Bone density testing to monitor osteoporosis therapy in clinical practice.

摘要

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is used to diagnose osteoporosis, assess fracture risk, provide input for the World Health Organization fracture risk assessment tool (http://www.shefrield.ac.uk/FRAX/), and monitor treatment effect. In addition, many clinical practice guidelines, including those of the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the International Society for Clinical Densitometry, the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists,and the North American Menopause Society, recommend the use of DXA to monitor osteoporosis therapy. The suggested interval between baseline and follow-up BMD testing after starting therapy is typically one to two years, with subsequent intervals determined according to clinical circumstances. Such monitoring is a covered benefit of Medicare and most, if not all, health care organizations and insurance companies. DXA is the only technology recognized by Medicare for monitoring patients treated for osteoporosis.