Calcaneal Quantitative Ultrasound and Bone Turnover Markers for Osteoporosis Screening in Elders, the Providing of Benefits

Abstract

Context: Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is attractive as a pre-screening tool for osteoporosis,
alternative to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are represented as bone
formation indicators. QUS and BTM analysis may provide osteoporosis screening and bone turnover status,
which provide benefit for osteoporosis management. Aims: The aims of this study were (1) to compare the
values of bone mineral density (BMD) and BTMs, including N-terminal extension propeptide of type-I collagen,
alkaline phosphatase (ALP), C-terminal telopeptide of type-I collagen (CTX), and osteocalcin (OC), and bonerelating
biochemical parameters, such as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), calcium, phosphorus and magnesium
between osteoporotic, osteopenia, and normal BMD elders and (2) to investigate the relationship between serum
BTMs and BMD. Materials and Methods: Determination of BMD, BTMs, and bone-related biochemical
parameters from 150 of the elders at Amphawa District, Sumut Songkhram, was determined by calcaneal QUS
and automatic analyzers, respectively. One-way ANOVA was used to compare continuous variables between three
elder groups. Multiple comparisons among groups were used least-significance different. Pearson correlation was
used to evaluate the correlation between BMD and BTMs. The statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05.
Results and Discussion: BMD, calcium, phosphorus, and CTX levels were significantly different among three
elder groups. CTX was significantly inversely correlated to BMD. Calcium, phosphorus, and CTX can be useful
with osteoporosis screening by QUS, especially for osteopenia. Conclusions: Combination of calcaneal QUS
and biochemical tests, including serum calcium, phosphorus, and CTX measurement as early diagnosis, provides
more benefits for osteoporosis management and suitable for mass screening and intervention.