Physicians’ Attitudes on Management of Osteopenia in South Korea
10.11005/jbm.2020.27.3.201
- Author:
Joo Hyung HA
1
;
Hong Seok KIM
;
Samuel Jaeyoon WON
;
Young-Kyun LEE
;
Kyung-Hoi KOO
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Bone Metabolism
2020;27(3):201-205
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Osteopenia patients have a risk of fracture and may develop osteoporosis.We investigated physicians’ management of osteopenia patients in South Korea.
Methods:A survey was conducted using a questionnaire including 6 items: (1) do you think anti-osteoporosis medications are necessary in osteopenia patients?; (2) what is your preference to manage osteopenia patients, except for anti-osteoporosis medications?; (3) what is your indication for the anti-osteoporosis medication in osteopenia patients?; (4) what kind of anti-osteoporosis medication do you prefer to treat osteopenia patients?; (5) do you use bisphosphonates?; and (6) if not, what is the reason for not using?.
Results:Among the 173 participants, 150 (86.7%) replied that anti-osteoporosis medications were necessary in osteopenia patients. Indications for the medication were (1) past medical history of pathologic fracture in 85 (49.1%); (2) T-score <-2.5 on dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in 73 (42.2%); (3) previous history of osteoporosis in 44 (25.4%);(4) risk of fracture according to fracture risk assessment tool in 34 (19.7%); and (5) progressive bone loss in 31 (17.9%). One hundred and sixteen (67.1%) favored bisphosphonates, 93 (53.8%) selective estrogen-receptor modulator, and 24 (13.9%) hormone replacement therapy. Thirty-one (17.9%) replied that they do not use bisphosphonates due to (1) restricted reimbursement by the health insurance in 24 (77.4%); and (2) bisphosphonate-related complications in 19 (61.3%).
Conclusions:Most respondents (86.7%) thought anti-osteoporosis medications were necessary in osteopenia patients, but 17.9% of the respondents did not use bisphosphonates. Restricted reimbursement by the national health insurance was the major obstacle against the use of bisphosphonates.
