French recommendations on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis secondary to bariatric surgery

Abstract

Introduction: This article presents the initial recommendations of the Groupe de Recherche et d'Information sur les Ostéoporoses (Osteoporosis Research and Information Group [GRIO]) and the Société Française de Rhumatologie (French Rheumatology Society [SFR]) on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis secondary to bariatric surgery.

Methods: The recommendations were produced by a working group comprising 4 expert rheumatologists, 3 medically qualified nutritionists, 2 obesity surgeons, 1 physical activity specialist, and 1 patient-association representative.

Results: The following generally recommended measures apply to all patients with an indication for bariatric surgery or who have already undergone bariatric surgery: normalize calcium and protein intake, attain a 25(OH) vitamin D concentration of between 30 and 60ng/mL; prevent the risk of falls, and introduce a suitable regimen of physical activity. An initial assessment of fracture risk should be routinely performed - ideally before the first bariatric surgery procedure - (i) in the case of RYGB and biliopancreatic diversion, regardless of age, (ii) in patients at high risk of fracture, regardless of age, and (iii) in all menopausal women and all men ≥ 50 years old, regardless of the type of bariatric surgical procedure. The fracture risk assessment is based on a determination of osteoporosis risk factors and bone mineral density measurements. Anti-osteoporosis treatment - zoledronic acid as the first line of treatment - is indicated for menopausal women and men ≥ 50 years old with (i) a history of severe fracture, regardless of T-score, (ii) a history of non-severe fracture and a T-score ≤ -1, and (iii) no history of fracture and a T-score ≤ -2.

Conclusions: There is an increased risk of fracture after bariatric surgery. Clinicians should focus their attention on patients at high fracture risk such as postmenopausal women and men older than 50 years. More research is necessary to direct and support guidelines.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Bone mineral density; Fractures; Osteoporosis; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.