Amsterdam, March 24, 2014 – Elsevier, a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, today announced the publication of a position statement by the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) in the journal Maturitas on the topic of the management of postmenopausal women with vertebral osteoporotic fracture.
Vertebral osteoporotic fracture is an underestimated condition as only about a third of people with the disease seek medical attention. While it may cause acute back pain, the presentation may be insidious with gradual loss of height. Vertebral osteoporotic fractures are associated with significant morbidity, excess mortality as well as being costly to healthcare providers. Also, once a woman has a fracture this increases her risk of further fracture. It is therefore important for healthcare professionals to detect and treat suspected fractures early.
The management of women with osteoporotic vertebral fractures should be provided by a multidisciplinary team. It includes early pain relief and mobilization, spinal support, spinal surgery and long term management of the underlying osteoporosis. Any other underlying pathology, such as cancer, should be sought and treated. Medical treatment of osteoporosis with effective agents such as menopausal hormone therapy, SERMS, bisphosphonates or denosumab, depending on age and concomitant medical conditions, need to be started as soon as possible. It is essential that the women are calcium and vitamin D replete.
These and other recommendations presented in EMAS' position statement are published in the article, "EMAS Position statement: The management of postmenopausal women with vertebral osteoporotic fracture" by Ioannis K. Triantafyllopoulos, Kalliopi Lambropoulou-Adamidou, Cleopatra C. Nacopoulos, Nikolaos A. Papaioannou, Iuliana Ceausu, Herman Depypere, C. Tamer Erel, Faustino R. Pérez-López, Karin Schenck-Gustafsson, Yvonne T. van der Schouw, Tommaso Simoncini, Florence Tremollieres, Margaret Rees and Irene Lambrinoudaki.
The article appears in Maturitas (doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.03.002) and is available on ScienceDirect.
Notes for editors
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About European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS)
EMAS promotes the study of midlife health through its journal, congresses, schools and website and encourages the exchange of research and professional experience between members.
Using a range of activities and through its affiliates, EMAS aims to guarantee and provide the same standard of education and information throughout Europe on midlife health in both genders. Recognizing the issues arising from increased longevity the society also provides articles, patient information, web resources, and referrals for healthcare providers in the field and keeps its members up-to-date.
For more information go to: http://www.emas-online.org/
About Maturitas
Maturitas is an international multidisciplinary peer reviewed scientific journal of midlife health and beyond, publishing original research, reviews, consensus statements and guidelines. The scope encompasses all aspects of postreproductive health in both genders ranging from basic science to health and social care. http://www.maturitas.org/
About Elsevier
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Journal
Maturitas