Epidemiological data and burden of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in Latin America: Changes over a decade

Abstract

Introduction

After a decade since AUDIT LATAM 2012, an executive committee of the International Osteoporosis Foundation of Latin America (LATAM-IOF) updated the data on the epidemiological burden of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in Latin America to generate greater awareness about osteoporosis and prevent fragility fractures.

Objective

To describe the burden of osteoporosis and fragility fractures, their management and treatment, and the availability of health resources in Latin America over a 10-year period.

Materials and methods

A two-phase study was designed. Phase 1 collected demographic data from 2015 to 2019, described the current infrastructure for Healthcare Systems osteoporosis related as well as the related health care policies on osteoporosis. We assessed the availability of diagnosis tools and pharmacological treatment. Phase 2 focused on the incidence of major fragility fractures in men and women aged 50 and over, as well as the costs of these fractures when available.

Results

Nineteen countries completed phase 1. More than 40% of the population is over 50 years-old and life expectancy is on average 75.8 years. The availability of densitometry (DXA) is 0.68 per 100,000 inhabitants. Seven countries have FRAX® calibrated with their own epidemiological data. Bisphosphonates are the primary treatment option for osteoporosis. A larger number of countries have conducted calcium and vitamin D intake surveys. There are 68 active medical and/or patient societies involved in activities related with osteoporosis. Phase 2 included fewer countries, representing a significant gap in osteoporosis information in the region. Our rates of hip fractures are intermediate ranging between 108 and 276.2 per 100,000 inhabitants being the highest in Colombia and the lowest in Mexico. The costs of hip fracture range from USD 4959 to USD 8261.

Conclusions

Regional data from Latin America revealed that healthcare assistance and global awareness has improved in comparison to the 2012 figures. The hip fracture rates in Latin America remains at intermediate levels compared to other regions. There is a scarcity of cost studies, however, high costs of osteoporotic fractures were confirmed to have a negative impact on healthcare systems of the region.