Endocrine
department has Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning
machine to measure bone mineral density (BMD). Two X-ray beams
with different energy levels are passed through the patient.
The BMD is estimated after subtracting absorption in the soft
tissue (fat and muscle). Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
is the most widely used to diagnose osteoporosis. BMD is expressed
as T scores and Z scores. The T-score is the number of standard
deviations by which a person's BMD differs from that of healthy
young adults. The Z-score is the number of standard deviations
by which a person's BMD differs from that of same age and sex.
A T-score of -2.5 or less is indicative of osteoporosis. DXA
scan is also used to measure total body composition.
Endocrine department runs Menopause clinic in association with
OG department on every Tuesdays. This clinics addresses the
clinical issues associated with post menopausal state. The department
also runs following research projects in osteoporosis –
International Multi-centre Trials:
1. QUINTILES – Generations study - “Effects of
Arzoxifene on Vertebral Fracture Incidence and on Invasive
Breast Cancer Incidence in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis
or with Low Bone Density” – 5 year project -ongoing.
2. A Phase III Randomized, Placebo –Controlled Clinical
Trial to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Odanacatib (MK-0822)
to Reduce the Risk of Fracture in Osteoporotic Postmenopausal
Women Treated With Vitamin D and Calcium – (5 year project)
starting in 2009.
PEARL - PEARL (Postmenopausal Evaluation and Risk Reduction
with Lasofoxifene) – 5 year project completed in January
2008.
Other projects:
1. Bone Mineral Density & Vitamin D status in patients
who are on anti-convulsant therapy.
2. Bone Mineral Density and Vitamin D status in patients who
are infected with HIV infection.
3. Bone Mineral Density, Calcium nutrition and Vitamin D status
in patients who are admitted with acute hip fracture.
4. Prevalence of Osteoporosis and Vitamin D status in adult
men in semi-urban Vellore.
Other cohorts in future to be studied:
1. Vitamin D status and Bone Mineral Density in patient who
are affected with hemophilia.
2. Bone Mineral Density and Vitamin D status in patients who
are affected with Thalesemia.
3. Vitamin D status and renal tubular disorders in subjects
who are having with Wilson’s disease.
4. Fracture data collection over a period of 5 years in postmenopausal
women who are from a semi-urban area in Vellore.
Interventional projects:
1.Vitamin D supplementation and fracture risk reduction and
BMD assessment in postmenopausal women.
2.Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy and assessment of
maternal and fetal vitamin D status.
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