The yield of routine laboratory examination in osteoporosis evaluation in primary care

• Published in: Osteoporosis international 2024-05, Vol.35 (5), p.911-918
• Main Authors: Merlijn, Thomas, Swart, Karin M. A., Niemeijer, Christy, van der Horst, Henriëtte E., Netelenbos, Coen. J., Elders, Petra J. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bone mineral density; Creatinine; Endocrinology; Fractures; Laboratories; Medical records; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original; Original Article; Orthopedics; Osteoporosis; Primary care; Renal failure; Rheumatology; Risk factors; Vertebrae; Vitamin D; Vitamin deficiency
• ISSN: 0937-941X; 1433-2965
• DOI: 10.1007/s00198-024-07042-3

Summary This study evaluated the yield of routine laboratory examination in a large population of older women in primary care. The prevalence of laboratory abnormalities was low and the clinical consequences in follow-up were limited. There was a weak association of laboratory abnormalities with osteoporosis but no association with vertebral fractures and recent fractures. Purpose Most osteoporosis guidelines advice routine laboratory examination. We have investigated the yield of laboratory examinations in facture risk evaluation of elderly women in primary care. Methods We assessed the prevalence of laboratory abnormalities and their association with risk factors for fractures, recent fractures, low bone mineral density (BMD), and prevalent vertebral fracture in 8996 women ≥ 65 years of age participating in a primary care fracture risk screening study. In a sample of 2208 of these participants, we also evaluated the medical consequences in the medical records during a follow-up period of ≥ 1 year. Results Vitamin D deficiency (