Nitrogen-Containing Bisphosphonates Are Associated With Reduced Risk of Pneumonia in Patients With Hip Fracture

The objective of this work was to study the risk of pneumonia and pneumonia mortality among patients receiving nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs), non-N-BP anti-osteoporosis medications, and no anti-osteoporosis medications after hip fracture. We studied a historical cohort using a population-wide database. Patients with first hip fracture during 2005–2015 were identified and matched by time-dependent propensity score. The cohort was followed until December 31, 2016, to capture any pneumonia and pneumonia mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox-proportional hazards regression. Absolute risk difference (ARD) and number needed to treat (NNT) were calculated. We identified 54,047 patients with hip fracture. Of these, 4041 patients who received N-BPs and 11,802 without anti-osteoporosis medication were propensity score–matched. N-BPs were associated with a significantly lower risk of pneumonia compared with no treatment (6.9 versus 9.0 per 100 person-years; HR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.83), resulting in an ARD of 0.02 and NNT of 46. A similar association was observed with pneumonia mortality (HR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.75). When N-BPs were compared with non-N-BP anti-osteoporosis medications, the association remained significant. N-BPs were associated with lower risks of pneumonia and pneumonia mortality. Randomized controlled trials are now required to determine whether N-BPs, non–vaccine-based medications, can reduce pneumonia incidence in high risk groups. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

The Impact of Various Anti-Osteoporosis Drugs on All-Cause Mortality After Hip Fractures: A Nationwide Population Study

Anti-osteoporosis treatment following hip fractures may reduce the overall mortality rate. However, the effects of different drugs on mortality is still unclear. This population-based cohort study aimed to identify the degree of reduced mortality after various anti-osteoporosis regimens following hip fracture surgery. We conducted this cohort study to identify patients with newly diagnosed osteoporosis and hip fractures from 2009 to 2017 using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). The subsequent use of anti-osteoporosis medication following hip fracture surgery was collected and analyzed. National death registration records were retrieved to determine mortality. A total of 45,226 new cases of osteoporotic hip fracture were identified. Compared with patients who did not receive further treatment, patients who had ever used oral bisphosphonates (alendronate and risedronate, hazard ratio [HR] 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78–0.84), ibandronate (HR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67–0.86), zoledronic acid (HR 0.70; 95% CI, 0.64–0.76), and denosumab (HR 0.64; 95% CI, 0.60–0.68) showed lower all-cause mortality rates. Patients treated with bisphosphonates had a lower mortality risk than those treated with selective estrogen receptor modulators (HR 0.81; 95% CI, 0.75–0.87). Patients treated with zoledronic acid showed a lower mortality risk than those treated with oral bisphosphonates (HR 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82–0.97). However, patients receiving denosumab and zoledronic acid did not show a significant difference in mortality (HR 0.94; 95% CI, 0.85–1.03). Different anti-osteoporosis treatments for postsurgical patients were associated with different levels of decline in mortality. Generally, longer durations of drug use were associated with lower mortality. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).     

Fracture Risk in Trans Women and Trans Men Using Long-Term Gender-Affirming Hormonal Treatment: A Nationwide Cohort Study

