High prevalence and correlates of low bone mineral density in young adults with sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent genetic disorder in which sickle hemoglobin leads to tissue hypoxia and adverse effects on bone. Published studies suggest that children with SCD often have undiagnosed osteopenia or osteoporosis. Minimal data exist on the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) in adults. Our objective was to describe the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in adults with SCD and to identify patient or disease characteristics associated with low BMD. We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults with SCD. Through questionnaires, we collected data about disease course and osteoporosis risk factors. Patients underwent dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurement of BMD at the hip, spine, and forearm and sampling of blood and urine for markers of bone turnover, sickle cell disease severity, and secondary causes of osteoporosis. Our main outcome measure was prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis as defined by WHO criteria. Of 32 adults with SCD (14 men and 18 women) with a mean age of 34 years, 72% (95% confidence interval 53-86%) had low BMD at one or more anatomic sites. Thirteen patients were classified as osteoporotic and 10 as osteopenic. The prevalence of low BMD was greatest in the lumbar spine (66% of patients). Significant correlates of decreased BMD included low BMI (P < 0.01), male sex (P = 0.02), and low serum zinc concentrations (P < 0.01). The prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in young adults with SCD is extremely high. Further research is needed to address fracture risk and therapeutic interventions.     

The activity of a Spanish bone densitometry unit revisited under the point of view of FRAX

In March 2008, FRAX, developed by Kanis and collaborators in the University of Sheffield and supported by the World Health Organization, became available online to calculate absolute risk of osteoporotic fracture in the next 10 years.ObjectiveTo analyze the risk of fracture calculated by FRAX and its determinants in the patients sent to a densitometry unit for bone mineral density (BMD) testing.MethodsAll the patients submitted by Primary Care to the Densitometry Unit for BMD testing underwent a self administered questionnaire to assess the clinical risk factors included in FRAX and a bone densitometry of lumbar spine and proximal femur with a DXA densitometer Hologic QDR 4500. They were classified as having a normal BMD, osteopenia or osteoporosis along with the recommendations of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry. As the reference population to calculate the T and Z scores, we used the one from the NHANES III study for femoral neck and total hip and the one from the Study of the Spanish Population for total spine. With the data of the questionnaire, we calculated, by FRAX, the absolute risk in the next ten years of having a major fracture (MFR) or a hip fracture (HFR). Both risks were calculated with or without the inclusion in the algorithm of BMD: MFR+, MFR?, HFR+ and HFR?. The results were recorded in an Access 2003 database and analyzed with the statistical package SPSS 15.0 for Windows.ResultsWe analyzed the data from 853 women with a mean age of 61.9 (8.9) years and a mean body mass index of 27.0 (4.2) kg/m². Mean BMD at lumbar spine was 0.873 (0.127) g/cm²; at femoral neck, 0.704 (0.105) g/cm²; and at total hip, 0.817 (0.107) g/cm². Twenty percent of the patients had a normal BMD, 55% had osteopenia and 25%, osteoporosis. Yet excluding age and body mass index, the number of fracture risk factors seems low: 31% of the patients had no risk of fracture; 40%, had one; 22%, two; 6%, three; 1%, four; and one patient had five. Mean MFR+ was 5.4 (4.8)%; mean MFR?, 6.3 (5.5)%; mean HFR+, 1.5 (2.9)%; and HFR?, 2.1 (3.3)%.When BMD was included in the algorithm for the calculation of the risk of fracture, the risk was statistically lower (p < 0.001), especially in patients with better BMD.ConclusionsThe risk of fracture calculated by FRAX in the patients sent to a densitometry unit for bone BMD testing seems low and, probably, a better selection of the patients would detect a higher risk of fracture population. When the fracture risk is calculated with the introduction of BMD in the algorithm, it is lower than without including BMD.     

