Impact of correlated factors on bone density in individuals with a family history of osteoporosis

Previous studies have suggested that 14-47% of the variation in bone minera l density (BMD) can be predicted using clinical risk factors. The aim of ou r study was to determine, for the first time, the importance of these facto rs in individuals with evidence of a genetic predisposition to the disease. The subjects studied were 147 female and 86 male Caucasians, all with a fa mily history of osteoporosis. Linear regression was used to determine wheth er age, height, weight, and years of reduced estrogen exposure were signifi cant predictors of BMD. Males and females were examined separately, and BMD was measured at the hip and spine. The results show that these risk factor s, known to be at work in the general population, are equally important in those with a family history of osteoporosis. It is clear, therefore, that t hey must be taken into account and corrected for in genetic studies of the disease.