Identifying women with low bone mass: A systematic review of screening tools

Date
2008-04
Authors
McLeod, Katherine M.
Johnson, Shanthi
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Publisher
University of Regina, Graduate Students' Association
Abstract

Purpose: Measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the method of choice for detecting low bone mass and increased risk of osteoporotic fracture; however, DXA is costly and not widely available. Several screening tools have been developed to identify women with increased risk, who would most benefit from DXA screening, based on an evaluation of risk factors associated with osteoporosis. This study assessed the effectiveness of osteoporosis risk factor screening tools in determining postmenopausal women at risk of developing osteoporosis. Methods: Appropriate databases and sources of primary studies were identified. A systematic review of the literature using a comprehensive search strategy was employed and all citations were stored. Exclusion criteria were established, final selected articles were coded. Study characteristics were tabulated and comparisons of effectiveness were made followed by discussion of limitations and conclusions of the review. Results: The systematic review revealed 10 different screening tools. Of these, six were included after quality assessment. Conclusions: The screening tools reviewed are useful in identifying postmenopausal Caucasian women in need of DXA screening. Performance was relatively consistent for all screening tools regardless of the number of risk factors used, but for clinicians and researchers, the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST) is the simplest approach to determine individuals at risk of osteoporosis. There is still a need for further validation of screening instruments in both men and ethnicities other than Caucasian. Experiences with the systematic review process as well as the use of screening tools will be highlighted. A systematic review was performed assessing the effectiveness of osteoporosis risk factor screening tools in determining postmenopausal women at risk of developing osteoporosis. Performance was relatively consistent for all screening tools regardless of the number of risk factors used, but for clinicians and researchers, the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST) is the simplest approach to determine individuals at risk of osteoporosis.

Description
Poster presented at the 3rd Graduate Students' Research Conference, April 2008.
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