Prevalence of osteoporosis and factors affecting bone mineral density among postmenopausal Turkish women with type 2 diabetes

ObjectivesControversy remains as to the effects of type 2 diabetes on bone metabolism. The aims of this study were to assess the association between type 2 diabetes and bone mineral density (BMD) and to evaluate the possible relationship between chronic diabetic complications and bone density.MethodsBone mineral densities at the lumbar spine, femur, and radius in 206 postmenopausal Turkish women with type 2 diabetes were evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and compared with those in 61 age-matched postmenopausal nondiabetic women. Medical and lifestyle characteristics, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A_1c level, and status of microvascular and macrovascular diabetic complications were recorded. Frequency of osteoporosis and that of osteopenia as well as the relationship between microvascular and macrovascular complications and BMD were evaluated.ResultsThe groups did not differ on BMDs and T scores at the hip, lumbar spine, and radius. Patients with radial and/or lumbar and/or hip osteoporosis had a longer duration of diabetes (P=.000), were older (P=.000), and had a lower BMI (P=.000). No correlation was found between osteopenia or osteoporosis and hemoglobin A_1c level, presence of microalbuminuria, retinopathy, neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, cerebrovascular event, and coronary artery disease. Among the three sites, BMD at the hip was positively correlated with BMI (P=.000) but negatively correlated with age (P=.000) and duration of diabetes (P=.000). Presence of microalbuminuria revealed a negative correlation with BMD at the femoral neck (P=.042).ConclusionThere is no evidence that type 2 diabetes influenced BMD in our postmenopausal patient group.     

Prevalence of osteopenia in men with prolactinoma

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyze bone mineral density (BMD) and prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in 30 men with prolactinoma, and compare them to 22 control subjects. BMD of lumbar spine and femur was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. PRL, testosterone, estradiol, sexual hormone-binding globulin and free androgen and estrogen indexes (FAI and FEI, respectively) were measured in all the subjects. In patients with prolactinoma, mean values of PRL and testosterone were calculated for the 12-month period that preceded the study. The mean T-score of the four sites analyzed by bone densitometry was lower in men with prolactinoma than in controls (p-values: lumbar spine=0.015, femoral neck <0.0001, trochanter=0.037, total femur=0.036), and 55.6% of the former presented osteopenia or osteoporosis at one or more sites (p =0.035). The lumbar spine was the most seriously affected site, where 29.6% had osteopenia and 14.8% had osteoporosis. By the time of BMD determination, significant associations were found between BMD and PRL, testosterone, FAI, estradiol, FEI, and duration of hypogonadism. Considering the period of 12 months that preceded BMD evaluation, trochanter BMD was associated with mean PRL levels, while there was an association between lumbar spine BMD and mean testosterone levels. However, the multiple regression analysis showed that estradiol was the main determinant of BMD. In conclusion, men with prolactinoma have high prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Bone loss in such patients is associated with hyperprolactinemia and hypogonadism, and mainly influenced by estrogen.     

Metformin treatment is associated with an increase in bone mineral density in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in China: A retrospective single center study

AimsTo investigate the association between metformin and bone mineral density (BMD) in a large cohort of Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsA total of 11,458 T2DM patients aged ≥40 years were included. Information on demographic, anthropometric and clinical characteristics was collected from medical records. BMD at lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total hip(TH) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.ResultsOverall prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis was 37.4% and 10.3%, and was lower in patients on metformin (34.6% vs 38.3% and 7.1% vs 11.3%, both p < 0.001). Patients who had a lower BMI, older age, and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), had more osteoporosis, lower BMD (osteoporosis or osteopenia), and a lower T-score at LS, FN and TH. Metformin use and male sex was associated with a higher BMD. Metformin treatment was also independently associated with higher T-score at LS, FN and TH (β values of 0.120, 0.082 and 0.108; all p <0.001), and lower odds ratio of osteoporosis (OR = 0.779, 95%CI: 0.648–0.937, p = 0.008) or low BMD (OR = 0.834, 95%CI: 0.752 - 0.925, p = 0.001). However, when analyzed by sex, this association of a lower odds ratio for osteoporosis with metformin was only significant in women (OR= 0.775, 95% CI: 0.633–0.948; p = 0.013).ConclusionsMetformin treatment was associated with a higher T-score and a lower odds ratio of osteopenia and osteoporosis, especially in the female population, independent of age, BMI, and eGFR.     

