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Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry reference data for Greek population. The impact on diagnosis of using various normal
E Molyvda-Athanasopoulou1, A Sioundas, K Hatziioannou
1Medical Physics Department, Medical School, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, 54006, Thessaloniki, Greece. moly@med.auth.gr
Introduction:
The interpretation of bone mineral density (BMD) measurements and the individual classification of a patient is based on a normal reference range. Unfortunately, not all the manufacturers include in their analysis-software reference values specific for each population.
Methods And Patients:
In our study, using Lunar's DPX-L densitometer, we measured BMD of the lumbar spine and the femur of 4400 healthy women aged (25-80) years and we calculated the corresponding T- and Z-scores. Multiple regression analysis was applied to examine the dependence of BMD on age and weight. Greek data was compared with American and Italian.
Results:
There was a statistically significant difference between Greek and American mean values of all age groups. The Italian normal range is closer to our data and can be reliably used at least as T-scores are concerned. Still, there is a small discrepancy in Z-scores, which might influence patient management.
Conclusion:
We conclude that Greek reference range should be used for the assessment of osteoporosis of Greek population for better evaluation of bone status and appropriate treatment.