Significance of risk factors for osteoporosis is dependent on gender and menopause in rheumatoid arthritis

The aim of our study was to compare the significance of risk factors for osteoporosis according to gender and menopausal state in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Bone mineral density (dual X-ray absorptiometry), cumulative glucocorticoid dose, age, disease duration, body mass index (BMI) and parameters of disease activity and bone turnover were registered in 343 postmenopausal women, 100 premenopausal women and 108 men with RA. Osteoporosis was found in a significantly higher percentage in postmenopausal women (55.7%) and in men (50.5%) in comparison with premenopausal women (18%; P < 0.001). The following risk factors for osteoporosis were found: older age, low BMI and high cumulative glucocorticoid dose in postmenopausal women, low BMI and high cumulative glucocorticoid dose in men and low BMI in premenopausal women. There is a very high prevalence of osteoporosis not only in postmenopausal women but also in men with RA. Osteoporosis risk factors are strongly dependent from gender and menopausal state.     

Osteoporosis in chronic liver disease: a case–control study

Osteoporosis has become an increasingly recognized complication among patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis in patients with CLD (primary biliary cirrhosis and chronic viral hepatitis B or C patients) in comparison with a group of age- and sex-matched controls. Sixty-four patients with CLD (mean age 51.66 ± 11.54 years), 48 females and 16 males were included. Age- and sex-matched individuals from the general population served as controls. Osteoporosis was evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (bone mineral density below ?2.5 T score) at the lumbar spine (LS) and total hip (TH). Vertebral fractures were established by densitometric morphometry (vertebral fracture assessment). Bone turnover was assessed by intact parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin and C-telopeptides of type I collagen in the serum. Prevalence of osteoporosis in either the LS or the TH was 45.3%, twice as high as in the controls (19.6%) (RR 2.31, 95% CI 1.42–3.75, P < 0.001). Age, menopausal status, cirrhosis and advanced histological stage are not determinant factors for developing osteoporosis in patients with CLD. However, female sex, cholestasis, lower weight and height but not body mass index seem to play predominant role. Three (5.3%) patients had dorsal and LS fractures. It was concluded that osteoporosis is effectively a complication of CLD. Cholestasis in addition to female sex and lower weight and height are risk factors of osteoporosis in CLD.     

Is osteoporosis a peculiar association with primary biliary cirrhosis？

AIM: (1) To compare the prevalence of osteoporosis (t-score≤-2.5 SD) between stage Ⅳ PBC patients, and two groups of age- and sex-matched controls: one with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis, and the other one consisting of a group of healthy subjects from the general population; (2) to identify the main risk factors for the development of bone loss. METHODS: Thirty-five stage IV PBC patients (mean age 52.5±10 years), 49 females with HCV-related cirrhosis (mean age 52.9±5.8 years) and 33 healthy females (mean age 51.8±2.22 years) were enrolled in the study. Bone metabolism was evaluated by measuring serum calcium corrected for serum albumin (Ca corn), 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH vit D), parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed at the lumbar spine by dual-photon X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Osteoporosis was present in 5/35 PBC patients (14.2%) and in 7/49 HCV-related cirrhotic patients (14.3%), without any statistical difference between the two groups. Among healthy control subjects, none had osteoporosis. No difference was found between the three groups in serum parameters of bone metabolism. Univariate analysis showed that menopausal state and low BMI were significantly correlated with osteoporosis. Multivariate regression analysis showed that menopausal status, BMI <23, and old age were independent variables significantly correlated with osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: PBC in itself has no negative influence on BMD. End-stage liver disease patients carry a disease-specific risk for osteoporosis, but have an effective risk of bone loss in relation to individual potential risk for each patient. A practical message should be taken into account, that is, every effort should be made to prevent osteoporosis when a patient has simple osteopenia, or if it is a woman in or near menopausal age.     