Association between coronary artery calcium and thoracic spine bone mineral density: Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Background and aimsPreviously, osteoporosis and coronary artery disease were considered unrelated. However, beyond age, these two conditions appear to share common etiologies that are not yet fully understood. We examined the relationship between thoracic spine bone mineral density (BMD) and severity of coronary artery calcium (CAC) score.Methods and resultsMESA is a prospective cohort study of 6814 men and women between the ages of 45 and 84 years, without clinical cardiovascular disease. This study included participants who underwent non-contrast chest CT scans to determine CAC score and thoracic spine BMD. The thoracic spine BMD was categorized into osteoporosis (defined as T score: ≤ ?2.5), osteopenia (T-score between: ?2.5 and ?1) and normal BMD (T-score ≥ ?1). There were 3392 subjects who had CAC >0 at baseline. The prevalence of CAC >0 was 36% in normal BMD group, 49% in the osteopenia and 68% in osteoporosis group. After adjusting for risk factors of atherosclerosis, in multivariate regression models we found a significant association between CAC and osteoporosis (OR: 1.40, 95% CI 1.16–1.69, p value < 0.0004). Furthermore, we stratified our results by gender and found a statistically significant association in both men and women.ConclusionResults from this cross-sectional analysis of a large population based ethnically diverse cohort indicate a significant inverse relationship between thoracic BMD and CAC in both genders independent of other cardiovascular risk factors. Future studies need to explore the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms relating BMD and coronary artery calcification.     

The prevalence of fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and a decreased bone mass in patients with chronic pancreatitis

Background/objectivesIn chronic pancreatitis, malabsorption of fat is common due to loss of exocrine function. Consequently, these patients are at risk to acquire deficiencies of the fat-soluble vitamins, which may result in a decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled all patients diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, who visited our outpatient clinic between March and November 2011. Data were collected regarding demographic characteristics, symptoms, and pancreatic function. Serum concentrations of vitamins A, E, K, and D were determined, and BMD was assessed by means of bone densitometry. Results were analyzed according to pancreatic function status and enzyme use, and compared to reference data, when available.ResultsForty patients were included (43% female; mean age of 52). Alcohol abuse was the major cause of pancreatitis (50%). Twenty-eight patients were exocrine insufficient (70%), of whom 19 used pancreatic enzymes. Vitamin A, D, E, and K deficiencies were present in 3, 53, 10, and 63% of patients, respectively. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were observed in 45% and 10% of patients. A decreased BMD was more frequently observed than expected, based on reference data, even in exocrine sufficient patients.ConclusionsDeficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins and a decreased BMD are frequently present in chronic pancreatitis, even in exocrine sufficient patients. Consequently, all patients with chronic pancreatitis should be routinely screened for fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and a decreased BMD.     

High prevalence of low bone mineral density in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the setting of a peripheral Dutch hospital

Background and aimsOsteopenia and osteoporosis are frequently encountered in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Our aims were to evaluate the actual practice of screening for low bone mineral density (BMD) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), to determine the prevalence of low BMD and to investigate the risk factors associated with a low BMD in the IBD population of a regional Dutch hospital.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed in 474 patients (259 with ulcerative colitis, 210 with Crohn's disease and 5 with indeterminate colitis). DEXA results and potential predictive factors of low BMD were documented. Predictive factors of low BMD were assessed by logistic regression.ResultsDEXA was performed in 168 IBD patients (35.4%). A low BMD (T-score < − 1) was present in 64.3%. Osteoporosis (T-score < − 2.5) was found in 23.8%. Low BMI, older age at the moment of diagnosis and male gender were found to be predictive factors of low BMD. For patients with osteoporosis, disease duration was an additional predictive factor. After subgroup analysis predictive factors were found to be the same in patients with Crohn's disease.ConclusionsThe prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in IBD patients in a regional centre is as high as the prevalence rates reported from tertiary referral centres. A low BMI, an older age at the moment of diagnosis and male gender were predictive factors of low BMD. Prediction of osteoporosis and osteopenia using risk factors identified in this and previous studies is presently not feasible.     

Results of bone scintigraphy,densitometry and radiography in secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic renal failure

Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs frequently in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Cardinal manifestations in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism involve also skeletal changes. Hence the aims of our studies were detailed investigations of bones using isotope scintigraphy (99mTc-MDP), densitometry (DEXA-Lunar) and radiography, in a group of 34 patients with advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism with very high PTH serum concentrations. Bone mineral density of radius amounted to 74.14 +/- 14%, and 29 cases had osteoporosis, and 5 cases osteopenia. Bone mineral density of vertebral bodies was 85.6 +/- 10.5% was within osteopenia range in 16 cases, osteoporosis in 11 cases and was normal in 6 cases. Bone scintigraphy revealed: excessive tracer uptake in cranial vault, mandible, spine and lateral parts of the sacral bone. Tracer accumulation was decreased in soft tissues and absent in kidneys. Roentgen studies revealed changes typical to secondary hyperparathyroidism: acroosteolysis in 60% of cases, subperiosteal resorption in 43% of cases, calcifications in 20% of cases, cortical fibrosis in 35% of cases and osteoporosis in 85% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Bone mineral density is markly decreased in the radius and to a lower extent in the vertebral bodies, hence DEXA studies of radius are most appropriate for evaluation of mineral bone density. The differences in BMD are characteristic of hyperparathyroidism, both primary and secondary. 2. In most patients bone scintigraphy shows characteristic abnormalities, thus scintigraphy is helpful in the diagnosis of advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism. 3. In x-ray studies osteoporosis is frequently observed, other signs of secondary hyperparathyroidism are not so common and appear in later stage of disease than decreased bone mineral density in densitometry.     

Relationship between age,osteoporosis and coronary artery calcification detected by high-definition computerized tomography in Chinese elderly men

BackgroundFew studies have analyzed the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in older men, and it remains subject to debate. The present study was designed to evaluate the age-related acceleration of osteoporosis and CAC, as well as the relationship between BMD and CAC in Chinese elderly men.MethodsParticipants included 120 men older than 60 years. CAC was measured with high-definition computerized tomography. It is a highly sensitive technique for detecting the CAC and provides the most accurate CAC scores up to date.ResultsMean (standard deviation) age was 73 (8.5) years. For osteoporosis, there was a strongly inverse correlation between age and BMD of all scanned body parts (p < 0.05 for all) except the lumbar spine 1–4 (p > 0.05 for all). For CAC, there was a moderately positive correlation of agatston, volume and mass scores with age. CAC was present in 67% of participants. There was no significant correlation between all kinds of CAC scores including agatston, volume and mass scores, and BMD of all scanned body parts including lumbar spine 1–4, femoral neck, femoral trochanter and total femur (p > 0.05 for all). BMD of all these body parts had no ability to identify the CAC (p > 0.05 for all). Furthermore, on multiple linear regression analysis, the relationship between CAC scores and BMD remained statistically non-significant.ConclusionsAge constituted an important factor common for loss of BMD and development of CAC detected by HDCT, and no direct relationship was observed between osteoporosis and CAC in Chinese elderly men.     

Prevalence and risk factors of osteopenia/osteoporosis in Turkish HIV/AIDS patients

BackgroundRecent studies showed a high frequency of low bone mineral density (BMD) in HIV-infected patients and no reports have been issued in Turkey. Our aim was to evaluate BMD and risk factors for osteopenia/osteoporosis in HIV-infected patients that attended an outpatient clinic in Istanbul, Turkey.MethodIn order to determine the prevalence of BMD, 126 HIV-infected patients had been studied with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The association between BMD and age, gender, body mass index (BMI), habits, 25(OH)vitamin D, HIV RNA, CD4 lymphocyte nadir, using and duration of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) were investigated by using multivariate analysis.ResultsMedian age was 40.1 years (range, 20–70); 84% were male; 35.7% patients had AIDS, 63.5% were treated with HAART. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were diagnosed in 53.9% and 23.8%, respectively. Mean plasma HIV RNA was 5.2 (SD 1.0) log₁₀ copies/mL and CD4 lymphocyte nadir was 313.8 (SD 226.2)/mm³. Factors associated with bone loss were high viral load (p = 0.034), using (p = 0.033) and duration of HAART (p = 0.008). No correlation had been seen between sex and osteopenia/osteoporosis (p = 0.794). However, males showed higher rates of osteoporosis than females (p = 0.042).ConclusionsOur results show a very high prevalence of bone mass reduction in Turkish HIV-infected patients. This study supports the importance of both HIV and antiretroviral therapy in low BMD.     

Relation of bone mineral density to frequency of coronary heart disease

Coronary angiography was performed because of chest pain in 198 patients (146 women, 52 men; mean age 66 years) who had dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans of the spine and left hip because of suspected osteoporosis or osteopenia. Of the 198 patients, 53 (27%) had osteoporosis, 79 (40%) had osteopenia, and 66 (33%) had normal bone mineral density (BMD). Obstructive coronary artery disease with >50% narrowing of > or =1 major coronary artery was present in 40 of 53 patients (76%) with osteoporosis, in 54 of 79 patients (68%) with osteopenia, and in 31 of 66 patients (47%) with normal BMD (p <0.005 comparing osteoporosis with normal BMD, p <0.01 comparing osteopenia with normal BMD). In conclusion, in patients who undergo coronary angiography because of chest pain, patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia have a higher prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease than those with normal BMD.     

