsequent fracture(s). OP treatment persistence decreased over time in both cohorts. Fracture rates were lower in women prescribed OP treatment vs those who were not (8.35 vs 13.8 per 1000 patient-years) and in those who showed 24-month-persistence and 12-month adherence to treatment vs those who did not (8.98 and 7.66 vs 10.79 and 10.76). The 2-year mean cost per patient was higher in cohort 1 (€10,601) than in cohort 2 (€1659), with the highest costs incurred for hip (€15,833) and vertebral (€10,593) fractures.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a significant treatment gap in Spanish women aged ≥ 50 with a first FF or newly diagnosed PMO. Costs are particularly high for those with a first FF, especially for hip or vertebral fractures. Improving treatment adherence could reduce fracture risk, healthcare costs, and resource utilisation.

[Translated article] Socioeconomic status, osteoporosis and fragility fractures

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with a higher risk of fragility fractures, as well as higher mortality in the first-year post-fracture. The SES variables that have the greatest impact are educational level, income level, and cohabitation status. Significant disparities exist among racial and ethnic minorities in access to osteoporosis screening and treatment. In Spain, a higher risk of fractures has been described in people with a low-income level, residence in rural areas during childhood and low educational level. The civil war cohort effect is a significant risk factor for hip fracture. There is significant geographic variability in hip fracture care, although the possible impact of socioeconomic factors has not been analyzed. It would be desirable to act on socioeconomic inequalities to improve the prevention and treatment of osteoporotic fractures.

Socioeconomic status, osteoporosis and fragility fractures

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with a higher risk of fragility fractures, as well as higher mortality in the first year post-fracture. The SES variables that have the greatest impact are educational level, income level, and cohabitation status. Significant disparities exist among racial and ethnic minorities in access to osteoporosis screening and treatment. In Spain, a higher risk of fractures has been described in people with a low income level, residence in rural areas during childhood and low educational level. The Civil War cohort effect is a significant risk factor for hip fracture. There is significant geographic variability in hip fracture care, although the possible impact of socioeconomic factors has not been analyzed. It would be desirable to act on socioeconomic inequalities to improve the prevention and treatment of osteoporotic fractures.

Secondary fracture prevention in Spanish primary care: results of the PREFRAOS Study

This study demonstrated a large treatment gap in elderly subjects experiencing fragility fracture in Spanish primary care, a low treatment persistence among subjects who do receive treatment, and more than one-quarter having no follow-up visits post-fracture. These data highlight the need to improve secondary fracture prevention in primary care.

PURPOSE

To describe osteoporosis (OP) treatment patterns and follow-up in subjects with fragility fracture seen in Spanish primary care (PC).

METHODS

This observational, retrospective chart review included subjects aged ≥ 70 years listed in the centers' records (November 2018 to March 2020), with ≥ 1 fragility fracture and prior consultation for any reason; subjects who had participated in another study were excluded. Outcomes included OP treatments and follow-up visits post-fragility fracture.

RESULTS

Of 665 subjects included, most (87%) were women; overall mean (SD) age, 82 years. Fewer than two thirds (61%) had received any prior OP treatment (women, 65%; men, 38%); of these, 38% had received > 1 treatment (women, 25%; men, 13%). Among treated subjects, the most frequent first-line treatments were alendronate (43%) and RANKL inhibitor denosumab (22%), with a higher discontinuation rate and shorter treatment duration observed for alendronate (discontinuation, 42% vs 16%; median treatment duration, 2.5 vs 2.1 years). Over one-quarter (26%) of subjects had no follow-up visits post-fragility fracture, with this gap higher in women than men (35% versus 25%). The most common schedule of follow-up visits was yearly (43% of subjects with a fragility fracture), followed by half-yearly (17%) and biennial (10%), with a similar trend in men and women. Most OP treatments were prescribed by PC physicians, other than teriparatide and zoledronate.

CONCLUSIONS

Across Spanish PC, we observed a large gap in the treatment and follow-up of elderly subjects experiencing a fragility fracture. Our data highlights the urgent need to improve secondary fracture prevention in PC.

