Prevalência de tratamento farmacológico para prevenção de fraturas ósseas em mulheres com osteoporose no município de Santa Maria - RS

Abstract

Bone fragility caused by osteoporosis has increased the incidence of low-impact fractures in postmenopausal women. It represents a serious Public Health problem due to its increased risk of new fractures, high morbidity, and high mortality. Furthermore, it has a considerable impact in the treatment costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of pharmacological treatment for prevention of bone fractures in post-menopause women with the diagnosis of osteoporosis, in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. A cross-sectional study was carried out between March 1st and August 31st 2013. It included, in total, 1,057 postmenopausal women, aged 55 or over, who attended the basic health unit (UBS) in their region. Women with difficulties of communication and/or still menstruating were excluded. Data were obtained through questionnaires with information regarding patient s characteristics, lifestyle habits, history of fractures, risk factors for fractures and use of medications. Low-impact fractures were defined as those resulting from a fall no greater than standing height. Results: From the 1,301 women invited to participate in the study, 1,057 were eligible. The mean age was 67.2 (7.6). Two hundred seventy eight women had a diagnosis of osteoporosis. A hundred and sixty women were diagnosed for osteoporosis through bone densitometry, and a hundred eighteen due to major fractures (hip, wrist, humerus or clinical vertebral) by low impact. First-line medications (alendronate, risedronate and pamidronate) were used in 26.1% of these women and second-line drugs (raloxifene, estrogen, calcitonin) were used in 4,3%. The women who received pharmacological treatment, 9,6% were treated with first line medication, and 1,7% were treated with second line medication. Conclusion: in spite of the dedicated efforts, the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in Santa Maria are inadequate, with obstacles of all levels, from health care providers (physicians and nurses) to the patients themselves.