D-dimer levels enhance the discriminatory capacity of bleeding risk scores for predicting in-hospital bleeding events in acute pulmonary embolism

IntroductionBleeding is a major complication of anticoagulation in acute pulmonary embolism (APE) while estimating individual bleeding risk remains challenging. Elevated D-dimer levels (DD) have been shown to predict bleeding events.Objectives(1) direct comparison of the capacity of bleeding risk prediction scores (VTE-BLEED, RIETE, HAS-BLED, HEMORR₂HAGES) to prognosticate in-hospital bleeding events in the acute phase of APE in a real-life population of APE patients;(2) augmentation of the discriminative capacity of fore mentioned scores with DD.MaterialsPost-hoc analysis of a prospective observational study. DD levels were measured using the VIDAS D-dimer Exclusion test. Receiver operating characteristic curves, areas under the curve (AUC) for bleeding prediction were calculated for scores and DD. Bleeding scores+DD were compared using an established index quantifying the reclassification of patients (net reclassification index, NRI).Results310 APE patients were included. 35(11.3%) bleeding events occurred (hematomas, GI, urinary tract, retroperitoneal, uterine, CNS, respiratory tract): 17 major (MB) and 18 clinically-relevant non-major bleedings (CRNMB), none were fatal. All scores had satisfactory AUCs (0.754–0.767), except HAS-BLED (AUC = 0.512; 0.455–0.569). DD were higher in patients with bleeding events (29,911 ng/ml vs. 4805 ng/ml, p = .031), AUC 0.621(0.520–0.721), p = .02. DD = 5750 ng/ml was characterized by OR = 2.3(95%CI 1.05–5.0) for all bleeding events. Adding DD improved the discriminatory capacity of tested scores in the non-high risk of bleeding category, NRI 0.07–03.ConclusionsOf the tested scores RIETE, HEMORR₂HAGES, VTE-BLEED performed best at identifying APE patients at risk of in-hospital bleeding complications. DD levels may predict in-hospital bleeding events and may improve identifying patients classified as non-high risk who experience bleeding complications.     

Association between muscle mass,bone mineral density and osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes

Aims/IntroductionType 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased incidence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. However, the relationship between osteoporosis and sarcopenia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus remains to be unclear. Appendicular skeletal muscle was adjusted by height (appendicular skeletal muscle mass [ASM]/height²) as a marker of sarcopenia. This study aimed to explore the relationship between ASM/height², osteoporosis and bone mineral density (BMD) in this population.Materials and MethodsA total of 192 women and 225 men with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited. General information, laboratory and BMD data were collected. Spearman’s correlation, multiple regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used to explore the correlation between ASM/height², BMD and bone metabolism markers.ResultsSpearman’s correlation analysis showed that ASM/height² had a positive correlation with serum calcium and BMD (r = 0.209–0.404, P < 0.01). In multivariate regression analysis, we found significant correlations between ASM/height² and total lumbar spine, hip and femur neck BMD. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve, ASM/height² was the best marker of osteoporosis, with a cut‐off value of 7.87 kg/m² for men and 5.94 kg/m² for women. When these cut‐off values were used to identify sarcopenia, the risk of osteoporosis increased 6.036‐fold in men and 4.079‐fold in women, respectively.ConclusionsIn patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, ASM/height² was positively correlated with BMD, and negatively correlated with osteoporosis.     

