The Influences of Medical and Surgical History on Bone Mineral Density in Korean Postmenopausal Women

Objectives: This multi-center study was performed to examine the influences of medical and surgical history on bonemineral density (BMD) in Korean postmenopausal women. Methods: BMDs at the lumbar spine and femur neck were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 1,105postmenopausal women. All subjects did not take any medicine for the treatment of osteoporosis, such as estrogenor bisphosphonate. Questions about symptoms, medications, and history of medical disease and surgery were askedby using a standardized questionnaire. The odds ratios (OR) of risk factors were calculated. Results: Pain or changes in the back morphology were related to a risk of osteoporosis at both the lumbar spine(OR: 1.96) and femur neck (OR: 2.27). Height loss was also associated with an increased prevalence of osteoporosis(OR: 2.02～2.14) as well as osteopenia (OR: 1.60～1.69) at both area. Women who experienced fractures showeda higher frequency of low bone mass (OR: 2.03～3.72) at the spine and hip. Immobilization was associated withthe increased risks of osteopenia (OR: 1.46) and osteoporosis (OR: 1.89) at the lumbar spine only. In contrast, theuse of oral contraceptives was a protective factor for osteoporosis at the femur neck (OR: 0.26). The prevalence ofosteopenia and osteoporosis appeared to be independent of the following parameters: family history of osteoporosis,history of medical disease or surgery, and medications. Conclusion: Pain or changes in the back morphology, loss of height, history of fracture, and immobilization for longerduration are risk factors, whereas ever-use of oral contraceptives is a protective factor for postmenopausal boneloss in Korean women.ope