A new state-of-the-art OPD for metabolic bone disease was inaugurated at the 1800-bed municipal run KEM Hospital last month. With its launch, the cases of osteoporosis, rickets and other bone disorders, which earlier came under the Endocrinology and Orthopaedic department, would now be referred exclusively at the MBD department.

Along with the new OPD, the hospital has also installed the latest version of the DEXA machine and Double X-Ray Absorptiometry Scanner, which would be useful in the screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis and related bone disorders. Dr S P Menon, Professor and Head, Department of Endocrinology would be the head of the new department.

"Early recognition and correct treatment can drastically reduce both suffering and expenses incurred," says Dr N Kshirsagar, Dean KEM Hospital and GS Medical College. "With our state of the art equipment and expert faculty from the varied fields required for treatment, we would hope to nip these disorders in the bud and carry forward awareness initiatives amongst the public", she said.

Osteoporosis is more prevalent among females than males. Rickets is said to be prevalent amongst people not taking a daily dose of Vitamin D, derived mainly through Sun and further compounded by meals poor in calcium especially milk and its products.

According to studies carried out by KEM Hospital's Department of Endocrinology, a staggering 8 out of 10 women in the post-menopausal age group were found to have some degree of osteoporosis. It is even more unsettling to learn that amongst those who fracture their hips as a result of weakened bones, between 30 and 50 percent succumb to their injuries within a year. These are definitely not trivial statistics, especially for a group of diseases, which are easily, economically and effectively preventable.

Although bone-trouble manifests in later years, steps taken right from childhood can help stem the process. As Dr S P Menon, Professor and Head of Endocrinology says, "Schoolchildren no longer play in the sun. They are burdened with books and baggage. Even parents discourage staying out in the heat too long." Emphasizing the need to stay active right throughout one's life, she goes on to say, "All one needs is a cumulative half-hour of activity in bright sunlight each day."

With the recent introduction of cutting edge technology in the form of a DEXA machine in the hospital, screening for osteoporosis would become much simpler, believes Dr N S Shah, assistant professor, Department of Endocrinology. "The 'Double X-Ray Absorptiometry' Scanner, which takes only 2-4 minutes and exposes the patient to levels of radiation far below a normal chest x-ray, is a safe and effective method of measuring bone density and guiding the way for further management", she said.

Underlining the need for cautious and watchful treatment once a problem has been detected, Dr Shah says, "Setting-up an OPD dedicated to Metabolic Bone Diseases has been a long felt need. Treating patients doesn't mean blindly prescribing and vitamin supplements alone - as many local practitioners would advocate. We have seen many patients who come to us months later with kidney problems because their bodies have been overloaded with calcium", she says.

Patients need to be managed according to their specific needs and problems, says Dr Shah. According to her, an experienced doctor decides whether supplementation is adequate, or whether Hormone Replacement Therapy would be ideal. As is the case with so many other problems, this group is one, which is best left to the experts, she said.

"Bone disorders can turn life threatening, but with little warning and preventive steps things can be different", she says. "It is hoped that under the aegis of this initiative, many more will take note of the simple steps one can incorporate into their daily lives and seek timely help before it is too late", concluded Dr Shah.