Comparison of Serum Level of Bone Resorption Markers with Bone Densitometry in Elderly Individuals in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Introduction: This study concentrated on serum bone markers, N and C- telopeptide and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and their concentrations were evaluated in the serum of elderly participants and compared with that of the young of the same gender. Markers for bone resorption are proteins, and they are mainly measured in the urine and serum, where they serve to assess bone turnover.

Methodology: A cross-sectional prospective study conducted at the orthopaedic and Family Medicine Departments of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, a public tertiary healthcare facility located in Choba and Alakahia communities of Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas of Rivers state, Nigeria, among elderly patients aged 60 years and above.

Results: Considering the age of the test population, all the females were post-menopausal and no statistical difference was observed in relation to the results for gender in the study. Also, the plasma creatinine, calcium and albumin results of both controls and participants were within normal reference range. The study was necessitated by the fact that, in the environment of the study (Port Harcourt), elderly individuals frequently complain of bone pain, thus, the serum levels of the aforementioned bone resorption markers (N and C telopeptide and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase) was estimated among these elderly individuals, with the view that its outcome can help physicians to initiate protocols that will prevent the consequences of increased bone resorption, intervenes before bone becomes fragile and aid the prediction of osteoporosis.

Conclusion: This study was able to establish that the serum levels of NTX, CTX and TRAP were increased in elderly participants above the age of sixty years than controls.