General characteristics, clinical features and related factors of osteoporosis in a group of elderly Turkish men

Osteoporosis is an important problem for men as well as women, but data and trials for male osteoporosis, prevalence, evaluation and prognosis are limited. There are insufficient randomized placebo-controlled, multicenter trial data. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of osteoporosis in patients admitted to the Division of Geriatric Medicine of Hacettepe University, to compare osteoporosis in men and women, and to determine risk factors, relations with social and cultural differences, body weight and functional status.

A retrospective study was conducted from February 2002 through July 2003. Participants were 783 female and 464 male patients aged 65 years and over. BMD measures were performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at femoral neck and lumbar spine. Data on calcium intake, history of fractures, smoking, alcohol habits, other possible risk factors, serum 25OH-Vitamin D and iPTH levels were obtained. Creatinine clearance was calculated with the Cockcroft-Gaut formula. Functional status was evaluated by geriatric evaluation scales.

29.5% of cases of osteoporosis were found in males; 45.9% of male patients had osteoporosis, 36.6% had osteopenia. Risk factors for male osteoporosis were evaluated. Men with low body weight (< 57 kg), BMI < 19, physically inactive, and poorly educated men were significantly more osteoporotic. No relationships between 25OH-Vitamin D, iPTH levels, creatinine clearance, quality of life scales or osteoporosis were found.

Geriatrists and internists should focus on male as well as female osteoporosis. Nutritional support and physical activity should be encouraged. Age over 65 is identified as a major risk factor. Every man over 65 years of age should undergo BMD testing for osteoporosis screening.