Abstract #1003622: Hyperhomocysteinemia and Osteoporisis: Should We Check Homocysteine Levels More Often?

Osteoporosis is a ubiquitous disease with a prevalence of over 200 million people worldwide and is a major risk factor for bone fractures, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality. Primary causes account for the majority of cases and include postmenopausal estrogen loss and age-related bone loss. Secondary causes account for 30% of cases in postmenopausal women and 50% in men, with chronic glucocorticoid use being the most common secondary cause. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been associated with lower bone mineral density and rarely may be the cause of osteoporosis as a diagnosis of exclusion.