INTRODUCTION: The interpretation of bone mineral density (BMD) measurements and the individual classification of a patient is based on a normal reference range. Unfortunately, not all the manufacturers include in their analysis-software reference values specific for each population. METHODS AND PATIENTS: In our study, using Lunar's DPX-L densitometer, we measured BMD of the lumbar spine and the femur of 4400 healthy women aged (25-80) years and we calculated the corresponding T- and Z-scores. Multiple regression analysis was applied to examine the dependence of BMD on age and weight. Greek data was compared with American and Italian. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between Greek and American mean values of all age groups. The Italian normal range is closer to our data and can be reliably used at least as T-scores are concerned. Still, there is a small discrepancy in Z-scores, which might influence patient management. CONCLUSION: We conclude that Greek reference range should be used for the assessment of osteoporosis of Greek population for better evaluation of bone status and appropriate treatment.
INTRODUCTION: The interpretation of bone mineral density (BMD) measurements and the individual classification of a patient is based on a normal reference range. Unfortunately, not all the manufacturers include in their analysis-software reference values specific for each population. METHODS AND PATIENTS: In our study, using Lunar's DPX-L densitometer, we measured BMD of the lumbar spine and the femur of 4400 healthy women aged (25-80) years and we calculated the corresponding T- and Z-scores. Multiple regression analysis was applied to examine the dependence of BMD on age and weight. Greek data was compared with American and Italian. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between Greek and American mean values of all age groups. The Italian normal range is closer to our data and can be reliably used at least as T-scores are concerned. Still, there is a small discrepancy in Z-scores, which might influence patient management. CONCLUSION: We conclude that Greek reference range should be used for the assessment of osteoporosis of Greek population for better evaluation of bone status and appropriate treatment.
Authors: M Salleh M Ardawi; Abdulraouf A Maimany; Talal M Bahksh; Hasan A N Nasrat; Waleed A Milaat; Raja M Al-Raddadi Journal: Osteoporos Int Date: 2004-05-27 Impact factor: 4.507