as of November 5, 2009
Osteoporosis Corner
OVERVIEW
Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time.
CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both.
Usually, the loss occurs gradually over years. Many times, a person will have a fracture before becoming aware that the disease is present. By the time this occurs, the disease is in its advanced stages and damage is severe.
The leading causes of osteoporosis are a drop in estrogen in women at the time of menopause and a drop in testosterone in men. Women, especially those over age 50, get osteoporosis more often than men.
Other causes include:
-Being confined to a bed
-Cushing syndrome
-Excess corticosteroid levels due to ongoing use of medicines for asthma, certain forms of arthritis or skin diseases, and COPD.
-Hyperthyroidism
-Hyperparathyroidism
-Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
SYMPTOMS
There are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
Symptoms occurring late in the disease include:
-Bone pain or tenderness
-Fractures with little or no trauma
-Loss of height over time
-Low back pain due to fractures of the spinal bones
-Neck pain due to fractures of the spinal bones
-Stooped posture
CARE/TREATMENT
The goals of osteoporosis treatment are to:
-Control pain from the disease
-Slow down or stop bone loss
-Prevent bone fractures with medicines that strengthen bone
-Minimize the risk of falls that might cause fractures
-There are several different treatments for osteoporosis, including a variety of medications.
BISPHOSPHONATES
Bisphosphonates are a type of drug used for both the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
CALCITONIN
Calcitonin is a medicine that slows the rate of bone loss and relieves bone pain. It comes as a nasal spray or injection.
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
Estrogens are still used to prevent osteoporosis but are not approved to treat a woman who has already been diagnosed with the condition.
EXERCISE
Regular exercise can reduce the likelihood of bone fractures associated with osteoporosis. Some of the recommended exercises include:
-Weight-bearing exercises -- walking, jogging, playing tennis, dancing
-Resistance exercises -- free weights, weight machines, stretch bands
-Balance exercises -- tai chi, yoga
-Riding stationary bicycles
-Using rowing machines
-Walking
-Jogging
-Avoid any exercise that presents a risk of falling.
DIET
Get at least 1,200 milligrams per day of calcium, and 800 - 1,000 international units of vitamin D3. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.Your doctor may recommend a supplement to give you the calcium and vitamin D you need.
STOP UNHEALTHY HABITS
Quit smoking, if you smoke. Also limit alcohol intake. Too much alcohol can damage your bones, as well as put you at risk for falling and breaking a bone.
PREVENT FALLS
It is critical to prevent falls. Avoid sedating medications and remove household hazards to reduce the risk of fractures. Make sure your vision is good. Other ways to prevent falling include:
-Avoiding walking alone on icy days
-Using bars in the bathtub, when needed
-Wearing well-fitting shoes
PREVENTION
Calcium is essential for building and maintaining healthy bone. Vitamin D is also needed because it helps your body absorb calcium. Following a healthy, well-balanced diet can help you get these and other important nutrients throughout life.
Other tips for prevention:
-Avoid drinking excess alcohol
-Don't smoke
-Get regular exercise
A number of medications are approved for the prevention of osteoporosis.
Real Stories, Expert Advice
Health Corner Videos: Osteoporosis
Celiac Disease: A Silent Threat
Celiac disease affects one in one hundred and thirty three people in the United States. It can take a long time to diagnose and that delay can increase your risk of developing autoimmune disorders, neurological problems, osteoporosis and even...
Resources
National Osteoporosis Foundation
National Institute of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases
MedlinePlus: Osteoporosis
In the News: Osteoporosis
BioMimetic Therapeutics Receives First Orthopedic Marketing Approval For Augment™ Bone Graft
Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:00:00 PST
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/169844.php
BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: BMTI) announced today that it has received approval from Health Canada to begin the marketing of its lead orthopedic product, Augment™ Bone Graft, as an alternative to the use of autograft in midfoot, hindfoot and ankle fusion indications in Canada. "After rigorous pre-clinical and clinical evaluation of the product, BioMimetic is now ready to introduce this novel, implantable biologic to the marketplace," commented Dr. Samuel E.
Enobia Expands Clinical Program For ENB-0040, A Bone-Targeted Enzyme Replacement Therapy For Hypophosphatasia
Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:00:00 PST
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/169745.php
Enobia Pharma announced the initiation of a Phase 2 clinical study of ENB-0040, a bone-targeted enzyme replacement therapy, under investigation for the treatment of hypophosphatasia (HPP). The six-month study will assess the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of ENB-0040 in up to 12 children with HPP.