Merck & Co. Reveals Data On Hospitalised Post-Menopausal Women

Merck & Co. has released new results from a survey of 1,122 post-menopausal women in Asia found that nearly half (48.5%) were not aware whether or not they had osteoporosis despite being hospitalised with a fragility fracture.

Of the women who were told that they have osteoporosis (51.5%), 40.5% did not receive any treatment. The results of this survey, which was conducted in Hong Kong SAR, Thailand, South Korea, mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan region were presented at the 1st scientific meeting of the Asian Federation of Osteoporosis Societies.

Among the patients who were diagnosed as having osteoporosis (n=576), 8.1% received only an osteoporosis medication, 26.5% received vitamin supplementations, 24.9% were treated with both medications and supplements and 40.5% did not receive any medication or vitamin supplementation. Patients aged 65-79 years were significantly more likely to receive osteoporosis medications than patients in other age groups.

Patients who received a bone mineral density (BMD) screening were more likely to receive an osteoporosis diagnosis (10.1 odds ratio) than patients who reported a prior history of fracture only (0.8 odds ratio). Similarly, patients who had a BMD test were more likely to be on osteoporosis medication (1.79 odds ratio) than those with a prior history of fracture only (1.05 odds ratio). Fracture history is one important indicator for osteoporosis screening and diagnosis.

Annie Kung, lead investigator, said: “This study involves data from seven Asian countries/regions to document the treatment gap of fracture patients. It reminds us of the urgency we have to address this important disease in Asia.”