English summary: TREATMENT OF OSTEOPOROSIS FOLLOWING HIP FRACTURE IS NOT CARRIED OUT ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL GUIDELINES - A STUDY IN TWO FINNISH HOSPITALS

Background

The national Finnish guidelines for medical treatment of hip fracture patients include osteoporosis medication and the daily concomitant use of vitamin D and calcium supplements. We investigated the pre- and post-fracture medical therapy for osteoporosis as well as the vitamin D and calcium therapy among hip fracture patients in two Finnish hospitals.

Methods

Patients´ pre-fracture osteoporosis medication and use of vitamin D and calcium supplements were inquired about on admission. Information about the use of osteoporosis medication and of vitamin D and calcium therapy during the follow-up period was obtained from The Finnish Social Insurance Institution. At the end of the follow-up period, patients who were alive were interviewed on the use of medication at the time.

Results

Eight percent of the 223 patients had used osteoporosis medication and 7 % had used prescribed vitamin D and calcium supplements before the fracture. During the follow-up period, the figures were 39% and 53%, respectively, and at the end of the follow-up period 25% and 44%. The follow- up time was 19.5-35 months.

Conclusions

The post-fracture medical therapy for osteoporosis and the medication adherence were poor among hip fracture patients. More effort should be focused on the secondary prevention following hip fracture in order to ensure that the recommended guidelines for treatment of osteoporosis are followed.