Objective: To analyze and validate a clinical index (CI) in postmenopausal women that will help to determine the need for bone absorptiometry.
Methods: 1088 postmenopausal women were studied; age, body mass index (BMI) and time since menopause (TM) were analyzed. A score was attributed to each variable (0 points if it did not increase the risk of osteoporosis or 1 point if it increased it): age < or = 48 years = 0 points, >48 years = 1 point; BMI < or = 32 = 1 point or >32 = 0 points for lumbar spine and Ward's triangle (WT); BMI < or = 30 = 1 point or >30 = 0 points for femoral neck (FN); TM < or = 5 years = 0 points or >5 years = 1 point. In all cases, bone absorptiometry (DEXA) was done. Comparison between groups was determined by Student's t test. Regression models were used to establish possible associations between bone absorptiometry and the clinical variables studied. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.
Results: The most highly significant differences were observed starting from 2 points in lumbar spine and FN. The most important difference in WT was detected starting from 1 point. In L1-L4 average, a significant correlation was established between the CI and age, TM, and BMI (r = 0.707; P < .001), as well as between the CI and the T score (r = 0.302; P < .001). FN analysis showed a correlation between the CI, the TM, and BMI (r = 0.720; P < .001) and between the CI and T score (r = 0.338; P < .001). WT analysis revealed a correlation between the CI and TM, and BMI (r = 0.698; P < .001) and between the CI and T score (r = 0.324; P < .001).
Conclusion: It is reasonable to conclude that a score of 2 points in the lumbar spine and FN, and 1 point in WT, suggests the need for bone absorptiometry.