Concerns about bone health in transgender people using gender-affirming hormonal treatment (HT) exist, but the fracture risk is not known. In this nationwide cohort study, we aimed to compare the fracture incidence in transgender people using long-term HT with an age-matched reference population. All adult transgender people who started HT before 2016 at our gender-identity clinic were included and were linked to a random population-based sample of 5 age-matched reference men and 5 age-matched reference women per person. Fracture incidence was determined using diagnoses from visits to hospital emergency rooms nationwide between 2013 and 2015. A total of 1089 trans women aged <50 years (mean 38 ± 9 years) and 934 trans women aged ≥50 years (mean 60 ± 8 years) using HT for median 8 (interquartile range [IQR] 3–16) and 19 (IQR 11–29) years, respectively, were included. A total of 2.4% of the trans women aged <50 years had a fracture, whereas 3.0% of the age-matched reference men (odds ratio [OR] = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51–1.19) and 1.6% of the age-matched reference women (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 0.96–2.32) experienced a fracture. In trans women aged ≥50 years, 4.4% experienced a fracture compared with 2.4% of the age-matched reference men (OR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.32–2.74) and 4.2% of the age-matched reference women (OR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.75–1.49). A total of 1036 trans men (40 ± 14 years) using HT for median 9 (IQR 2–22) years were included. Fractures occurred in 1.7% of the trans men, 3.0% of the age-matched reference men (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.35–0.94), and 2.2% of the age-matched reference women (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.48–1.30). In conclusion, fracture risk was higher in older trans women compared with age-matched reference men. In young trans women, fracture risk tended to be increased compared with age-matched reference women. Fracture risk was not increased in young trans men. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Bariatric surgery and COVID-19 outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundObesity and its associated complications have a negative impact on human health. Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) ameliorates a series of clinical manifestations associated with obesity. However, the overall efficacy of MBS on COVID-19 outcomes remains unclear.ObjectivesThe objective of this article is to analyze the relationship between MBS and COVID-19 outcomes.SettingA meta-analysis.MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to retrieve the related articles from inception to December 2022. All original articles reporting MBS-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. Outcomes including hospital admission, mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation utilization, hemodialysis during admission, and hospital stay were selected. Meta-analysis with fixed or random-effect models was used and reported in terms of odds ratios (ORs) or weighted mean differences (WMDs) along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed with the I² test. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsA total of 10 clinical trials involving the investigation of 150,848 patients undergoing MBS interventions were included. Patients who underwent MBS had a lower risk of hospital admission (OR: .47, 95% CI: .34–.66, I² = 0%), mortality (OR: .43, 95% CI: .28–.65, I² = 63.6%), ICU admission (OR: .41, 95% CI: .21–.77, I² = 0%), and mechanical ventilation (OR: .51, 95% CI: .35–.75, I² = 56.2%) than those who did not undergo surgery, but MBS did not affect hemodialysis risk or COVID-19 infection rate. In addition, the length of hospital stay for patients with COVID-19 after MBS was significantly reduced (WMD: −1.81, 95% CI: −3.11–.52, I² = 82.7%).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that MBS is shown to improve COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission, mortality, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and hospital stay. Patients with obesity who have undergone MBS infected with COVID-19 will have better clinical outcomes than those without MBS.     

Outcomes from intensive care in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to high demand for intensive care services worldwide. However, the mortality of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with COVID-19 is unclear. Here, we perform a systematic review and meta-analysis, in line with PRISMA guidelines, to assess the reported ICU mortality for patients with confirmed COVID-19. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane databases up to 31 May 2020 for studies reporting ICU mortality for adult patients admitted with COVID-19. The primary outcome measure was death in intensive care as a proportion of completed ICU admissions, either through discharge from the ICU or death. The definition thus did not include patients still alive on ICU. Twenty-four observational studies including 10,150 patients were identified from centres across Asia, Europe and North America. In-ICU mortality in reported studies ranged from 0 to 84.6%. Seven studies reported outcome data for all patients. In the remaining studies, the proportion of patients discharged from ICU at the point of reporting varied from 24.5 to 97.2%. In patients with completed ICU admissions with COVID-19 infection, combined ICU mortality (95%CI) was 41.6% (34.0–49.7%), I² = 93.2%). Sub-group analysis by continent showed that mortality is broadly consistent across the globe. As the pandemic has progressed, the reported mortality rates have fallen from above 50% to close to 40%. The in-ICU mortality from COVID-19 is higher than usually seen in ICU admissions with other viral pneumonias. Importantly, the mortality from completed episodes of ICU differs considerably from the crude mortality rates in some early reports.     

