EYES2024 ESE Young Endocrinologists and Scientists (EYES) 2024 Calcium and Bone (9 abstracts)
1Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; 2Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Italy; 3Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Hospital Santa Maria degli Angeli, Pordenone, Italy
Introduction: Male osteoporosis is undermanaged. The aim of this study was to characterize from real-life data male patients seeking the first bone health evaluation at a tertiary academic medical center, over a 14-year observation period.
Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study, including adult men referring to our Center from 2007 to 2021 for bone health evaluation. Comorbidities and history of fragility fractures were investigated. Osteoporosis was defined according to WHO and ISCD criteria.
Results: 536 men were included: 74 aged 18-40 years, 73 aged 40-50, 88 aged 50-60, 122 aged 60-70, 128 aged 70-80, and 47 aged>80. Prevalence of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and low bone mineral density for age were 42.3%, 44.8% and 48.6%, respectively. 219 patients (40.9%) were affected from at least one comorbidity associated with bone loss and 197 (36.8%) had an endocrinological/andrological diseases that increase fracture risk. At least one fragility fracture has already occurred in 216 patients (40.8%). Sites of fracture were lumbar spine (72.7%), femoral neck alone or in combination with other sites (7.3%). 181 men (33.8%) have never been treated with any anti-osteoporotic therapy, including calcium and vitamin D. Most of fractured patients underwent bone specialists consultation only once fragility fractures have occurred.
Conclusions: Male osteoporosis presents with a high rate of fragility fractures among men referring to a tertiary academic medical center. The high prevalence of comorbidities associated with bone loss suggests that secondary forms of osteoporosis prevail in men, and they should be carefully investigated to identify patients at increased fracture risk. Most of fractured patients have not been previously evaluated by a bone specialist or properly treated, suggesting that awareness for male osteoporosis needs to be reinforced in primary healthcare setting. This disease remains still overlooked.