老年2型糖尿病发生骨质疏松的临床多因素分析

目的 探讨老年2型糖尿病(T2DM)患者发生骨质疏松的影响因素. 方法 根据患者的骨密度值将患者分为骨量正常(NOP)组、低骨量(LBMD)组、骨质疏松(OP)组,对比3组在年龄、糖尿病病程、体质量指数(BMI)、胱抑素C(Cys C)、经皮氧分压检查(TcPO2)、糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)、尿C肽(U-CP)等指标之间的差异,并进行相关性分析. 结果 (1)与NOP组相比,LBMD及OP组年龄、病程显著性升高,U-CP显著性下降;(2)OP组BMI、Cys C显著低于NOP组;(3)OP组年龄显著高于LBMD组,而BMI显著低于LBMD组(P＜0.05或P＜0.01).老年T2DM患者的BMD与年龄、病程呈负相关,与BMI、U-CP呈正相关.逐步多元回归分析显示U-CP是BMD的正性预测因子. 结论 老年T2DM患者并发骨质疏松与多因素有关,包括高龄、低体质量、病程长、胰岛功能差等.     

Osteoporosis: still a typical complication of primary biliary cirrhosis?

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a recognized complication of primary biliary cirrhosis but it has been suggested that its prevalence may overlap that observed among postmenopausal women. AIM: To evaluate prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis in primary biliary cirrhosis. PATIENTS: A total of 133 female patients (age 53+/-10 years, menopausal status 70%, histological stage I-II 61%, portal hypertension 28%, Mayo Risk Score 4.11+/-0.59) were enrolled. METHODS: Dual X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine. RESULTS: Mean bone mineral density, T and Z score were 0.861+/-0.160 g/cm2, -1.87+/-1.45 and -0.78+/-2.63, respectively. At multivariate analysis, bone mineral density was inversely correlated with age (p<0.05). Osteoporosis was present in 39/92 (41%) postmenopausal and 8/41 (20%) premenopausal patients. In the premenopausal group, osteoporosis was significantly correlated with serum albumin (p<0.05) and Mayo Risk score (p<0.005). No significant correlation was present in the postmenopausal group. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the accepted wisdom that osteoporosis is a common complication of primary biliary cirrhosis, its frequency in post-menopausal patients overlaps that observed in the general population, but is much more frequent in premenopausal patients, where it appears to be related to severity of liver disease and cholestasis.     

Osteoporosis in liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is still an underestimated complication of liver cirrhosis (LC). AIM. To study the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in patients with LC and to identify the principal risk factors associated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was studied in 150 patients with alcoholic or viral LC who were admitted to the Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Iasi in 2003. Osteoporosis was diagnosed by measuring their bone density using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Patients with liver disease due to multiple aetiologies or with other liver conditions (primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune or metabolic causes, etc.) as well post menopausal women were excluded from the study. The variables taken into consideration were: gender, nutritional status (body mass index - BMI), etiology of liver disease, presence of cholestasis, severity and duration of disease. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients with LC (38%) were found to have osteoporosis or osteopenia. There was a statistically significant correlation between the presence of bone changes and a BMI of <20 kg/m2, cholestasis, Child class C and long duration of disease (>10 years). During the study period, despite the relatively high rate of bone metabolism abnormalities, there were no pathological fractures in the patients group. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis has a raised prevalence in patients with LC. It is important to be diagnosed and treated early, especially when risk factors such as malnutrition, cholestasis and a severe liver disease are present for a long period of time.     

Serum leptin, soluble leptin receptor, free leptin index and bone mineral density in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis

BACKGROUND/AIM: The pathophysiology of osteoporosis in chronic liver diseases is unknown. Recent data suggest that serum leptin is associated with bone mineral density (BMD). In animal studies leptin was found to be a potent inhibitor of bone formation. We investigated the relationship between serum leptin levels, soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R), free leptin index (FLI) and BMD in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-four female patients with PBC were included in this study; 122 healthy women served as controls. Serum leptin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay, sOB-R by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. BMD was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in the lumbar spine and femoral neck. RESULTS: Serum leptin was significantly lower in patients with PBC compared with healthy controls. No difference was found between the body mass index (BMI) of patients and controls. There was a strong positive correlation between leptin and BMI. In PBC no association was found between leptin, sOB-R and liver function tests, histological stages or the presence of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was present in 38 patients. A positive correlation was found between serum leptin and femoral neck z-score even after adjustment for BMI, whereas serum sOB-R correlated inversely with the serum leptin level. There was no difference in FLI between the subgroups of PBC patients according to the stages of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: We found a lower serum leptin level and a higher sOB-R in patients with PBC, which could not be explained by the difference in BMI. As leptin was associated with BMD, it may be hypothesized that leptin is involved in the complex regulation of bone metabolism in PBC.     

