Publication:

The prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in out-patients above 40 years of a tertiary care hospital in Delhi

Background Osteoporosis is a common bone disorder among Indian population but is still underdiagnosed. Being a treatable disease, early diagnosis can significantly reduce osteoporotic fractures and other morbidities. Despite multiple studies globally regarding the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia, the data about Indian population especially in males is limited. In this study, we aim to calculate the prevalence of osteoporosis in patients over 40 years of age attending the out-patients department of a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi.

Methods A cross-sectional study was done including 231 patients (147 females and 84 males) over the age of 40 years. Calcaneal quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) was used to measure the bone mineral density and the results were divided into normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic groups on the based on equivalent heel T score.

Results Of the total 231 patients, 78 patients had a normal bone mass density as measured by calcaneal QUS. 123 patients (53.2%) were found to be osteopenic while 30 patients (13.1%) were osteoporotic. Of the 147 females, 84 (57%) were osteopenic while 27 (18%) patients were found to be osteoporotic. Among the 84 males, 39 (46%) were osteopenic and 3 (4%) were found to be osteoporotic.

Conclusions The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in outpatients over 40 years was high in our study and similar in values with other studies involving the Indian population. Hence, we recommend regular screening and early detection of osteoporosis to reduce the burden of the disease.