Pharmacologic undertreatment of osteoporosis in Austrian nursing homes and senior's residences

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a classical age-related disease. Although significant progress in treatment has been achieved and antifracture efficacy proven over the past years undertreatment is still a general problem. There are only few published data available regarding osteoporosis and its treatment encountered in Austrian nursing homes and seniors' residences where fractures are especially frequent. We therefore conducted a survey in 89 participating institutions in order to assess frequency of documented osteoporosis as well as prevalence status of anti-osteoporotic drug usage in this special population. Data were acquired using a questionnaire and analyzed in a descriptive manner. Mean age of the residents was 82 years and the majority was female (76%). Half of the subjects took 5-8 different drugs per day and 23% received more than 8. Almost one-fourth (21.2%) of the residents had a diagnosis of osteoporosis. A history of hip fracture or other fractures was documented in 10.4% and 13.2%, respectively. Only 8.2% of the residents were treated with calcium, 6.2% with vitamin D and 9.3% received a combination of vitamin D and calcium. Specific osteoporosis treatment was prescribed to 7.2% only. In conclusion, this study reflects a high degree of continuing unawareness toward a diagnosis of osteoporosis in Austrian nursing homes and seniors' residences. The data of this survey further indicate that undertreatment is still very common in this population at very high risk of fractures.