Fragility fractures and prescriptions of medications for osteoporosis in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica: results from the PMR Cohort Study
Abstract Objectives Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common indication for long-term glucocorticoid treatment leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Guidelines recommend calcium and vitamin D for all patients, as well as anti-resorptive agents for high-risk patients. This study aimed to investigate falls and fragility fracture history and use of medications for osteoporosis in a PMR cohort. Methods 652 people with incident PMR responded to a postal survey. Self-reported data on falls, fragility fracture history and medication were collected at baseline. Follow up data on fragility fractures (hip, wrist, spine) and falls were collected at 12 and 24 months. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between baseline characteristics and fractures. Results Fewer than 50% of respondents received osteoporosis treatments, including supplements. 112 (17.2%) participants reported a fragility fracture at baseline, 72 participants reported a fracture at 12 months, whilst 62 reported a fracture at 24-months. Baseline history of falls was most strongly associated with fracture at 12 (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.35, 4.12) and 24 months (1.91; 1.05, 3.49) when unadjusted for previous fractures. Conclusions Fracture reporting is common in people with PMR. To improve fracture prevention, falls assessment and interventions need to be considered. History of falls could help inform prescribing decisions around medications for osteoporosis. Future research should consider both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to reducing fracture risk.