Bone turnover markers, use in osteoporosis

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a chronic skeletal disease causing lowered bone mineral density and an increased risk of fractures. Norway has the highest incidence of osteoporotic fractures in the world. What is the mechanism for osteoporosis, and how do we treat this disease? How is osteoporosis diagnosed, and how can one prevent it? Which biochemical bone formation markers can be measured in serum and urine, and which of these should be used as reference markers? Material and methods: This article is based upon review of available literature, and the authors’ experiences from the clinic, basic and clinical research. Results: The article gives an overview of osteoporosis and available diagnostics and treatments. The article also presents review of biochemical bone markers that can be used for optimisation of medicinal treatment and monitoring of osteoporotic patients during treatment, as well as identification of patients with high bone remodelling rate and rapid bone loss.

Keywords

• osteoporosis
• bone resorption
• bone formation