Occurrence of Osteoporosis among Menopausal Women in Gaza Strip

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease of the skeleton, characterized by low bone mass and alterations in the micro-architecture of the bone tissue that lead to an increase in brittleness with the ensuing predisposition to bone fractures. Classified into primary and secondary osteoporosis . Global statistics shows that women are more exposed to this disease than men and in particular at menopause. Extensive research has been carried out in developed concerning osteoporosis; unfortunately little information are available in our area. The current research aims at studying risk factors which may lead to this disease, in addition , we intend to evaluate the efficacy of various laboratory investigations participating in prefect diagnosis and follow up of this disease, these are; serum calcium, magnesium, sodium, alkaline phosphatase, estradiol and newly introduced test in our area, osteocalcin. A group of number 96 women who attend orthopedic clinics suffering from osteoporosis were chosen, their age range was 40-60 years, another controls of number group "osteoporosis free" was chosen of comparable age. The total number of each group was 96 women. Results showed statistically significant differences between the levels of sodium, magnesium and alkaline phosphatase but the levels of calcium and phosphorous were not significant in comparison to the control group levels. Results of estradiol and osteocalcin were statistically significant "p<0.05" which emphasize the importance of conducting these two test for such cases. The questionnaire results showed unawareness of women concerning osteoporosis as their daily practices proved; they do not drink milk regularly, they do not practice sports, exposure to sunlight is minimal, drinking increased amounts of coffee and soft drinks, in addition, they were not aware of hereditary determination which may lead to this disease. We recommend to introduce both estradiol and osteocalcin assays in the laboratories of MOH as they have proved to be valuable. Lastly we recommend to establish scientific society aiming at spreading the relevant information about this disease and support research.