Mortality in patients admitted to intensive care with COVID-19: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause critical illness and deaths internationally. Up to 31 May 2020, mortality in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) with COVID-19 was 41.6%. Since then, changes in therapeutics and management may have improved outcomes. Also, data from countries affected later in the pandemic are now available. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and Cochrane databases up to 30 September 2020 for studies reporting ICU mortality among adult patients with COVID-19 and present an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. The primary outcome measure was death in intensive care as a proportion of completed ICU admissions, either through discharge from intensive care or death. We identified 52 observational studies including 43,128 patients, and first reports from the Middle East, South Asia and Australasia, as well as four national or regional registries. Reported mortality was lower in registries compared with other reports. In two regions, mortality differed significantly from all others, being higher in the Middle East and lower in a single registry study from Australasia. Although ICU mortality (95%CI) was lower than reported in June (35.5% (31.3–39.9%) vs. 41.6% (34.0–49.7%)), the absence of patient-level data prevents a definitive evaluation. A lack of standardisation of reporting prevents comparison of cohorts in terms of underlying risk, severity of illness or outcomes. We found that the decrease in ICU mortality from COVID-19 has reduced or plateaued since May 2020 and note the possibility of some geographical variation. More standardisation in reporting would improve the ability to compare outcomes from different reports.     

Characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 infection in 45 patients with breast cancer: A multi-center retrospective study in Hubei,China

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is a significant worldwide health crisis. Breast cancer patients with COVID-19 are fragile and require particular clinical care. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of breast cancer patients with COVID-19 and the risks associated with anti-cancer treatment.MethodsThe medical records of breast cancer patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were collected among 9559 COVID-19 patients from seven designated hospitals from 13th January to 18th March 2020 in Hubei, China. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess risk factors for COVID-19 severity.ResultsOf the 45 breast cancer patients with COVID-19, 33 (73.3%) developed non-severe COVID-19, while 12 (26.7%) developed severe COVID-19, of which 3 (6.7%) patients died. The median age was 62 years, and 3 (6.7%) patients had stage IV breast cancer. Univariate analysis showed that age over 75 and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score were associated with COVID-19 disease severity (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that patients who received chemotherapy within 7 days had a significantly higher risk for severe COVID-19 (logistic regression model: RR = 13.886, 95% CI 1.014–190.243, P = 0.049; Cox proportional hazards model: HR = 13.909, 95% CI 1.086–178.150, P = 0.043), with more pronounced neutropenia and higher LDH, CRP and procalcitonin levels than other patients (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn our breast cancer cohort, the severity of COVID-19 could be associated with baseline factors such as age over 75 and ECOG scores. Chemotherapy within 7 days before symptom onset could be a risk factor for severe COVID-19, reflected by neutropenia and elevated LDH, CRP and procalcitonin levels.     

Effect of vitamin D3 and calcium on fracture risk in 65‐ to 71‐year‐old women: A population‐based 3‐year randomized,controlled trial—the OSTPRE‐FPS

Antifracture efficacy of high‐dose vitamin D (800 IU) and calcium (1000 mg) remains controversial. To determine whether daily 800 IU of vitamin D and 1000 mg of calcium supplementation prevents fractures, we randomized 3432 women of the population‐based Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention (OSTPRE) Study cohort (ages 65 to 71 years) living in the region of northern Savonia, Finland (latitude 62° to 64°N) for 3 years to receive 800 IU of cholecalciferol and 1000 mg of calcium as calcium carbonate or to a control group that did not receive placebo. The main outcome measure was incident fractures. Fracture data were collected in telephone interviews and validated. Data on 3195 women, 1586 in the intervention group and 1609 in the control group, were available for analysis. In adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, the risk of any fracture decreased in the vitamin D and calcium group by 17% [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–1.12], and the risk of any nonvertebral fracture decreased by 13% (aHR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.63–1.19). The risk of distal forearm fractures decreased by 30% (aHR = 0.70; 95% CI 0.41–1.20), and the risk of any upper extremity fractures decreased by 25% (aHR = 0.75; 95% CI 0.49–1.16), whereas the risk of lower extremity fractures remained essentially equal (aHR = 1.02; 95% CI 0.58–1.80). None of these effects reached statistical significance. In conclusion, this study did not produce statistically significant evidence that vitamin D and calcium supplementation prevents fractures in a 65‐ to 71‐year‐old general population of postmenopausal women. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research     

COVID-19 severity in kidney transplant recipients is similar to nontransplant patients with similar comorbidities