Management of Vertebral Fragility Fracture in Older People: Recommendations from a Spanish Consensus of Experts

Vertebral fragility fractures (VFF) pose a challenge for appropriate care. The aim of this study was to develop consensus recommendations for the management of VFF in older people from a multidisciplinary approach. Specialists in osteoporosis belonging to different scientific societies reviewed the main clinical practice guidelines published in Spain in 2014. Thirty-five recommendations for the management of VFF were evaluated by seven experts using an anonymous survey. Consensus was defined as 80% of responses of 8 (agree) and 9 (strongly agree) on a Likert scale. Consensus was achieved in 22 recommendations (62.8%). The experts agreed on the need for anamnesis, clinical assessment, and laboratory tests, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, proteinography, and the assessment of levels of calcium, vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Optional tests, such as bone turnover markers (BTMs), magnetic resonance imaging, bone scintigraphy, or using a fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX®), did not achieve an agreed consensus. Also, there was consensus regarding the administration of calcium/vitamin D supplements, the withdrawal of toxic habits, and personalized physical exercise. Participants agreed on the administration of teriparatide for 24 months and then a switch to denosumab or bisphosphonates in patients at high risk of fracture. Specialists in osteoporosis, primary care physicians, and geriatricians should be involved in the follow-up of patients with VFF. Although there was multidisciplinary agreement on diagnostic tests and non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment in frail older people, therapeutic objectives should be individualized for every patient. In addition to the specific recommendations, close collaboration between the geriatrician and the primary care physician is essential for the optimal chronic management of frail patients with fragility fractures.

Predictive factors of osteoporotic hip fracture in octogenarians

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify the risk factors associated with osteoporotic hip fractures in octogenarians and seeks to refine primary prevention strategies for these fractures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a case-control study involving individuals aged 79 years and older with hip fractures, comparing them to age- and sex-matched controls without a history of hip fractures. We collected epidemiological, clinical, anthropometric, and analytical factors. We evaluated the presence of osteoporosis using bone densitometry. We defined sarcopenia according the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria (EWGSOP2).

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients per group were analyzed, with a mean age of 82 years, of which 74% were women. The multivariate analysis included statistically significant factors found in the univariate analysis (p < 0.05). These factors included the Barthel Index, nutritional assessment using the CONUT tool, folic acid, vitamin D deficiency, presence of previous fractures, loss of visual acuity, bicipital circumference, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis (densitometry in the neck of the femur). The Nutritional state (OR: 0.08 [0.01-0.61]), the folic acid levels (OR 0.32 [0.1-1]), and a loss of visual acuity (OR 33.16 [2.91-377.87]) were the independent risk factors associated with hip fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

The assessment of nutritional status in elderly patients, coupled with a comprehensive geriatric assessment, represents easily reproducible and cost-effective tools. These tools can effectively aid in identifying individuals at risk of hip fractures, thereby contributing to more targeted and efficient preventive measures.

Integrating post-fracture care into the primary care setting (interFRACT): Protocol for a mixed-methods study to co-design a care program to improve rates of osteoporosis and fracture treatment

INTRODUCTION

Despite evidence showing that timely diagnosis and appropriate pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis reduces subsequent fracture rates, osteoporosis remains significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated. The large and ongoing treatment gap for osteoporosis and associated fragility fractures could be addressed by considering systematic approaches for post-fracture care in the primary care setting. This study will develop the Integrating Post-Fracture Care into Primary Care (interFRACT) care program that aims to enhance diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and improve initiation and adherence to fracture prevention strategies for older adults in the primary care setting.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This mixed-methods study will follow an established co-design approach that involves six steps; the first three aim to gain an understanding of the consumer experience and needs, while the latter three focus on how to improve that experience through design and action. This will include: development of a Stakeholder Advisory Committee to provide guidance on all aspects of study design, including implementation, evaluation and dissemination; interviews with primary care physicians to explore beliefs and attitudes towards osteoporosis and fracture treatment; interviews with consumers (older adults with a diagnosis of osteoporosis and/or fragility fracture) to identify current needs for osteoporosis treatment and fracture prevention; a series of co-design workshops to develop the components of the interFRACT care program based on published guidance and findings from interviews; and a feasibility study with primary care physicians to determine the usability and acceptability of the interFRACT care program.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained from Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number: HEAG-H 56_2022). Study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national and international conferences, and collated in reports for participating primary care practices.