Osteoporosis is a disease in which osteoclasts are much more active than osteoblasts, making bones more fragile and more prone to fracture. In fact, people with osteoporosis have thinner bones and a more porous spongy layer, which increases the likelihood of fractures.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease that gradually reduces bone density and quality. Over the years, they gradually become weaker. Meanwhile, the disease remains undetected since in most cases, no symptoms are identified until the first fracture occurs.
Osteoporosis is a very serious disease; it is more common than stroke, heart attacks, and breast cancer combined. Osteoporosis is often related to age and decreases in ovarian activity, leading to a drop in estrogen levels. Other factors, such as certain cancers and prescribed medications, can also contribute. Tragically, some people afflicted with hip fractures caused by osteoporosis succumb within a year of the fracture.
The seriousness of this problem is underlined by hip fracture statistics. A quarter of those who undergo surgery for a hip fracture face mortality within twelve months. Three out of four who choose not to undergo surgery face an equally grim fate within the same timeframe.
Osteoporosis is a serious disease affecting more than 2 million people in Canada and 200 million worldwide. The disease costs the healthcare system over $2.3 billion in Canada and nearly $500 billion worldwide. A silent disease, osteoporosis is more common than stroke, heart attack, breast cancer, and cancer combined.
Osteoporosis primarily affects postmenopausal women, with one in three experiencing an osteoporotic fracture after age 50. However, men are also at risk, with one in four men over 55 suffering fractures. The consequences are severe—20-30% of individuals with hip fractures die within a year. As the population ages, fracture risks are projected to double in the next 20 years.
Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mineral density, making bones brittle and prone to fractures. The most common fractures occur in the wrist, hip, and spine, significantly impacting quality of life. Factors such as genetics, lack of exercise, smoking, alcoholism, poor diet, and certain medications contribute to the condition.
Addressing osteoporosis is crucial due to its widespread impact and the high mortality risks associated with fractures. Strategies must focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment to reduce the burden of this debilitating disease.
The situation is even worse for people with osteoporosis related to severe chronic kidney disease. In these cases, the mortality rate from hip fractures is alarming (as high as 70%), underscoring the need for rapid intervention and concrete solutions.
Osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are two distinct medical conditions, but there is a close relationship between them. People with CKD are at increased risk of osteoporosis.
Chronic kidney disease can affect bone health in several ways, which can lead to the development of osteoporosis in patients with CKD.
Here are some of the factors that contribute to this association:
Hormone imbalance: CKD disrupts hormone levels, including PTH, which regulates calcium.
Calcium and phosphate deregulation: Impaired kidney function affects bone mineralization.
Metabolic acidosis: CKD prevents acid elimination, increasing bone loss.
Medications: Certain CKD treatments negatively impact bone health.
Preventive measures for osteoporosis in CKD patients:
OSTAAT™ low-intensity electrical stimulation technology provides a non-invasive solution for bone health, especially for CKD patients who cannot take conventional osteoporosis drugs.
Osteoporosis treatment presents significant challenges, particularly for patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD). Due to impaired renal function, traditional medications are contraindicated for this group, leaving them with few or no viable options. Even for those with primary osteoporosis, available medications often come with a high risk of side effects and complex administration protocols.
The disease itself carries serious implications beyond bone fragility. Osteoporotic fractures can lead to life-threatening complications such as infections and blood clots. Moreover, the condition may cause spinal deformities, potentially compressing internal organs and further compromising overall health.
Current osteoporosis medications are notoriously difficult to administer correctly. Patients must take them on an empty stomach, remain upright for a specified period, and carefully time their doses in relation to other medications and meals. These stringent requirements contribute to poor adherence rates.
This significant untreated population represents a substantial market opportunity for innovative solutions. Furthermore, the remaining 36% currently on medication might be open to alternative, more manageable treatment options.