Higher rates of severe COVID-19 have been reported in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) compared to nontransplant patients. We aimed to determine if poorer outcomes were specifically related to chronic immunosuppression or underlying comorbidities. We used a 1:1 propensity score-matching method to compare survival and severe disease-free survival (defined as death and/or need for intensive care unit [ICU]) incidence in hospitalized KTRs and nontransplant control patients between February 26 and May 22, 2020. Patients were matched for risk factors of severe COVID-19: age, sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, preexisting cardiopathy, chronic lung disease, and basal renal function. We included 100 KTRs (median age [interquartile range (IQR)]) 64.7 years (55.3–73.1) in three French transplant centers. After a median follow-up of 13 days (7–30), transfer to ICU was required for 34 patients (34%) and death occurred in 26 patients (26%). Overall, 43 patients (43%) developed a severe disease during a median follow-up of 8.5 days (2–14). Propensity score matching to a large French cohort of 2017 patients hospitalized in 24 centers, revealed that survival was similar between KTRs and matched nontransplant patients with respective 30-day survival of 62.9% and 71% (p = .38) and severe disease-free 30-day survival of 50.6% and 47.5% (p = .91). These findings suggest that severity of COVID-19 in KTRs is related to their associated comorbidities and not to chronic immunosuppression.     

Incidence,prevalence and risk factors of device-related pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit: A meta-analysis of 10,084 patients from 11 countries

Device-related pressure injuries (DRPIs) prevail in the intensive care unit (ICU) and have much to do with medical devices and patients’ conditions. This meta-analysis aims to systematically assess the incidence, prevalence and risk factors related to DRPIs among adults in ICU. Web of Science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed and CINAHL were searched from inception to March 2023. Observational studies were included, and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to assess literature quality. The primary outcomes were the incidence, prevalence and risk factors regarding DRPIs among adults in ICU. The 19 studies conformed to the criteria for inclusion in the review. The estimated pooled incidence of DRPIs was 14.7% (95% CI: 9.7%–19.6%) in 10 studies (4866 participants). The estimated pooled prevalence of DRPIs was 19.0% (95% CI: 13.6%–24.3%) in 9 studies (5218 participants). The most significant risk factor for DRPIs was using mechanical ventilation. The pooled analysis of the four studies showed that DRPIs were more likely to occur in patients who required mechanical ventilation compared with patients who did not use mechanical ventilation (OR: 9.67, 95% CI: 5.03–18.61, p < 0.001) and using vasopressors, age, length of ICU stays, APACHE II score, Braden score, fever, sex, oedema, diabetes and number of medical devices, SOFA score was also related to pressure injuries risk. The incidence and prevalence of DRPIs in adult ICU were high, and the most significant risk factor for DRPIs was using mechanical ventilation. It is imminent to identify patients of increased risk with DRPIs early.     

Mortality risk factors in critical surgical patients

OBJECTIVE: To determine mortality risk factors for critically ill postoperative patients. PATIENTS: Two hundred eleven patients undergoing any type of surgery admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) over a period of one year were enrolled. METHOD: We performed a cross-sectional study that was retrospective for pre- and intraoperative observations and prospective for ICU observations. A univariate analysis was performed and relative risk (95% CI) was calculated. Multivariate analysis was also performed and the adjusted odds ratio calculated (95% CI). The end point of measurement was death in the ICU. RESULTS: The independent risk factors for mortality were age 60 years (OR: 2.8; 95% CI 1.36-5.09), physical status ASA-V (OR: 9.66; 95% CI 5.62-14.31), intracranial surgery to treat severe head injury (OR: 5.33; 95% CI 3.08-9.47), hemorrhagic shock during surgery (OR: 5.20; 95% CI 4.16-8.29), arterial hypotension during surgery (OR: 4.0; 95% CI 2.78-11.65), APACHE III score upon admission to the ICU (OR: 9.29; 95% CI 3.62-21.38), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (OR: 7.96; 95% CI 3.73-13.92), and cardiopulmonary arrest in the ICU (OR: 5.85; 95% CI 2.21-10.43). The APACHE III score demonstrated high sensitivity (87%) and positive predictive value (96%). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical patients in critical condition continue to account for a large number of admissions to and death in the ICU. The variables analyzed were sufficient to explain patient outcome, such that risk factors for mortality in surgical patients admitted to the ICU could be determined.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients: Lessons to be learned

Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) may be at increased risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes, due to prevalent comorbidities and immunosuppressed status. Given the global differences in COVID-19 policies and treatments, a robust assessment of all evidence is necessary to evaluate the clinical course of COVID-19 in KTR. Studies on mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI) in KTR in the World Health Organization COVID-19 database were systematically reviewed. We selected studies published between March 2020 and January 18th 2021, including at least five KTR with COVID-19. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to calculate overall proportions, including 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Subgroup analyses were performed on time of submission, geographical region, sex, age, time after transplantation, comorbidities, and treatments. We included 74 studies with 5559 KTR with COVID-19 (64.0% males, mean age 58.2 years, mean 73 months after transplantation) in total. The risk of mortality, 23% (95% CI: 21%–27%), and AKI, 50% (95% CI: 44%–56%), is high among KTR with COVID-19, regardless of sex, age and comorbidities, underlining the call to accelerate vaccination programs for KTR. Given the suboptimal reporting across the identified studies, we urge researchers to consistently report anthropometrics, kidney function at baseline and discharge, (changes in) immunosuppressive therapy, AKI, and renal outcome among KTR.     

Predictors of Fracture While on Treatment With Oral Bisphosphonates: A Population‐Based Cohort Study

Although oral bisphosphonates (BPs) are highly effective in preventing fractures, some patients will fracture while on treatment. We identified predictors of such fractures in a population‐based cohort of incident users of oral BPs. We screened the Sistema d‘Informació per al Desenvolupament de l‘Investigació en Atenció Primària (SIDIAP) database to identify new users of oral BPs in 2006–2007. SIDIAP includes pharmacy invoice data and primary care electronic medical records for a representative 5 million people in Catalonia (Spain). Exclusion criteria were the following: Paget disease; <40 years of age; and any antiosteoporosis treatment in the previous year. A priori defined risk factors included age, gender, body mass index, vitamin D deficiency, smoking, alcohol drinking, preexisting comorbidities, and medications. Fractures were considered if they appeared at least 6 months after treatment initiation. “Fractures while on treatment” were defined as those occurring among participants persisting for at least 6 months and with an overall high compliance (medication possession ratio ≥80%). Fine and Gray survival models accounting for competing risk with therapy discontinuation were fitted to identify key predictors. Only 7449 of 21,385 (34.8%) participants completed >6 months of therapy. Incidence of fracture while on treatment was 3.4/100 person‐years (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1–3.7). Predictors of these among patients persisting and adhering to treatment included: older age (subhazard ratio [SHR] for 60 to <80 years, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.70–2.80]; for ≥80 years, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.82–3.43]); previous fracture (1.75 [95% CI, 1.39–2.20] and 2.49 [95% CI, 1.98–3.13], in the last 6 months and longer, respectively); underweight, 2.11 (95% CI, 1.14–3.92); inflammatory arthritis, 1.46 (95% CI, 1.02–2.10); use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), 1.22 (95% CI, 1.02–1.46); and vitamin D deficiency, 2.69 (95% CI, 1.27–5.72). Even among high compliers, 3.4% of oral BP users will fracture every year. Older age, underweight, vitamin D deficiency, PPI use, previous fracture, and inflammatory arthritides increase risk. Monitoring strategies and/or alternative therapies should be considered for these patients. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

The Association of Cold Ambient Temperature With Fracture Risk and Mortality: National Data From Norway—A Norwegian Epidemiologic Osteoporosis Studies (NOREPOS) Study

