Characteristics of geriatric and somatic status in patients with osteoporosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Older adults with osteoporosis (OP) and high risk of falls are the most vulnerable group of patients with respect to the development of fractures. Falls and fractures in elderly patients with OP are associated with geriatric syndromes and worse functional status.AIM: To аssess comorbidity and geriatric status in elderly and senile patients with and without OP.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 607 patients over 60 years of age hospitalized in the geriatric department. According to the presence of OP, the patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 — patients with OP (n=178, 29.3%), group 2 — patients without OP (n=429, 70.7%). All patients underwent a general clinical study, an assessment of comorbidity ­according to the Charlson index, and a comprehensive geriatric score.RESULTS: OPs had 178 (29.3%) patients, more often these were women. 55.6% of patients with OP were disabled. Age-­related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, osteoarthritis, anemia, thyroid disease, varicose veins were significantly more common in patients with OP. With almost all of these diseases, a univariate analysis revealed an association with OP. Geriatric syndromes such as frailty, hypodynamia, malnutrition, polypharmacy, urinary incontinence were significantly more common in group 1 patients. Patients with OP were more likely to live alone and use mobility aids compared to patients without OP.The univariate analysis demonstrated that OP is associated (OR 1.54 to 2.00) with frailty, hypodynamia, the use of aids in movement, sleep disorders, sensory vision deficiency, urinary incontinence. The Functional status of patients with OP was worse compared to patients without OP. Patients with OP suffered more fractures, and vertebral fractures were significantly more frequent.CONCLUSION: Patients with OP have a high comorbidity, a burdened geriatric status. In elderly patients, it is necessary not only to screen and diagnose OP, to assess the risk of 10-years probability of major pathological fractures using the FRAX algorithm, but also to conduct a comprehensive geriatric assessment to diagnose geriatric syndromes that weaken the course of OP and lead to more serious consequences.