 |
Live
Healthy - - - Live Longer ... Learn How!
|
Nutrition For Multiple Sclerosis
Articles & Resources
|
|||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Women with MS at an increased risk of osteoporosis - Nutrition and Bone Health - multiple sclerosis Osteoporosis is a potentially debilitating skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing an individual to an increased risk of fracture. It is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States and around the world. continued below... |
|
| News
& Top Stories |
Osteoporosis contributes to 90% of hip fractures in women. Most hip fractures result from falls, which is of increased concern in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), as they are at higher risk for falls. Few studies have investigated the risk and incidence of osteoporosis in women with preexisting disability. Inadequate physical activity, lack of weight bearing exercise, sedentary lifestyle, and chronic use of steroids are known risk factors for osteoporosis. These factors are common among women inflicted with MS.
The purpose of a recent investigation was to 1) describe the result of bone mineral density (BMD) screening in women with MS, identify risk factors for osteoporosis in women with MS, 3) describe their use of osteoporosis prevention strategies, and 4) examine the frequency of previous BMD testing in women and their compliance with recommendations for testing. To be eligible for the study, women had to report a diagnosis of MS, have no possibility of pregnancy, be willing and able to undergo BMD screening, and attend one of four health fairs for persons with MS. The sample included 142 women with a self-reported diagnosis of MS. The sample was largely composed of middle-aged women with a mean age of years, with a range of 27 to 74 years. BMD screening was performed at the os calcis, using a peripheral instantaneous x-ray imager (PIXI). Participants completed a self-administered survey. It included questions about risk factors for osteoporosis, use of osteoporosis prevention strategies, previous BMD screening or testing, and recommendations for testing by subjects' health care providers. The risk factors listed were those widely recognized as associated with osteoporosis and included age, sex, race, menopausal status, family history of osteoporosis, use of medications, use of caffeine and alcohol, inadequate calcium intake, history of smoking, thin frame, and lack of weight-bearing activity.
Using a modified classification system suggested for use with peripheral measurements of BMD, % of women in the study were categorized as having normal BMD, % were osteopenic, and % were osteoporotic. The number of risk factors for osteoporosis among this group of women with MS ranged from zero to 10 with a mean of + . Relatively few women were using strategies to minimize their bone loss. Of those who did attempt to practice a risk reduction strategy, the lowest number of women in the sample (%) used raloxifene, and the highest number of women (%) used calcium supplementation.
This data demonstrates that low BMD is common in women with MS and therefore these women are at greater risk of experiencing fractures. Increased awareness is needed among healthcare providers regarding the increased risk and prevention strategies.
S. Smeltzer, V. Zimmerman, T. Capriotti, et al. Osteoporosis risk factors and bone mineral density in women with MS, International Journal of MS Care 4: 3-15 (March, 2002). [Correspondence: Suzanne C. Smeltzer, Associate Professor and Project Director, Health Promotion for Women with Disabilities Project, Villanova University College of Nursing, Villanova, Pa].