Vitamin D-receptor genotypes as independent genetic predictors of decreased bone mineral density in primary biliary cirrhosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatic osteodystrophy is a complication of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Allelic polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are related to bone mineral density (BMD) in normal cohorts and those with primary osteoporosis. We sought to establish the prevalence of reduced bone mass in PBC, correlate BMD with VDR gene polymorphisms, and identify risk factors for the development of hepatic osteodystrophy. METHODS: Seventy-two female patients with PBC were evaluated prospectively. Clinical information, BMD assessment, disease severity, and osteoporosis risk factors were documented, and multivariate regression modeling was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-four percent of the patients were osteoporotic at the lumbar spine and 32% at the femur. Severe bone loss (z score <-2.0) occurs 4 times more frequently in patients with PBC compared with controls. Body weight (P = 0.003) and postmenopausal status (P = 0.012) correlated independently with BMD. VDR genotype (P = 0.01) correlated with lower BMD at the spine only. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis is a common complication of PBC. VDR genotype predicts lower BMD in patients with PBC. Studies are warranted to investigate the mechanism(s) by which VDR as well as other candidate genes may contribute to the development of hepatic osteodystrophy in PBC.     

Osteoporosis. Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment in older adults

Osteoporosis is a major cause of disability and excess mortality in older men and women. Hip fracture incidence accelerates approximately 10 years after menopause in women and after age 70 in men. Approximately 1 million Americans suffer fragility fractures each year at a cost of over 14 billion dollars. The disability, mortality, and cost of hip and vertebral fractures are substantial in the rapidly growing, aging population so that prevention of osteoporosis is a major public health concern. BMD is used to make the diagnosis of osteoporosis before incident fracture and predict fracture risk. Recommendations for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis based on BMD score have been published by the World Health Organization and the National Osteoporosis Foundation. In a process that continues throughout life, bone repairs itself by the coupled action of bone resorption followed by bone formation, sometimes referred to as bone turnover. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts are the primary cells involved in bone formation and resorption, respectively. The process of bone turnover is regulated by hormones, such as PIH and local factors such as IL-1 and prostaglandins. Following attainment of peak bone mass at age 25, bone loss begins, accelerates in women at menopause and slows again but continues into advanced years at a rate of 1% to 2% per year, similar to premenopausal bone loss rate. The leading theories of the mechanism of bone loss in older individuals is calcium deficiency leading to secondary hyperparathyroidism and sex hormone deficiency. Risk factors such as age, gender, ethnic background, smoking, exercise, and nutrition, and medical conditions associated with osteoporosis should be evaluated and modified when possible to prevent further bone loss. Osteoporosis treatment and prevention include weight-bearing exercise, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, estrogen replacement, bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor antagonists, and calcitonin. Although there is no currently approved treatment for osteoporosis in men, many of the treatments approved for osteoporosis in women hold promise to be beneficial in men.     

绝经后2型糖尿病患者骨质疏松影响因素及骨转换特点

目的 探讨绝经后2型糖尿病(T2DM)人群骨质疏松影响因素及骨转换特点及其防治策略.方法 150例绝经后T2DM住院患者测定骨密度(BMD)后分为骨量正常(NP)、骨量减低(DP)和骨质疏松(OP)组.登记年龄(Age),绝经年限(LOP),糖尿病病程(YSM),计算体重指数(BMI),测定空腹血糖(FPG)、餐后2 h血糖(PPG),空腹胰岛素(FIns)、餐后2 h胰岛素(2 h Ins),血Ⅰ型胶原C端肽(CTX-Ⅰ)、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶5b(TRACP5b)、骨特异性碱性磷酸酶(BALP)、雌激素(E2).结果 ①绝经后T2DM人群OP发病率54%;②绝经后T2DM并发OP患者与骨量减少和骨量正常组比较绝经年限、糖尿病病程及血糖水平明显增高,胰岛素和E2水平明显降低(P<0.05);③OP组患者与骨量减少和骨量正常组比较CTX-Ⅰ、TRACP5b、BALP等骨转换指标明显升高(P<0.05);④CTX-Ⅰ与腰椎2～4、股骨颈BMD呈明显负相关(P<0.05),与大转子、粗隆间BMD无明显相关性;TRACP5b、BALP与腰椎2～4、股骨颈、大转子、粗隆间BMD呈明显负相关(P<0.05).结论 LOP、血糖、YSM、FIns和E2水平可影响绝经后T2DM患者骨量;该人群骨重建特点为高转换型,骨吸收标记物TRACP5b可作为早期预测绝经后T2DM骨量减少及OP的敏感指标.     

