Osteoperosis in focus / Niall Ferguson.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 215) and index.

1. Introduction--2. Osteoporosis:- Definition--Physiological background--Epidemiology--Signs and symptoms--Types of conditions--Differential diagnosis--3. Prevention of osteoporosis:- General health--Genetic factors--Lifestyle factors--Menopause--Fractures--Self-help groups--4. Lifestyle factors:- Alcohol--Cigarette smoking--Diet--Exercise--Other contributing factors--5. Monitoring the condition:- Diagnosis--Radiological techniques--Biochemical markers--Bone biopsy--6. Clinical interventions:- Medical interventions for osteoporosis--Surgical interventions for osteoporosis--7. Drug treatments:- Prevention--Active treatment--Other therapies--8. Calcium and Vitamin D:- Calcium--Vitamin D--Combination therapy--Drug interactions--9. Hormone replacement therapy:- Menopause--Drug therapy--Choice of drug and dose--Timing of replacement therapy--Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERM)--10. Bisphosphonates:- Theoretical basis of bone loss--Drug handling--Fracture rate--Treatment regimens--Indications for treatment--Individual drugs--11. The Future:- Population demographics--Lifestyle changes--Health factors--Monitoring--Medical interventions--Health promotion--12. Osteoporosis screening:- At-risk groups--Clinical management--Opportunities for screening--Treatment choices--Clinical audit--13. Pharmaceutical care of the osteoporotic patient:- Pharmaceutical care--Pharmaceutical care in osteoporosis--Pharmaceutical care projects.

This title provides an insight into the problems and treatment of this highly debilitating bone disease with particular reference to the role of the pharmacist.