Bone density profiles and osteoporosis incidence in Irish females

1725 Irish females aged 15-70+ were included in this analysis to establish the group bone mineral density (BMD) profiles. Each subject was screened for 27 risk factors by questionnaire. Subjects were segregated into normal (N) and non-normal (NN) subgroups on the basis of the questionnaire. BMD of lumbar spine and hip were measured by dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DEXA). A substantial difference in BMD at all sites was observed between subgroups even following adjustment for body mass index and years of exposure to oestrogen. In the subgroup designated as non-normal 42%, 54%, 72% and 69% of those studied had spinal BMD levels > 2SD below mean peak at 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70+ respectively. In comparison, similar age cohorts in the subgroup designated normal were 26%, 46%, 44% and 68% respectively. A marked difference was also observed in the younger age groups (15-34) where the percentage of individuals with spinal BMD levels > 2SD below mean peak was < 1.9% for N and 18.8% for NN. The results of this study suggest that the use of a questionnaire may be a valuable low cost screening tool in the younger groups.