Determinants of bone mass in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross sectional study on premenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in young ambulatory female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to assess the influence of disease related variables and use of corticosteroids. METHODS: Lumbar and femoral BMD were measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 84 premenopausal patients with SLE (age 30.5+/-7.5 years). All patients were receiving corticosteroids at the time of the study. Variables evaluated were: disease duration, clinical pattern, disease activity (SLEDAI), cumulative damage index (SLICC/ACR), current and cumulative prednisone dose, duration of steroid treatment, and use of immunosuppressive agents. Osteoporosis was defined as a t score below 2.5 SD compared to a reference population of healthy women in at least one region of measurement. RESULTS: Vertebral and femoral BMD were significantly lower in patients with SLE than in age matched controls. Osteoporosis was detected in 22.6% of patients. No significant differences in BMD were detected between patients according to clinical pattern or activity index, whereas patients with damage index > 0 (n = 46) had a significantly lower BMD at both the lumbar (p = 0.008) and the femoral (p = 0.05) level. Compared with non-osteoporotic patients with SLE, women with osteoporosis had similar age, lower body mass index, significantly longer disease duration (p < 0.0001), higher cumulative steroid intake (p < 0.006), and higher SLICC/ACR score (p < 0.01). Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that disease duration is independently associated with osteoporosis (OR 1.2 for each year of disease, 95% CI 1.07-1.33). Since disease duration and duration of steroid treatment were highly correlated, a new stepwise logistic model was run without disease duration, which revealed that prednisone was associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis (OR 1.16 for each year of treatment, 95% CI 1.05-1.29). CONCLUSION: Osteoporosis is a frequent feature in young patients with SLE. Disease duration is associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis, but the role of glucocorticoid treatment seems to be crucial. Steroid exposure was the only treatment related variable exerting an influence on the development of osteoporosis.     

Bone mineral density in patients with recently diagnosed, active rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES: Osteoporosis is a well-known extra-articular phenomenon in patients with uncontrolled, long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study, the extent of osteoporosis and reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and the disease-related and demographic factors that are associated with osteoporosis and reduced BMD were examined in patients with recently diagnosed, active RA. METHODS: BMD of the total hip and the lumbar spine was measured using dual-energy x ray absorptiometry in 381 patients with recently diagnosed active RA, who had never been treated with DMARDs or corticosteroids. Osteoporosis was defined as a T score 相似文献   

Effect of low dose methotrexate on bone density in women with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a multicenter cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of low dose methotrexate (MTX) on bone using data from a large multicenter, cross-sectional study on bone mineral density (BMD) in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: We selected 731 female patients with RA divided into 2 groups on the basis of MTX use: never MTX users (n = 485) and MTX users for at least 6 months (n = 246). Demographic, disease, and treatment related variables were collected for each patient. BMD was measured at lumbar spine and proximal femur by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Osteoporosis was defined as BMD < -2.5 T-score. RESULTS: The frequency of osteoporosis among never MTX users and MTX users was 29.1% and 28.3% (p = NS) for lumbar spine, and 34.8% and 37.8% (p = NS) for femoral neck, respectively. Mean T-score values at lumbar spine and femoral neck were comparable in the 2 groups, even after adjusting for age, menopausal status, body mass index (BMI), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score, and steroid use. The generalized linear model showed that age, menopause, BMI, HAQ score, and steroid use were significant independent predictors of BMD at lumbar or at femoral level, whereas MTX use was not. Logistic procedure showed that only age, HAQ score, and BMI were significantly associated with the risk of osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: We found no negative effect of low dose MTX on BMD in women with RA.     

The effect of long-term, non-suppressive levothyroxine treatment on quantitative ultrasonometry of bone in women

