Evaluation of fracture risk and fracture prevention: An Italian picture

Abstract

Italy has one of the longest life expectancies when compared to other countries in the world, with 20% of the entire population being over 65 years of age and about 6% of these being already 80 years and over. Increased life expectancy is associated with a greater frailty index, typical of the elderly population, with higher prevalence of chronic and degenerative disorders, including fragility fractures. Data have been accumulating about the incidence of fragility fractures in the Italian population, with numbers that are truly alarming for the future decades. In this scenario, the need for the use of antifracture agents becomes strategic in our Country. Therapeutic options currently available for fracture prevention include both antiresorptive and anabolic compounds. Despite the incorporation of this evidence from randomized trials into clinical practice guidelines, these interventions are considerably underutilized. Furthermore, adherence to these therapies is a critical parameter affecting the effectiveness of treatments. Results of institutional databases pose the problem of unsatisfactory outcomes of compliance to antifracture agents prescriptions recorded within regional pharmaceutical databases. These care gaps highlight the finding that additional effort is needed to optimize management of osteoporosis in patients at risk of fragility fractures. Given that there is evidence that appropriate management of osteoporosis decreases fractures, it is felt that the use of appropriate management as the primary outcome is per se relevant. Future efforts should consider treatment appropriateness, treatment sustainability and treatment adherence, as the needed parameters to be applied to programs of osteoporosis care in a community setting.