Thiazide Diuretics and the Risk for Hip Fracture.
Schoofs, Mariette W.C.J. MD, MSc; van der Klift, Marjolein PhD; Hofman, Albert MD, PhD; de Laet, Chris E.D.H. MD, PhD; Herings, Ron M.C. PharmD, PhD; Stijnen, Theo PhD; Pols, Huibert A.P. MD, PhD; Stricker, Bruno H.Ch. MB, PhD
[Article]
Annals of Internal Medicine.
139(6):476-482, September 16, 2003.
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Background: Since most hip fractures are related to osteoporosis, treating accelerated bone loss can be an important strategy to prevent hip fractures. Thiazides have been associated with reduced age-related bone loss by decreasing urinary calcium excretion.
Objective: To examine the association between dose and duration of thiazide diuretic use and the risk for hip fracture and to study the consequences of discontinuing use.
Design: Prospective population-based cohort study.
Setting: The Rotterdam Study.
Participants: 7891 individuals 55 years of age and older.
Measurements: Hip fractures were reported by the general practitioners and verified by trained research assistants. Details of all dispensed drugs were available on a day-to-day basis. Exposure to thiazides was divided into 7 mutually exclusive categories: never use, current use for 1 to 42 days, current use for 43 to 365 days, current use for more than 365 days, discontinuation of use since 1 to 60 days, discontinuation of use since 61 to 120 days, and discontinuation of use since more than 120 days.
Results: 281 hip fractures occurred. Relative to nonuse, current use of thiazides for more than 365 days was statistically significantly associated with a lower risk for hip fracture (hazard ratio, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.21 to 0.96]). There was no clear dose dependency. This lower risk disappeared approximately 4 months after thiazide use was discontinued.
Conclusions: Thiazide diuretics protect against hip fracture, but this protective effect disappears within 4 months after use is discontinued.
(C) 2003 American College of Physicians