Bone Mineral Density Screening and the Frequency of Osteopenia/Osteoporosis in Turkish Adult Patients With Celiac Disease

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in adult patients with celiac disease (CD) at diagnosis and/or in the follow-up after a gluten-free diet (GFD).MethodsAdult patients diagnosed with CD were retrospectively screened through follow-up records and computer databases. Patients assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at diagnosis and/or in the follow-up after a GFD were included in the study.Results: One hundred patients who underwent a DEXA scan at least once after diagnosis or after being on a GFD were included in the study. The mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 34.61 ± 10.3 years, and 84% of the patients (n = 84) were female. At the time of diagnosis (n = 46), the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis was 67.3% and 15.2%, respectively, at the lumbar spine, and 43.4% and 10.8%, respectively, at the femur. After a GFD (n = 78), the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis was 61.5% and 8.9%, respectively, at the lumbar spine, and 37.1% and 2.5%, respectively, at the femur. ConclusionThe prevalence of CD patients with low bone mineral density (BMD) is high after diagnosis and in the follow-up after a GFD. It is important for all patients with CD to undergo a DEXA scan to determine the follow-up and/or treatment characteristics.     

The significance of forearm bone mineral density evaluation in determining surgical indications in primary hyperparathyroidism

PurposeForearm osteoporosis is a well-known complication of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). However, measuring forearm bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the distal radius is often neglected in clinical practice despite the fact that osteoporosis at any site is a criterion indicating surgery. We aimed to evaluate the importance and priority of forearm BMD and to determine its association with biochemical parameters.Material and methodsThree hundred fourteen patients (272 females, 42 males) with PHPT who had BMD measurements at 3 sites were recruited for this retrospective study. The effect on surgical indications of osteoporosis only in the forearm was evaluated. Group 1 (n = 151) with forearm osteoporosis and group 2 (n = 163) without were compared in terms of biochemical and clinical parameters.ResultsIn the overall study population, 165 of the 314 patients had osteoporosis in at least 1 site. Twenty seven percent (n = 86/314) had osteoporosis only in the forearm, while the other 2 sites (lumbar spine and femoral neck) were normal or osteopenic. Surgery was indicated based on osteoporosis only in the forearm in 10% of patients (n = 30/314). Corrected calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were significantly higher in group 1 than group 2 (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) and were also negatively correlated with distal radius BMD, T-score and Z-score in the whole study group.ConclusionIncluding the distal radius in BMD measurement increased the number of patients diagnosed with osteoporosis and for whom surgery was indicated. Calcium and PTH were also more frequently elevated in patients with forearm osteoporosis. These results show that distal radius BMD is relevant to the management of PHPT.     

Osteoporosis in cirrhotics before and after liver transplantation: relation with malnutrition and inflammatory status

Abstract

Background: Liver cirrhosis is associated with osteoporosis and liver transplantation (LT) with increased bone loss. This study aimed to in LT candidates investigate the potential relation between bone mineral density (BMD) and BMD loss in those who undergo LT, with malnutrition, systemic inflammation, and hormonal status.

Methods: We included 102 consecutively recruited cirrhotic LT candidates between May 2004 and April 2007. BMD was assessed by means of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Malnutrition was defined by means of anthropometry and assessment of recent weight loss. In 75/102 patients, serum-thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodthyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (T4) and growth hormone (GH), cortisol, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estradiol, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was assessed. Overall 57/102 patients received a LT and 47/102 were followed for one year post-LT. At follow-up, nutritional status and BMD were assessed in all patients (n?=?47) while 34/47 had available blood samples for analysis.

Results: Forty (40%) LT- candidates had osteopenia or osteoporosis and 34 (38%) were malnourished. Malnutrition was associated with osteopenia/osteoporosis (odds ratio: 3.5, 95% CI 1.4, 9.9). Hip BMD Z-score decreased ?0.25 (95% CI ?0.41, ?0.09) from baseline to one year post-LT. High baseline TNF-α correlated with a more marked decline in BMD (Partial correlation (r) = ?0.47, p?<?.05) as did high baseline cortisol levels (r =??0.49, p?<?.05).

Conclusion: Malnutrition in liver cirrhosis seems to be associated with osteopenia/osteoporosis, and systemic inflammation (higher TNF-α) and systemic stress (higher cortisol) to bone loss in patients who undergo LT.     

