Updated Guidelines for Standardization of Biochemical Indices for Bone Status - Video

The Joint International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) Working Group and the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) Committee on Bone Metabolism have published important updated guidelines for the correct use of biochemical indices of bone status. The guidelines are published in the journal clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine.

The newly proposed term, "Bone Status Indices" (BSIs), offers a comprehensive framework to unify terminology and improve comparability across studies. Unlike previously used terms such as "bone turnover markers" or "metabolic markers of bone turnover," which focus on isolated aspects of bone metabolism, Bone Status Indices provide a holistic representation of bone status and integrate a wider array of factors—including structural elements, metabolic byproducts, enzymes, and regulatory molecules.

Professor Etienne Cavalier, Chair of the Joint IOF Working Group and IFCC Committee on Bone Metabolism, and Vice-Chair of the IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors, emphasized the transformative potential of the new standardized nomenclature:

"By adopting this unified nomenclature, researchers and clinicians can enhance communication, foster collaboration, ensure the accurate interpretation of findings and ensure consistent reporting. This step is vital for achieving a unified and comprehensive approach to bone status evaluation, benefiting patients and advancing the field of bone metabolism."

Reference: Lombardi, G., Jørgensen, N., Harvey, N., McCloskey, E., Åkesson, K., Eastell, R., Garnero, P., Kanis, J., Khashayar, P., Lane, N., McClung, M., Silverman, S., Makris, K., Bhattoa, H., Vasikaran, S., Pikner, R., Cavalier, E. & the Joint IOF Working Group and IFCC Committee on Bone Metabolism (2024). Guidelines for the correct use of the nomenclature of biochemical indices of bone status: a position statement of the Joint IOF Working Group and IFCC Committee on Bone Metabolism. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM). https://doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2024-1148