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Low bone density in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment
Theresa W Kim1, Daniel P Alford, Alan Malabanan
1Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston, MA 02131, USA. theresa.kim@bmc.org
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|July 25, 2006
Summary
Low bone mineral density (BMD) is prevalent in patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). This study identified common risk factors and low treatment rates for osteoporosis, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and intervention in MMT programs.
Area of Science:
- Bone Metabolism and Osteoporosis Research
- Addiction Medicine and Public Health
- Clinical Endocrinology
Background:
- Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is crucial for opioid use disorder management.
- Patients in MMT programs may face unique health challenges, including bone health issues.
- Low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis risk factors are understudied in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and severity of low BMD in MMT patients.
- To identify significant risk factors associated with low BMD within this cohort.
- To assess current management of osteoporosis risk in MMT patients.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Data collection via standardized surveys, medical record reviews, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
- Bivariate analyses to identify predictors of low BMD.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of low BMD was observed, with 83% of patients showing results below normal.
- Osteoporosis (T-score < -2.5) was present in 35% and osteopenia (-1.0 to -2.5) in 48% of participants.
- Common risk factors included tobacco use (91%), heavy alcohol use (52%), and HIV infection (28%); male gender, lower weight, and heavy alcohol use were significant predictors of low BMD.
Conclusions:
- Over three-quarters of MMT patients in this study exhibited low BMD.
- Treatable conditions contributing to low BMD were frequently identified.
- Increased awareness and proactive treatment strategies for low BMD are recommended for MMT patients to mitigate fracture risk.
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