Updates in the Treatment, Management of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia
In the United States, more than 40 million individuals have osteopenia, and more than 50 million individuals are living with osteoporosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
In their presentation for Practical Updates in Primary Care (PUPC) 2024 Virtual Series, titled, “Update in Osteoporosis and Osteopenia” Robert Wermers, MD, and Monica Richey, MSN, ANP-bc, provided different evaluation strategies, treatment options, and case examples for clinicians in the treatment and management of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Dr Wermers is a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Monica Richey is an adult rheumatology nurse practitioner at Northwell Health in Long Island, NY.
Dr Wermers opened the presentation by detailing how clinicians should evaluate patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia, noting that “many patients with underlying osteopenia may actually have osteoporosis.” Using images, he pointed out what clinicians should be looking for when evaluating patients.
Further, he covered some possible tests that clinicians may consider performing on patients who have a Z-Score less than or equal to -2 as there may a second underlying contributing factor that may modify the patient’s treatment.
Other topics he touched upon were the use of FRAX® to identify a patient’s risk for fractures, the benefits and risk in calcium supplementation, how to transition patients with osteoporosis off or to new medications to manage the disease, and more.
In the second half of the presentation, Monica Richey reviewed two case studies that involved patients who presented with osteoporosis. With each case, she spoke about how the patient presented, the diagnostic work-up, a management plan based on the American College of Rheumatology’s Guideline for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, and a management and treatment plan for the patient.
During her summary of both cases, Monica Richey emphasized the importance of communication between a patient’s physician, highlighting the multidisciplinary care of patients.
“Communication with other providers is [of] utmost importance, so we know exactly what’s going on. Sometimes patients forget to tell you things, so we’re always asking questions…you have to get a very strong history on all patients you are seeing,” says Monica Richey.
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For more information about PUPC 2024 Virtual Series and to register for upcoming sessions, visit https://www.hmpglobalevents.com/pupc.
Reference:
Wermers R, Richey M. Update in osteoporosis and osteopenia. Talk presented at: Practical Updates in Primary Care 2024 Virtual Series; July 24, 2024; Virtual.