Unmasking Osteoporosis: The Silent Killer - Insights on Bone Health, Diagnosis, and Treatment with Patricia Donahue, ACNP

kayalortho Podcast

Are you aware of the silent killer affecting over 10.2 million Americans? Join us for a riveting discussion with Patricia Donahue, an acute care nurse practitioner at the Kayal Orthopaedic Center, as we uncover the mystery of osteoporosis. Gain valuable insights on bone metabolism, the process of bone growth and turnover, and why it's crucial to build up our bone mass during our childhood and adolescent years.
Discover the various tests that can be done to assess for osteopenia and osteoporosis, including the gold standard, the DEXA imaging test. Learn the importance of regular testing, especially for high-risk groups, in order to prevent fractures and maintain bone health. Patricia also sheds light on the difference between Z scores and T scores and how they help to identify the risks of developing osteoporosis.
Finally, we explore the treatment options available for osteoporosis, including medications like bisphosphonates, RANKL inhibitors, and anabolic agents. Patricia emphasizes the need for monitoring vitamin D and calcium levels when starting medication treatment and the implications of stopping medications without proper transition. We also delve into the role of hormone replacement therapy and the use of the drug Evista in breast cancer patients with osteoporosis. Don't miss this informative conversation with an expert in the field of osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment.

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