Bone density measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in Qatari women

Background: Over the past 10 years, osteoporosis has emerged as a major public health problem. It is characterized by low bone mass with micro architectural deterioration of bone tissue resulting in increase bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. Bone mineral density measurements are widely used to diagnose osteoporosis and to assess its severity. Commercial dual-energy X-rays absorptiometry (DXA) scanners used to determine bone mineral density (BMD) contains reference data for different populations. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine reference values for Qatari female population and to compare them with values from western and other Arab countries. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 574 Qatari women aged between 20 and 69 years was carried out using DXA scan to establish reference values of bone mineral density. Measurements were taken at the lumbar spine and proximal femur. The data were compared with normative taken by Caucasians, Kuwaiti, Lebanese and Saudi women over five decades of age. Results: Our results showed that the Qatari subjects showed the expected decline in BMD at spinal sites with age after peaking at 30-39 years age group, and for femoral site at 40-49 years. The BMD values of the spine of Qatari women were lower than Caucasian and Kuwaiti women but higher than the Lebanese and similar to Saudi women. The BMD values of the total femur were higher in Qatari females than Caucasians, Kuwaitis, Lebanese and Saudis in the age group of 40-59, but lower in the age group 60-69 years. Of the 147 studied Qatari women in the age group (50-69) years, the T-score was normal (>-1S.D.) in 79 subjects (53.7%), in the osteopenic range (-1 to -2.5S.D.) in 51 subjects (34.7%) and in the osteoporotic range (<-2.5S.D.) in 17 subjects (11.6%). Conclusion: BMD value of Qatari females are lower than Caucasians and Kuwaitis at the spine, and at the total femur in the age group 60-69 years, but higher values of total femur in the age group 40-59 years. Osteoporosis is common among menopausal Qatari women and should be considered a matter of public concern. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.