Osteoporosis treatment for patients with stroke

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Stroke survivors are at increased risk for bone loss and fractures.
• Limited data exists on the utilization of bone health medications in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of bone health medication and supplement use among stroke patients.
• To identify factors associated with the use of these agents in stroke survivors.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of a clinical database at an urban academic rehabilitation center.
• Inclusion of 1,219 inpatients and 2,776 outpatients aged 18 and over with a diagnosis of stroke.
• Collection of demographic data and medication information.

Main Results:

• Low reported use of specific osteoporosis medications (7.1% inpatients, 5.7% outpatients).
• Higher prevalence of calcium (11.3% inpatients, 5.8% outpatients) and vitamin D supplement use (5.9% inpatients, 2.2% outpatients).
• Multivitamin use was common (45.1% inpatients, 16.0% outpatients); osteoporosis medication use was associated with older age and female gender.

Conclusions:

• Stroke patients are underutilizing osteoporosis medications and supplements.
• There is a critical need to enhance the management of bone health in the stroke population.
• Interventions targeting bone loss prevention and treatment in stroke survivors are warranted.