On Sat, 7 Sep 1996 22:31:08 +0100, Graeme O. Churchard. wrote:
>What is the most appropriate treatment for osteoporosis in a male in his
>fifties, apart from stopping smoking and lowering his alcohol intake?
We have a local Geriatrician who runs a bone clinic and I have at
least one male patient on Didronel PMO on his recommendation. He has
sent us all a booklet with advice on osteoporosis. It stresses that
osteoporosis in men is much more likely to be secondary to other
pathology than in women and therefore it is important to investigate.
He suggests:
FBC, ESR, LFTs, TFT, glucose
Ca + Alk.Phos.(to exclude osteomalacia and primary
hyperparathyroidism)
Serum and urinary immuno-electrophoresis
Testosterone, PSA
and in frail or housebound patients PTH and 25(OH)Vitamin D
in addition to X-rays and bone densitometry.
For treatment he gives the usual advice re stopping smoking and
increasing weight bearing exercise plus adequate dietary calcium, plus
?Ca and Vit D supplements for housebound patients?
Cyclical etidronate (the booklet was produced before Fosamax came out)
is recommended in both men and women with *established* osteoporosis
(i.e. reduced bone density with spinal fractures).
Dr David Evans
Cardiff
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