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of long-term, non-suppressive levothyroxine (L-T(4)) treatment on quantitative ultrasonometry in women. DESIGN: This was a case-control study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Altogether 667 women (mean age+/-s.d., 49.5+/-13.1 years) were studied. Of these, 156 (23%) had non-toxic goitre or hypothyroidism and had been taking L-T(4) (75-100 microg/day) for at least 5 years (mean+/-s.d., 12.5+/-7.5 years); the remaining 511 (77%) women were not receiving L-T(4). All women had completed a questionnaire on risk factors for thyroid dysfunction and osteoporosis, and those with diseases or treatments known to effect bone metabolism - other than thyroxine or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - were excluded. Women underwent quantitative ultrasonometry (QUS) at the heel. Speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and the stiffness index (SI) were compared, first, in all women taking L-T(4) and controls and, secondly, in women taking L-T(4) and controls pair-matched for age, weight, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status and HRT use. RESULTS: Even after matching for age, weight, BMI, menopausal and HRT status, women taking L-T(4) had significantly lower values for SOS and SI (P<0.05), but not for BUA. However, absolute T- and Z-scores for SI were not low in either the study or control groups. Lower values were associated, but not significantly so, with years since the menopause and duration of L-T(4) treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term, non-suppressive L-T(4) treatment in women with goitre or hypothyroidism was associated with a slight reduction in QUS values, which was more pronounced in postmenopausal women. This group could be at higher risk for osteoporotic fracture.     

Complex association between body weight and fracture risk in postmenopausal women

Osteoporosis is a common disease, characterized by low bone mass with micro‐architectural disruption and skeletal fragility, resulting in an increased risk of fracture. A substantial number of studies has examined the possible relationship between body weight, bone mineral density and fracture risk in post‐menopausal women, with the majority of them concluding that low body weight correlates with increased risk of fracture, especially hip fracture. Controversies about the potential protective effect of obesity on osteoporosis and consequent fracture risk still exist. Several recent studies question the concept that obesity exerts a protective effect against fractures, suggesting that it stands as a risk factor for fractures at specific skeletal sites, such as upper arm. The association between body weight and fracture risk is complex, differs across skeletal sites and body mass index, and is modified by the interaction between body weight and bone mineral density. Some potential explanations that link obesity with increased fracture risk may be the pattern of falls and impaired mobility in obese individuals, comorbidities, such as asthma, diabetes and early menopause, as well as, increased parathyroid hormone and reduced 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D concentrations.     

绝经后2型糖尿病患者骨质疏松相关因素分析

目的 探讨绝经后2型糖尿病(T2DM)患者骨质疏松的相关因素.方法 采用双能X线骨密度仪测定79例绝经后T2DM患者的正位腰椎(L1-4)、左股骨颈与左股骨粗隆及左全髋骨密度,根据骨密度值分为骨质疏松组与非骨质疏松组,并对测定的相关化验指标、年龄、病程、绝经年龄、绝经年限及体质指数(BMI)等进行对比分析.结果 两组年龄、BMI、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、骨钙素、绝经年限差异均有统计学意义,直线相关分析显示IL-6与骨质疏松(r=0.260,P=0.020)及糖化血红蛋白(GHbAlc)(r=0.259,P=0.023)相关;Logistic多因素回归分析显示,绝经后T2DM患者骨质疏松的发生与年龄独立相关,与BMI独立负相关.结论 年龄与低BMI可能是绝经后T2DM患者骨质疏松发生的独立危险因素.     

Relative risk factors for osteoporotic fracture: A pilot study of the MEDOS questionnaire

Summary This study tested selected elements of a questionnaire devised to detect risk factors for osteoporosis in a large case-control study of hip fracture. The questions were applied to two separate studies. The first utilised a hospital sample of postmenopausal women with established vertebral osteoporosis, and responses were compared to woman with primary osteoarthritis. In a second study, the questionnaire was applied to apparently healthy women participating in a study of bone density. Significant differences between patients with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis were observed in body mass index, the prevalence of appendicular fractures, the degree of immobilisation, the age of menarche, exposure to sunlight and indices of physical activity. Significant differences were found in bone mass in healthy women divided according to the age of menarche, parity and duration of lactation. These data identify previously established risk factors for osteoporosis and suggest that the MEDOS questionnaire will provide a powerful tool for the future assessment of risk factors in osteoporosis. Collaborating centers: Dilen G., Istanbul; Gennari C., Siena; Lopez Vaz A.A., Porto; Lyritis G., Athens; Mazzuoli G.D., Rome; Miravet L., Paris; Passeri M., Parma; Perez Cano R., Sevilla; Rapado A., Madrid; Ribot C., Toulouse. Project group: Allander E., WHO Collaborating Centre for the Epidemiology of Rheumatic Conditions, Huddinge; Dequeker J., WHO Consultant, Leuven; Gonzalez A., Sandoz, Basle; Kanis J.A., European Osteoporosis Foundation, Sheffield; Keen D., Sandoz, Basle; Khaltaev N., WHO Non-communicable Diseases, Geneva; Plüss M., Sandoz, Basle.     

