Factors associated with non-initiation of osteoporosis pharmacotherapy after hip fracture: analysis of claims data in Japan

In an analysis of claims data from a city in Japan, male patients and patients with dementia were less likely to receive osteoporosis pharmacotherapy after hip fracture. Treatment initiation rate has improved between 2014 and 2017.PurposeOlder adults with recent hip fractures are at a high risk of recurrent fractures. However, the post-fracture care gap has been reported globally. This study examines factors associated with pharmacotherapy non-initiation within 1 year after hip surgery.MethodsUsing medical and long-term care (LTC) claims, and LTC needs certification data in Tsukuba City, Japan, we identified individuals aged 65 years or older who had hip fractures with subsequent surgical procedures between October 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017. Patient (age, sex, dementia, and comorbidities) and health service-related characteristics (fiscal year, type of hospital, number of hospital beds, and admission to recovery phase rehabilitation wards) were examined. The association of these factors with non-pharmacotherapy for osteoporosis within 1 year after hip fracture using multivariable logistic models was analyzed.ResultsWe identified 275 patients with hip fractures who did not receive pharmacotherapy pre-fracture. Forty percent of them received pharmacotherapy within 1 year of post-fracture. Male sex (odds ratio (OR) = 4.49 [2.14-9.44]) and dementia (OR = 1.90 [1.03-3.52]) were associated with no pharmacotherapy, whereas later fiscal year (OR = 0.64 [0.48-0.87]) and admission to rehabilitation wards (OR = 0.25 [0.14-0.46]) were associated with pharmacotherapy initiation within 1 year of post-fracture. Comorbidities were not associated with the initiation of pharmacotherapy.ConclusionPharmacotherapy for osteoporosis was less likely to be initiated after a hip fracture in male patients and patients with dementia. These patients should be considered for pharmacotherapy because they are at high risk of recurrent fractures.

Automated summary

In an analysis of claims data from a city in Japan, it was found that male patients and patients with dementia were less likely to receive osteoporosis pharmacotherapy after hip fracture. However, the treatment initiation rate has improved between 2014 and 2017.