Comorbidities of Osteoporosis: Recent Advances and Early Screening

Abstract

Comorbidities are highly prevalent in osteoporosis patients, including endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, immune, musculoskeletal, and neurological diseases, which may aggravate osteoporosis, increase the risk of osteoporotic fracture, and seriously affect the quality of patient's life, bringing more challenges to associated clinical management, and imposing a heavy burden on the families and society. There is still a lack of studies on comorbidities of osteoporosis, and the existing research strategies are inadequate to support clinicians to carry out comorbidity management in terms of understanding the causes of osteoporosis and associated comorbidities, and delivering interventions for prevention and treatment of both of them. In view of this, it is suggested to use multidisciplinary integrated treatment, and strengthen the understanding of osteoporosis related comorbidities and their pathogenesis. Moreover, the screening for osteoporosis in people with possible osteoporosis risk should be performed as early as possible, and actions should be taken actively to reduce the risk of fracture in those who are found with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Early screening, diagnosis and treatment are necessary to realize the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and associated comorbidities.

Keywords

• osteoporosis|comorbidity|osteoporotic fractures|diagnosis|pathogenic mechanism|multidisciplinary integrated treatment|early screening