Bone Abstracts

Objective: The objective of this observational cross-sectional study is to identify heel bone properties, specifically broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS) and stiffness index (SI), in healthy Greek women, as well the relation of these parameters with age, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Material and Methods: A population of 738 community dwelling women was recruited at the health promotion events carried out by the Hellenic Society for the Support of Patients with Osteoporosis in rural and urban areas throughout Greece. PTH and 25(OH)D were measured. Heel bone properties measured using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) device. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Harokopio University.

Results: The descriptive data of population are shown in the table 1 as mean±S.D. There is a significant difference of BUA (114.05±15,7≠107.66±15,7, P=0.039) and SOS (1555.67±34.26≠1506.0±18, P=0.00) between normal(15–65 pg/ml) and high(>65 pg/ml) PTH level respectively. SI and BUA are significantly different between all age groups as shown in table1 with P=0.00 for both parameters. SI is higher in 18–50 age group in relation to 51–65 and >65 age group (P=0.00 and P=0.03 respectively).

Conclusions: The mean vitamin D levels of older Greek women (>50 years) is below 20 ng/ml, as well as BUA, SOS and SI are lower in older age groups (51–65 and >65). Given that low levels are associated with increased risk for fractures, this study highlights the emerging issue of 25(OH)D insufficiency in Greek women and the need for targeted interventions.

Acknowledgements: The study was supported by the Hellenic Society for the Study of Bone Metabolism.