A new report launched today by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) in collaboration with the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industry Associations (EFPIA) reveals that the burden of fractures in Europe has been vastly underestimated. The report concludes that in Europe's five largest countries and Sweden alone, an estimated 2.5 million new fragility fractures occurred in 2010 – the equivalent of 280 fractures per hour. It also showed an astounding eighty deaths per day attributable to fragility fractures.
'Osteoporosis: Burden, health care provision and opportunities in the European Union' examines both epidemiological and health economic aspects of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures in Europe, and specifically in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK as well as Sweden.
It is estimated that one in three women and one in five men over the age of fifty worldwide will sustain an osteoporotic fracture, often resulting in substantial pain and suffering, disability, and even death. As a result, osteoporosis imposes a significant burden on both the individual and society. IOF President John Kanis stated, "This landmark report exposes a number of major issues and challenges related to health care provision for fragility fractures. What is particularly striking is how the economic burden of fractures has increased in just over a decade. In 2000 the economic burden of fractures for the then European Union was estimated at € 36 billion. The current estimate of € 30.7 billion for just six countries largely reflects the increased number of fractures due to Europe's ageing population."
Several of the key findings regarding the economic and health cost of fragility fractures for the six countries studied include:
In six clearly defined chapters, it provides an introduction to osteoporosis and then reviews medical innovation and clinical progress in the management of osteoporosis, the epidemiology and burden of the disease, the current uptake of osteoporosis treatments and the future burden of fractures as a consequence of increasing treatment uptake.
EFPIA Director General Richard Bergström commented, " In Europe the number of elderly is set to increase markedly, with individuals expected to enjoy a longer life expectancy than ever before. We also know that the incidence of fractures rises progressively with age, and as a result we can expect the economic and social impact of fractures to increase significantly unless action is taken. Fortunately, we have a host of effective diagnostic and treatment options at our disposal – it is time to implement these advances fully. "
Osteoporosis: Burden, health care provision and opportunities in the European Union
Archives of Osteoporosis (2011). O. Ström, F. Borgström, J.A. Kanis,J. Compston, C. Cooper, E. V. McCloskey & B. Jönsson. DOI 10.1007/s11657-011-0060-1
The report can be accessed via the IOF website at http://www.iofbonehealth.org/about-iof/the-organization/committee-of-scientific-advisors-csa/publications-position-and-consensus-statements.html and will soon be available on the Archives of Osteoporosis website at http://www.springerlink.com/content/1862-3514 .
About IOF
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is a non-profit, nongovernmental umbrella organization dedicated to the worldwide fight against osteoporosis, the disease known as "the silent epidemic". IOF's members – committees of scientific researchers, patient, medical and research societies and industry representatives from around the world – share a common vision of a world without osteoporotic fractures. IOF now represents 196 societies in 92 locations. http://www.iofbonehealth.org
About EFPIA
EFPIA represents the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. Through its direct membership of 31 national associations and 40 leading pharmaceutical companies, EFPIA provides the voice of 2,200 companies committed to researching, developing and bringing new medicines to improve health and quality of life around the world. http://www.efpia.eu/
Archives of Osteoporosis