Different reference ranges affect the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in an urban adult Malaysian population
10.1016/j.afos.2020.11.005
- Author:
Swan Sim YEAP
1
;
Subashini C. THAMBIAH
;
Intan Nureslyna SAMSUDIN
;
Geeta APPANNAH
;
Nurunnaim ZAINUDDIN
;
Safarina MOHAMAD-ISMUDDIN
;
Nasrin SHAHIFAR
;
Salmiah MD-SAID
;
Siti Yazmin ZAHARI-SHAM
;
Subapriya SUPPIAH
;
Fen Lee HEW
Author Information
1. Puchong Specialist Centre, Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Original article
- From:Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia
2020;6(4):168-172
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:To determine the prevalence of osteopenia (OPe) and osteoporosis (OP) in an urban adult population in Malaysia, and to compare the change in the prevalence when using a Caucasian compared to an Asian reference range.
Methods:A cross-sectional random sample of the population aged between 45 and 90 years from the state of Selangor, Malaysia, was invited to attend a bone health check-up. Participants with diseases known to affect bone metabolism or who were on treatment for OP were excluded. Bone mineral density was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Based on the World Health Organization definitions, the prevalence of OPe and OP was calculated using the Asian and Caucasian T-scores.
Results:A total of 342 subjects (222 females, 120 males), with a mean age of 59.68 (standard deviation: 8.89) years, who fulfilled the study criteria were assessed. Based on the Asian reference range, there were 140 (40.9%) subjects with OPe and 48 (14.0%) with OP. On applying the Caucasian reference range, there were 152 (44.4%) subjects with OPe and 79 (23.1%) with OP, with significant increases in males, females, and Chinese ethnic groups. Overall, 75 (21.9%) of subjects had a change in their diagnostic status. T-scores were consistently lower when the Caucasian reference range was used.
Conclusions:In a healthy urban Malaysian population, the prevalence of OP is 14.0% and OPe is 40.9%. Application of a Caucasian reference range significantly increased the number of subjects with OP and may potentially lead to over-treatment.
