Endocrine Abstracts

Background: The principal cause for increased osteoporosis risk in young adults is the underlying endocrine condition that can severely compromise the prime bone building stage occurring during adolescence. As this could lead to a diminished quality of life from a relatively early stage, emphasis lies on correcting the endocrine condition with appropriately tailored management that can prevent its deterioration. Examples of treatments include replacing deficit hormones such as growth hormones or corticosteroids in hypopituitarism and HRT in hypogonadism.

Objective: The aims of this study were to assess: i) the appropriate treatment of the endocrine condition affecting the bone mineral density (BMD) and the degree of improvement in BMD since commencement of treatment, ii) the timely use of DXA scans to monitor BMD in the subject and iii) suitable follow-up times for transitional endocrine service users in Royal Liverpool University Hospital against set standards.

Method: A retrospective study on patients seen from 1st January 2014 to 21st April 2016 was done using clinical letters available on the Trust’s computer database. 66 patients were recorded, out of which 33 patients had underlying conditions affecting their BMD and required DXA scans.

Results: Out of the 33, 29 were on an appropriate treatment plan for their underlying condition. The remaining 4 patients had a justified reason for the treatment delay. Thirty (92%) out of 33 had a DXA scan done when necessary. All patient follow-ups had an average of at least once a year. Fifteen patients had normal BMD, 12 with osteopenia and 2 showing an osteoporotic range. 28% of patients undergoing treatment showed improvement in BMD and 38% showed no deterioration during the follow-ups. Ten new patients have follow-ups post study and therefore could not be assessed for BMD progression.

Conclusion: The results show that two-thirds of the patients undergoing treatment showed an improvement or no deterioration in BMD. Given this information it can be assumed that the ten new patients, if compliant with their medication should similarly show an improvement or no deterioration in their BMD. Overall this study concludes that a low BMD in young patients can be avoided given the underlying endocrine condition is appropriately treated.