[Osteoporosis--what can and should be done in Sweden 1996? Swedish Osteoporosis Society].

Very recently we have seen the advent of new approaches to the investigation, treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Pending the results of large prospective studies, a Swedish panel of experts has attempted to appraise currently available scientific knowledge of osteoporosis and make recommendations. A summary of this appraisal includes advice on bone densitometry, and on the treatment and management of patients with suspected or verified osteoporosis. It is suggested that individually tailored physical activity should be a fundamental feature of prevention and treatment, and that women in the 50-70-year-old age group, and perhaps older women as well, should have a daily calcium intake of 1200 mg. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for the elderly under institutional care who spend no time outdoors. Oestrogen replacement therapy should be considered as prophylaxis in women at greater risk-e.g., due to manifest heredity, early menopause, low body weight, heavy smoking, or low bone mass, and in patients at risk of secondary osteoporosis.