Osteoporosis in long-term care residents with multiple sclerosis

To assess the fracture risk of long-term care residents with multiple sclerosis (MS) using ultrasound heel-scan technology and identification of risk factors and areas where intervention by a pharmacist might affect patient outcomes.

Bilateral-heel scans were performed on all patients who consented to take part in the study. A retrospective review of each subject's medical records was performed to identify known risk factors for osteoporosis.

A long-term care facility in Omaha, Nebraska.

All patients with a primary diagnosis of MS residing at the facility were eligible for participation. Of 11 patients identified, 10 consented to participate.

T-scores of the right and left heel as determined by ultrasound-heel scan were used to determine if study participants met criteria for osteopenia or osteoporosis as set forth by the World Health Organization.

Patients in our population who have MS are at high risk for fracture. There are several areas in which pharmacists can intervene to prevent fracture and improve patient outcomes, including administration of heel scans for persons believed to be at risk, recommendation of over-the-counter supplements, and education of both patients and health care practitioners.