Diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in Brazil
1Centro de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa da Osteoporose do Espírito Santo, Vitória (ES), Brazil.
Abstract:
The definition of Osteoporosis as proposed by WHO is widely accepted amongst Brazilian physicians. The main diagnostic tool in Brazil is Bone Densitometry (DXA). Both public and private health insurance systems reimburse the densitometry test. DXA have been used also for monitoring changes in BMD. Biochemical markers and peripheral methods of bone assessment are not widely used in Brazil. Estrogens, Vitamin D and its metabolites, Salmon Calcitonin, Ipriflavone, Tibolone, Etidronate, Alendronate, Raloxifene and Risendronate are currently available for treating osteoporosis. Since 1995, Brazilian Society of Clinical Densitometry have been educating Bone Densitometry Professionals and all clinicians in order to improve their ability to turn DXA results into adequate clinical decisions.
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