Lack of relationships between cumulative methylprednisolone dose and bone mineral density in healthy men and postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain

 The medical use of glucocorticoids (GCs) is related to low bone mineral density (BMD). In this study we tested the hypothesis that the cumulative dose of GC is not related to BMD outcome. The study was cross-sectional in design and included healthy individuals with chronic low back pain resistant to conventional treatments. In two steroid-naive subjects cortisol and methylprednisolone (MP) concentrations were serially assessed after a single MP depot injection (160 mg epidurally). Furthermore, in 14 men and 14 postmenopausal women, previously treated with multiple epidural MP depots, endocrine parameters were analysed in relation to BMD outcomes. The minimal cumulative MP dose received by all 28 subjects was 3 g. In the two steroid-naive subjects, cortisol concentrations were completely suppressed for at least 6 days and partly recovered over the course of 30 days. During this period, MP concentrations remained detectable in plasma. In the 28 subjects, the cumulative MP dose received was 7.76±4.23 g in the men and 8.50±3.13 g in the women (mean±1SD). None of the men had osteoporosis, but osteopenia was prevalent in 78.5% according to WHO criteria extrapolated to men. Half of the women had osteoporosis and half of them had osteopenia. The body mass index (BMI) and endogenous oestradiol levels of the men were not related to BMD outcomes. Univariate linear relationships in women were found between BMI and spinal (r 0.62; P=0.02) and total hip BMD (r 0.61; P=0.03), but not femoral neck BMD. In women, relationships were also found between the total and, for protein binding-corrected oestradiol levels, and spinal BMD (r 0.70; P=0.01 and r 0.72; P=0.01, respectively) and total hip BMD (r 0.53; P=0.08 and r 0.56; P=0.05, respectively). No significance was observed between endogenous oestradiol levels and the BMD of the femoral neck. The administration of a single MP depot injection (160 mg) resembled a systemic low peak dose GC exposure. The administration of multiple MP depots in men and women with chronic low back pain revealed no relationship between cumulative GC dose and BMD. These findings support the hypothesis of a non-existent relationship between cumulative GC dose and BMD outcomes in healthy men and women with a prior GC administration of at least 3 g. Received: 18 February 2002 / Accepted: 14 June 2002 Acknowledgements We are indebted to Dr Oscar L.H. van Hemel for advice during the performance of the study and to Ineke Bosman for excellent laboratory support.     

Patterns of medication use before and after bone densitometry: factors associated with appropriate treatment

OBJECTIVE: We examined the medications used by women before and after bone densitometry to determine whether patient or physician factors were associated with appropriate osteoporosis therapy. METHODS: Appropriate osteoporosis treatment was defined as alendronate, etidronate, calcitonin, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women with any bone mineral density (BMD) t score < -2.5 or no osteoporosis therapy, except HRT, for women with t scores > -1.0. We observed a cohort of women who underwent bone densitometry at one outpatient osteoporosis clinic. Medical history, medication use, and demographic data were collected at the time of bone densitometry. A followup questionnaire assessed the medication use patterns since bone densitometry and attitudes about osteoporosis therapy. RESULTS: We recruited 553 women who underwent bone densitometry in 1996. Their mean age was 62 years and 95% were postmenopausal. Prior to bone density scans, 27% of patients used HRT, 15% used bisphosphonates, and 6% used calcitonin. Scan results and surveys revealed that 40% of patients had BMD below a t score of -2.5 at any site. Of women with osteoporosis 78% reported taking an appropriate medication after their scans. Patients most likely to receive appropriate treatment were those who understood their bone densitometry results (odds ratio, OR, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.3 to 4.8) and patients who were taking an osteoporosis medication (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0 to 3.6). Neither the specialty of the referring physician nor patients' medical history was associated with use of appropriate osteoporosis therapy. CONCLUSION: Of women with osteoporosis who underwent bone densitometry 78% received appropriate therapy after this test. Patient factors were associated with the likelihood that they received appropriate therapy, suggesting that strategies aimed at educating patients may improve the use of osteoporosis medications.     

Facteurs de risque de perte osseuse chez les patients atteints de maladie de Crohn

Introduction

Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis and osteopenia than healthy controls. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis in patients with CD.

Methods

Forty patients were consecutively included, 26 men and 14 women, with a mean age of 35.1 ± 11.2 years (15–60 years). Dual-energy X ray absorptiometry measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) were obtained at the femoral neck and at the lumbar spine.

Results

Osteoporosis was found in 32.5% and osteopenia in 47.5% of patients. Median body mass index (BMI) was lower in patients with osteoporosis than in those without osteoporosis (17.67 versus 21.8, P = 0.001). Neither disease duration nor steroid use were associated with bone loss.

Conclusion

Malnutrition seems to be a major risk factor of bone loss in patients with CD. It should be taken into consideration when planning treatment programs.