[Risk factors for hip fracture in elderly persons].

Objective: The aim of this observational study, promoted by the Health Authorities of the Regione Veneto (Italy), is to as- sess the prevalence of the most relevant environmental and individual risk factors in subjects with a recent hip fracture. Methods: Patients aged more than 60 years of both genders with a recent hip fracture not associated with malignancies, were administered questionnaires on dietary habits, sun exposure, and disability score. A complete family, pharmacolog- ical and pathology history was collected together with information on previous falls, details of the fracture index, and an- thropometric data. In all subjects, blood was taken for the measurement of serum 25 hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD). Results: The study included 704 patients (573 women and 131 men). Mean age was 81±8 years (range 60-102). Severe pre-fracture disability was a common feature (58%) associated with multiple co-morbidities (84%), more frequently car- dio-vascular and neurological diseases, and specific medications. In a large proportion (86%) of the patients, environ- mental or individual risk factors for falling were found. Vitamin D insufficiency (serum 25OHD levels <75 nmol/l) was quite common (70%), particularly in the regional Health Districts were strategies for preventing vitamin D deficiency were not implemented (91%). Only a small proportion (17%) of the study population had been evaluated and treated for osteo- porosis.Conclusions: In senile patients with a recent hip fracture, pre-existing disability, multiple co-morbidities, high risk of falling and inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is relatively common. Community and case-finding interventions aimed at selecting subjects at high risk of osteoporosis, preventing vitamin D and dietary calcium deficiency, and increasing aware- ness on the environmental risks of falling are highly warranted.