By: Errol Casiano, M.D. (Class 2000)
Posted: September 28, 2007

Please click on image to enlarge Sheraton Pattaya Resort The author with Dr. R. Habaluyas at Walking Street. Seafood along the streets of Pattaya.

     The goal in the treatment of osteoporosis is to prevent fractures. However, non-occurrence of fractures does not mean an effective treatment. Efficacy is determined by measurement of the level of biomarkers of bone resorption and measurement of the bone mineral density or BMD (bone densitometry).

     The organic matrix of bone is 90% type I collagen so the degradation products of type I collagen can serve as biomarker of bone resorption. The C-telopeptide cross-links is a new generation bone resorption marker currently used in monitoring treatment of osteoporosis. Thus, we have the so-called serum CTX immunoassay. Bone densitometry, on the other hand, is measured using the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) machine. An effective treatment of osteoporosis would show a significant decrease in serum CTX and a significant increase in BMD.

     To those interested to learn more about bone densitometry, the Osteoporosis Society of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (OSPFI), in cooperation with the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD), will hold a bone densitometry course on October 11, 2007 and a certification examination on October 13, 2007 at the Manila Pavilion Hotel for clinicians and radiology technicians. The fee is P2500.

     The clinician course syllabus includes an overview of osteoporosis; basic science of bone densitometry and device operating principles; x-ray science, radiation safety and quality assurance; clinical utility of bone densitometry; use of bone densitometry for the diagnosis of osteoporosis; assessment of fracture risk; monitoring with bone densitometry; clinical management of osteoporosis; principles of DXA scan interpretation; and principles of reporting DXA scans.

     After completion of a clinical trial, results are presented in an international convention. The results of our phase IV study on once monthly ibandronate treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis were presented in the Strong Bone Asia convention held last September 6-8, 2007 at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort in Pattaya, Thailand. The study has enrolled a total of 606 eligible patients across five countries (Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia and Hong Kong). The Philippines presented the results in the convention. The main topics in the convention focused on Asia and covered osteoporosis and fracture, osteoporosis screening and detection, and osteoporosis treatment. The convention was an opportunity not just to visit Pattaya but also to interact with experts and strengthen professional relationships.

     Pattaya is a city and beach resort in Thailand that lies 165 km southeast of Bangkok. It used to be a small fishing village but has now become a tourist destination. Famous dining choices in this city include Da Tiziano (Italian), L'Olivier (French), Mike's (Mexican), Ali Baba (Indian), and Marco Polo (Chinese). Steak houses and seafood restaurants are just around the corner. We visited the Great American Rib Company Restaurant which serve "Authentic Hickory Wood Smoked U.S. BBQ" ribs and steaks. I ordered T-Bone 18 oz Cowboy Cut for THB695. Then we also dined at the Nang Nual Restaurant where you can order fresh seafood and have it cooked the way you want it just like "Dampa" in the Philippines. We preferred our seafood steamed. And when we ordered "mangosteen," the waiter had almost mistaken it for "mango-steamed!" We feasted on fruits which ranged from longkong (lanzones) to longan to lychee.

     The Elements Restaurant at the Sheraton Pattaya Resort offers one of the best buffet dinner in the city. It features not only Thai cuisine, which include the famous Tom Yum, but also Asian and Western favorites. And it serves king crab from Alaska and lobster from Boston.

     Pattaya is well-known for its nightlife. Along the so-called Walking Street are several bars, discos and shows. The Blues Factory plays live traditional and modern music. Pattaya is also famous for such activities as golf, bungy jumping, and scuba diving.

     In Pattaya, I learned about strong bones at the Strong Bone Asia convention while enjoying my T-bone steak!

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