Recombinant PTH: a study of the outcome of teriparatide therapy for 138 patients with osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis results in significant morbidity and mortality for a large number of patients within Northern Ireland. Recombinant PTH (Teriparatide) is one of a growing number of treatment options for the disease. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out for all patients who had been commenced on Teriparatide since it was first used in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) in 2007. Patient demographics, clinical history and prior treatment were recorded prior to an eighteen month treatment protocol. Outcome measures including bone densitometry, bone turnover markers and health status were assessed on commencement and completion. RESULTS: 138 patients have commenced teriparatide therapy since 2007 (9 male, 129 female). At the time of analysis 60 patients had completed treatment, 53 patients were receiving ongoing treatment and 25 patients did not complete the 18 month course. On completion vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) had increased by 8.3% while femoral neck BMD had increased by 3.5%. Bone turnover markers demonstrated a significant increase of bone formation and resorption at 4 months, with a smaller increase at 18 months. Health outcome measures (EuroQoL-5 and patient visual analogue scale) indicated improvement in the quality of life of patients of those who completed the treatment course. CONCLUSIONS: Experience in the BHSCT with teriparatide since 2007 demonstrates improvement in BMD comparable to published data, changes in bone turnover markers consistent with increased bone remodeling and better health outcomes for patients.

A study of male patients with forearm fracture in Northern Ireland.

Osteoporosis, although considered less common, still occurs in men. We present a cross-sectional study of a group of Northern Ireland men with low-trauma forearm fractures to determine the presence of osteoporosis and screen for secondary causes of low bone mineral density. Male patients aged 30-75 years, presenting with distal forearm fracture in 2000-2001 in Northern Ireland, were identified through a Colles fracture database. A total of 37 subjects consented to have bone mineral density measurements undertaken at the femoral neck, spine and forearm using a Lunar expert bone densitometer. Twenty-seven percent of the men had osteoporosis at the spine, femoral neck or forearm, as defined by a bone mineral density score of less than -2.5. We also found that 49% of patients had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, 27% had low serum testosterone, 14% had abnormal liver function test results, and 14% had raised parathyroid hormone. Only one patient received advice or treatment regarding osteoporosis at the time of fracture. Increased awareness of male osteoporosis and the need for screening for potential secondary causes in this group of patients is required, both at primary and secondary care level.