Vertebral fractures are the most common of all osteoporotic fractures and can have a devastating impact on a person's quality of life.
Research presented today at the World Congress on Osteoporosis 2010 (IOF WCO-ECCEO10) from the ongoing ICUROS study gave an indication of the early results of quality of life effects in relation to vertebral fractures.
Interestingly, patients who were hospitalised as a result of their vertebral fractures had a significantly larger quality of life reduction, than non-hospitalised patients.
The study included data from patients from four European countries and the results support the previously observed large decrease in quality of life that occurs as a result of vertebral fractures, from other studies.
The reasons for this need further exploration, however according to Dr Fredrik Borgstrom, "the existence of co-morbidities among the hospitalised fracture group and higher severity of fractures are likely reasons."
OC11 - published in Osteoporosis International Vol. 21 Sup. 1
ABOUT IOF
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is a nongovernmental umbrella organization dedicated to the worldwide fight against osteoporosis, the disease known as "the silent epidemic". IOF's members – committees of scientific researchers, patient, medical and research societies and industry representatives from around the world – share a common vision of a world without osteoporotic fractures. IOF now represents 195 societies in 92 locations. http://www.iofbonehealth.org
ABOUT ESCEO
The European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) is a non-profit organization, dedicated to a close interaction between clinical scientists dealing with rheumatic disorders, pharmaceutical industry developing new compounds in this field, regulators responsible for the registration of such drugs and health policy makers, to integrate the management of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis within the comprehensive perspective of health resources utilization. The objective of ESCEO is to provide practitioners with the latest clinical and economic information, allowing them to organize their daily practice, in an evidence-based medicine perspective, with a cost-conscious perception. http://www.esceo.org
ABOUT ICUROS
The International Costs and Utilities Related to Osteoporotic Fractures Study – is an international patient based study investigating the costs and health effects of osteoporotic fractures.The intention is to include as many countries as possible to investigate potential differences in quality of life and fracture related costs. The ICUROS will lead to better information regarding the burden of osteoporosis in the participating countries and worldwide, which will increase the awareness of osteoporosis. The ICUROS is endorsed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation and is administered by i3 innovus, Sweden (formerly European Health Economics). http://www.medscinet.com/icuros/
Journal
Osteoporosis International