ICUROS study finds international variations in quality of life loss after fracture

Osteoporotic hip and vertebral fractures with most serious impact on quality of life

2011-03-25

(Press-News.org) A study presented today at the European Congress on Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis currently taking place in Valencia, Spain has found that the initial quality of life loss following an osteoporotic fracture is substantial, especially with regard to hip and vertebral fractures. The study found differences in quality of life loss between countries after correcting for other explanatory variables.

The quality of life (QoL) of patients who sustained a hip, wrist or vertebral fracture was examined for the four months following the fracture. The study is part of the International Costs and Utilities Related to Osteoporotic Fractures Study (ICUROS) which is an international patient-based study endorsed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation. ICUROS investigates the costs and health effects of osteoporotic fractures in women and men over the age of fifty. The aim is to gather better information regarding the burden of osteoporosis in the participating countries and worldwide. Currently, eleven countries are involved in ICUROS.

Involving 2,737 patients from nine countries, the study found that quality of life loss over four months was highest for hip fractures, followed by vertebral and wrist fractures. Interestingly, significant variations between countries were identified. Quality of life loss after hip fracture was greatest in Lithuania, followed by Italy, Russia and Mexico. Lower quality of life loss was experienced by hip fracture patients in Austria and Sweden. In all countries in which vertebral fractures were studied, patients who were hospitalized experienced more quality of life loss than those who were not hospitalized following vertebral fracture.

### The abstract 'Quality of life four months following a fracture – results from the ICUROS', F. Borgström, et al. (OC14) is published in supplement issue of Osteoporosis International. DOI 10.1007/s00198-011-1554-9

ABOUT ICUROS The International Costs and Utilities Related to Osteoporotic Fractures Study – is an international patient based study investigating the costs and health effects of osteoporotic fractures. The intention is to include as many countries as possible to investigate potential differences in quality of life and fracture related costs. The ICUROS will lead to better information regarding the burden of osteoporosis in the participating countries and worldwide, which will increase the awareness of osteoporosis. The ICUROS is endorsed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation and is administered by i3 innovus, Sweden (formerly European Health Economics). http://www.medscinet.com/icuros/

ABOUT IOF The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is a nongovernmental umbrella organization dedicated to the worldwide fight against osteoporosis, the disease known as "the silent epidemic". IOF's members – committees of scientific researchers, patient, medical and research societies and industry representatives from around the world – share a common vision of a world without osteoporotic fractures. IOF now represents 196 societies in 92 locations. http://www.iofbonehealth.org

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