Osteoporosis treatment for patients with stroke

Little is known about the frequency of use of medications to maintain bone health for patients with stroke. This study was undertaken at an urban academic rehabilitation center to determine the prevalence of use of agents that could reduce bone loss in the stroke population.

A clinical database was searched for all patients 18 years old and over with stroke. The sample included 1,219 inpatients and 2,776 outpatients. Demographic information (age, gender, and race) and medications were obtained for each patient.

Among inpatients with stroke, 7.1% were taking osteoporosis medications (bisphosphonates, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, or hormone replacement therapy), 11.3% were taking calcium supplements, 5.9% were taking vitamin D supplements, and 45.1% were taking multivitamin supplements. Among outpatients with stroke, 5.7% were taking osteoporosis medication, 5.8% were taking calcium supplements, 2.2% were taking vitamin D supplements, and 16.0% were taking multivitamin supplements. Patients being treated with specific osteoporosis therapies tended to be older and female by calculated odds ratios. The use of multivitamins was not related to age, gender, or race.

Overall, relatively few stroke patients were taking osteoporosis medications or supplements. There is a need to increase the recognition, prevention, and treatment of bone loss in this high-risk population.