Biochemical predictors of low bone mineral density and fracture susceptibility in Maltese postmenopausal women

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis and fracture risk are polygenic conditions which result from an interplay of genetic, biochemical and environmental factors. A number of biochemical markers including serum calcium, total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and albumin, were analysed in relation to bone mineral density (BMD) and different types of low-trauma fractures in Maltese postmenopausal women. Levels were also correlated with a number of clinical risk factors including physical activity and years since menopause (YSM).

METHODS: An age-matched case-control study of 1045 women was performed. Women who suffered low-trauma fractures were classified as cases whereas those without a fracture history were included as controls subdivided into normal, osteopenic or osteoporotic according to their BMD status. Blood specimens were collected following good standard practice and within 18 hours of fracture in the case of fresh-trauma fractures. Biochemical testing was performed using spectrophotometric analysis.

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