Predicting bone mineral density of postmenopausal healthy and cirrhotic Italian women using anthropometric variables

Background. Chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis of the liver, have been shown to cause bone osteometabolic disease giving rise to osteoporosis and osteomalacia.

Aims. To develop mathematical prediction equations for the lumbar-spine, pelvis and total bone mineral density based on the osteoporosis risk factors age and body mass index in cirrhotic and healthy postmenopausal women.

Patients. Twenty-seven postmenopausal women with liver cirrhosis (Child–Pugh class A) and well-preserved liver function (Late postmenopausal cirrhotic), 27 women matched for age and body mass index (Late postmenopausal healthy) and 27 younger women matched only for body mass index (Early postmenopausal healthy).

Methods. Segmental and total fat mass, lean body mass and bone mineral density were measured for all participant women using dual X-ray absorptiometry.

Results. Segmental and total fat mass and bone mineral density were significantly lower for Late postmenopausal cirrhotic women as compared with Late and Early postmenopausal healthy women. Segmental and total lean body mass were comparable among the three study groups.

Conclusions. The mathematical equations based on the variables age and body mass index were capable of predicting lumbar-spine bone mineral density, pelvis bone mineral density and total bone mineral density for the three groups of postmenopausal women with the lowest standard error of estimation and root mean square residuals of predictions for equations describing the Late postmenopausal healthy group.     

A multicenter cross sectional study on bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis. Italian Study Group on Bone Mass in Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of osteoporosis in a large cohort of women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to investigate the main determinants of bone mineral density (BMD) and risk factors for vertebral fractures in this population. METHODS: We recruited 925 consecutive female patients with RA at 21 Rheumatology Centers in Italy. For each patient pre-registered demographic, disease, and treatment-related variables were collected. BMD was measured at lumbar spine and proximal femur by dual x-ray absorptiometry technique. Collected variables underwent a univariate and multivariate statistical procedure. Osteoporosis was defined as BMD > -2.5 T score. RESULTS: The frequency of osteoporosis in the whole sample was 28.8% at lumbar spine and 36.2% at femoral neck and increased linearly from Steinbrocker's functional stage I to IV (p = 0.0001). Patients with spinal or femoral osteoporosis were significantly older (p = 0.0001), had a lower body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.02), a significantly longer disease duration (p < 0.02) and a significantly higher Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score (p = 0.0001). These differences were significant, even after adjusting for age. Steroid use was associated with significantly lower lumbar and femoral BMD (p = 0.0001) even after adjusting for the main confounding covariates. Analysis of lateral spine radiographs revealed 74 women with at least one vertebral fracture. These women had a significantly lower lumbar and femoral BMD (p = 0.0001). The generalized linear model showed that steroid use, menopause, BMI, age, and HAQ were all significant independent predictors of lumbar and femoral BMD. The logistic procedure showed that age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07), HAQ (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.07-1.7), menopause (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.2), use of steroids (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.07-2.1), and BMI (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.8-0.9) were significantly associated with the risk for osteoporosis. The only variables associated with an increased risk for vertebral fracture were age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08), HAQ (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.08-2.09), and cumulative steroid intake (OR for 1 g of prednisone 1.03, 95% CI 1.006-1.07). CONCLUSION: To prevent osteoporosis and its dramatic complications in RA the therapeutic challenge is to preserve functional capacity using the lowest possible dosage of corticosteroids.     

Menopausal and bone risk assessments in postmenopausal women

The National Osteoporosis Foundation expects an increased prevalence of low bone mass and osteoporosis to 61 million cases by 2020. Nearly 50% of C aucasian postmenopausal women have osteopenia or osteoporosis, with a lifetime risk of an osteoporotic fracture of 40%. As bone loss is clinically silent until a fracture occurs, identifying risk factors and measuring bone density are currently the best available methods for determining a woman’s probability of developing osteoporosis. A careful history and physical should assess for potential secondary causes of low bone density and help to guide further evaluations and treatments. Hormonal therapy, best when initiated within the first few years of perimenopause, can decrease the risk of osteoporotic fractures by approx 50% while treating common menopausal symptoms. Recent studies questioning the risks of hormonal therapy mandate an individualized assessment of the potential risk-benefit ratio.