Osteoporosis (Last Updated - 2/26/2005)

-loss of bone mass as demonstrated on bone densitometry or biopsy with mineral analysis
-differentiate from osteopenia
-normal bone resorption > normal bone deposition
-2 types:
   Type 1 (Involutional):
      -occurs as a result of the loss of estrogen's protective effex on bone such as at menopause
   Type 2 (Senile):
      -occurs as a consequence of normal aging
      -predisposes the elderly to hip and vertebral fractures
-side effect of Heparin tx. which can present as spontaneous vertebral fractures
-usually seen with Heparin dosing > 20,000 Units QD for > 3 months --> high doses for a long-term

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References:

Goodman & Gilman's: The Pharmacologic Basis Of Therapeutics - 10th Edition - 2001. Chapter 55.
Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary: 19th Edition. 1997: pg. 1532-1533