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. 2006 Nov 1;6(20):1–180.

Table 15: Interval Between Baseline BMD and Treatment Threshold Based on Baseline BMD, Rate of Bone Loss, and Risks of Fractures.

Age Sex Other risk
factors for
fractures *
Baseline BMD
(gm/cm2)
Rate of
BMD loss
(% per
year)
BMD Threshold to initiate treatment
(gm/cm2)
Time interval to reach
threshold to initiate
treatment yrs.
>65 yrs Women None T-score =0
BMD = 0.849
3 T-score = -2.5
BMD = 0.572
12
>65 Women None T-score up to –1
BMD = 0.738)
1 T-score = –2.5
BMD = 0.572
24
>65 Women None T-score up to –1 (0.738) 2 T-score = –2.5
BMD = 0.572
11
>65 Women None T-score up to –1 (0.738) 3 T-score = –2.5
BMD = 0.572
8
>65 Women None T-score up to –1
BMD = 0.738)
1 T-score = –2
BMD = 0.627
16
>65 Women None T-score up to –1 (0.738) 2 T-score = –2
BMD = 0.627
7
>65 Women None T-score up to –1 (0.738) 3 T-score = –2
BMD = 0.627
5
>65 yrs Women None T-score –1.5
0.683 osteopenic
3 T-score = –2.5
BMD = 0.572
5
>65 yrs Women None T-score–1.5
0.683 osteopenic
3 T-score = –2
BMD = 0.627
2
Women Yes * T-score = -1
BMD>0.738
1 T-score =– 1.5
BMD = 0.683
6
Women Yes * T-score = -1
BMD>0.738
2 T-score = –1.5
BMD = 0.683
3
Women Yes * T-score = -1
BMD>0.738
3 T-score =– 1.5
BMD = 0.683
2
Any age Women & men Glucocortic oids therapy Any BMD Regardless of BMD Guidelines Every 6 to 12 months
*

History of fracture & advanced age, condition or medication associated with rapid bone loss, and/or history of fracture in first-degree relative

BMD in gm/cm2 based on femoral neck for Caucasian women (Hologic densitometers)