Mortality and morbidity associated with osteoporosis drug treatment following hip fracture

Osteoporos Int. 2003 Sep;14(9):722-7. doi: 10.1007/s00198-003-1430-3. Epub 2003 Aug 7.

Abstract

This study examined post-fracture osteoporosis drug treatment in hip fracture patients and the association of treatment with mortality and morbidity. Pre- and post-fracture demographic/health information was collected on a cohort of hip fracture patients aged 65+ years. Post-fracture administrative data on prescription drug use and health care utilization was linked to the cohort data. Five classes of osteoporosis drugs were available during the study period: hormone replacement therapy (HRT), bisphosphonates (BSP), calcitonin, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and vitamin D(3) (Rocaltrol). Pre-fracture, 38 of 449 patients (8%) were on osteoporosis medications. Post-fracture, 81 of 356 patients (23%) were treated; 63 of these patients were untreated prior to fracture. Both treated and untreated patients had similar rates of subsequent hip fracture (6% and 4%, respectively) and Colles fracture (2%). Regardless of treatment status, patients were also equally likely to be hospitalized, both in the short-term (28% in treated, 27% in untreated) and in the long-term (43% versus 37%). However, mortality was significantly lower in the treated group. The lower mortality in the treated group, combined with the knowledge that antiresorptive drugs reduce fractures and increase bone density, merit undertaking a randomized trial to confirm our findings that antiresorptive therapy should be considered in all patients post-hip fracture.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Calcitonin / administration & dosage
  • Calcitriol / administration & dosage
  • Continuity of Patient Care
  • Diphosphonates / administration & dosage
  • Drug Utilization / statistics & numerical data
  • Estrogen Replacement Therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hip Fractures / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Osteoporosis / complications
  • Osteoporosis / drug therapy*
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / administration & dosage
  • Survival Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Diphosphonates
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
  • Calcitonin
  • Calcitriol