ReviewTreatment of osteoporosis in men

SummaryAspects of osteoporosis in men, such as screening and identification strategies, definitions of diagnosis and intervention thresholds, and treatment options (both approved and in the pipeline) are discussed.IntroductionAwareness of osteoporosis in men is improving, although it remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. A European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) workshop was convened to discuss osteoporosis in men and to provide a report by a panel of experts (the authors).MethodsA debate with an expert panel on preselected topics was conducted.Results and conclusionsAlthough additional fracture data are needed to endorse the clinical care of osteoporosis in men, consensus views were reached on diagnostic criteria and intervention thresholds. Empirical data in men display similarities with data acquired in women, despite pathophysiological differences, which may not be clinically relevant. Men should receive treatment at a similar 10-year fracture probability as in women. The design of mixed studies may reduce the lag between comparable treatments for osteoporosis in women becoming available in men.

► A review of the treatment of osteoporosis in men and its context was done by a panel of experts. ► Osteoporosis in men remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. ► Intervention strategies need defining to improve standards of care and ensure that treatments reach men who most need it. ► Despite pathophysiological differences, treatment efficacy data in men display similarities with data acquired in women. ► Men should be treated at a similar 10-year fracture risk as women and drug trials should be mixed for gender.