A real-world study of treatment patterns among patients with osteoporotic fracture: analysis of a Japanese hospital database

Summary Health records of patients hospitalized for osteoporotic fracture were analyzed. Prior to the index hospital admission, most patients were not receiving any antiosteoporotic treatment. During the index hospitalization visit, 25.5% of patients received antiosteoporotic treatment. The most common treatment regimens were active vitamin D 3 , bisphosphonates, and teriparatide. Purpose To examine the real-world treatment patterns and factors associated with receipt of treatment among Japanese patients with osteoporotic fracture. Methods We retrospectively analyzed health records of patients who were hospitalized for osteoporotic fracture between February 2016 and February 2018 in Japan. The type and duration of treatment with antiosteoporotic medications prescribed during hospital stays and after discharge were examined using descriptive statistics. Demographic and clinical factors (e.g., age, previous diagnoses, Charlson Comorbidity Index scores) associated with osteoporotic treatment were explored using multivariable logistic regression. Results A total of 112,275 patient medical records were evaluated, including 56,574 records from patients with hip fracture, 26,681 records from patients with vertebrae fracture, and 29,020 patients with non-vertebral non-hip fractures. Prior to the index hospital admission, most patients (91.7%, n = 102,919) were not receiving any antiosteoporotic treatment. For those receiving treatment, active vitamin D 3 (51.1%, n = 4778) and bisphosphonates (47.5%, n = 4441) were the most common. During the index hospitalization visit, 25.5% ( n = 28,678) of patients received treatment for their fracture, including active vitamin D 3 ( n = 17,074), bisphosphonates ( n = 10,007), and teriparatide ( n = 4561). Upon discharge, 41.5% ( n = 46,536) of patients returned to their home and 34.3% ( n = 38,542) of patients were transferred to a different hospital or medical care facility. Variables associated with receipt of treatment at follow-up included older age, previous diagnoses of osteoporosis and fracture, and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores. Conclusion Despite osteoporotic fracture being a major health concern within older Japanese populations, treatment with antiosteoporotic medication regimens remains generally low.