Normative bone mineral density data at multiple skeletal sites in Indian subjects

SUMMARY: Age-related change in bone mineral density (BMD) varied according to skeletal site in Indian subjects. A larger proportion of subjects was classified as osteoporotic and osteopenic using the Caucasian database than newly derived peak BMD values at most skeletal sites. Results establish useful normative data for reliable interpretations of individual dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) values INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is believed to occur at a relatively younger age in the Indian population. With increasing knowledge on significant differences in BMD between various racial groups, there is increased emphasis for the use of population-specific reference database. METHODS: BMD at multiple skeletal sites was measured using DEXA (Prodigy, Lunar) in 615 Indian women (20–86 years) and 489 Indian men (20–83 years). Best-fit models were drawn for each skeletal site. Osteopenia and osteoporosis diagnosis rates were calculated using Caucasian and derived Indian peak BMD values. RESULTS: Age-related change in BMD varied with skeletal site in both sexes. Peak BMD in women was observed between 31 and 40 years of age at the hip, spine, and radius 33% and between 20 and 30 years at the ultradistal radius. Peak BMD in men was attained between 20 and 30 years at the hip and radius 33% and between 31 and 40 years at the spine and ultradistal radius. A larger proportion of Indian subjects was classified as osteoporotic and osteopenic based on the Caucasian database than newly derived Indian peak BMD values at all skeletal sites except radius 33% and femoral neck in females above 40 years of age. CONCLUSION: Results establish useful normative data for the Indian population for reliable interpretations of individual DEXA values.