Norway is an elongated country with large variations in climate and duration of winter season. It is also a high-risk country for osteoporotic fractures, in particular hip fractures, which cause high mortality. Although most hip fractures occur indoors, there is a higher incidence of both forearm and hip fractures during wintertime, compared with summertime. In a nationwide longitudinal cohort study, we investigated whether cold ambient (outdoor) temperatures could be an underlying cause of this high incidence and mortality. Hospitalized/outpatient forearm fractures (International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision [ICD-10] code S52) and hospitalized hip fractures (ICD-10 codes S72.0–S72.2) from 2008 to 2018 were retrieved from the Norwegian Patient Registry. Average monthly ambient temperatures (degrees Celsius, °C) from the years 2008 to 2018 were provided by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and linked to the residential area of each inhabitant. Poisson models were fitted to estimate the association (incidence rate ratios [IRRs], 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) between temperature and monthly incidence of total number of forearm and hip fractures. Flexible parametric survival models (hazard ratios [HR], 95% CI) were used to estimate the association between temperature and post–hip fracture mortality, taking the population mortality into account. Monthly temperature ranged from −20.2°C to 22.0°C, with a median of −2.0°C in winter and 14.4°C in summer. At low temperatures (<0°C) compared to ≥0°C, there was a 53% higher risk of forearm fracture (95% CI, 51%–55%) and 21% higher risk of hip fracture (95% CI, 19%–22%), adjusting for age, gender, calendar year, urbanization, residential region, elevation, and coastal proximity. When taking the population mortality into account, the post–hip fracture mortality in both men (HR 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02–1.13) and women (HR 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04–1.14) was still higher at cold temperatures. There was a higher risk of forearm and hip fractures, and an excess post–hip fracture mortality at cold ambient temperatures. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).     

Renal impairment and its impact on clinical outcomes in patients who are critically ill with COVID-19: a multicentre observational study

Renal impairment is common in patients who are critically ill with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). We examined the association between acute and chronic kidney disease with clinical outcomes in 372 patients with coronavirus disease-19 admitted to four regional intensive care units between 10 March 2020 and 31 July 2020. A total of 216 (58%) patients presented with COVID-19 and renal impairment. Acute kidney injury and/or chronic kidney disease was associated with greater in-hospital mortality compared with patients with preserved renal function (107/216 patients (50%) (95%CI 44–57) vs. 32/156 (21%) (95%CI 15–28), respectively; p < 0.001, relative risk 2.4 (95%CI 1.7–3.4)). Mortality was greatest in patients with renal transplants (6/7 patients (86%) (95%CI 47–100)). Mortality rates increased in patients with worsening renal injury according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes classification: stage 0 mortality 33/157 patients (21%) (95%CI 15–28) vs. stages 1–3 mortality 91/186 patients (49%) (95%CI 42–56); p < 0.001, relative risk 2.3 (95%CI 1.7–3.3). Survivors were less likely to require renal replacement therapy compared with non-survivors (57/233 patients (24%) vs. 64/139 patients (46%), respectively; p < 0.001, relative risk 1.9 (95%CI 1.4–2.5)). One-fifth of survivors who required renal replacement therapy acutely in intensive care continued to require renal support following discharge. Our data demonstrate that renal impairment in patients admitted to intensive care with COVID-19 is common and is associated with a high mortality and requirement for on-going renal support after discharge from critical care. Our findings have important implications for future pandemic planning in this patient cohort.     

The risk of fracture in patients with multiple sclerosis: The UK general practice research

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) may be at an increased risk of fracture owing to a greater risk of falling and decreased bone mineral density when compared with the general population. This study was designed to estimate the relative and absolute risk of fracture in patients with MS. We conducted a population‐based cohort study using data from the UK General Practice Research Database linked to the National Hospital Registry (1997–2008). Incident MS patients (n = 5565) were matched 1:6 by year of birth, sex, and practice with patients without MS (controls). Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to derive adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for fracture associated with MS. Time‐dependent adjustments were made for age, comorbidity, and drug use. Absolute 5‐ and 10‐year risks of fracture were estimated for MS patients as a function of age. Compared with controls, MS patients had an almost threefold increased risk of hip fracture [HR = 2.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.83–4.26] and a risk of osteoporotic fracture that was increased 1.4‐fold (HR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.13–1.62). Risk was greater in patients who had been prescribed oral/intravenous glucocorticoids (GCs; HR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.14–2.98) or antidepressants (HR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.37–2.35) in the previous 6 months. Absolute fracture risks were low in younger MS patients but became substantial when patients were older than 60 years of age. It is concluded that MS is associated with an increased risk of fracture. Fracture risk assessment may be indicated in patients with MS, especially those prescribed GCs or antidepressants. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research     

The Effect of Fall Biomechanics on Risk for Hip Fracture in Older Adults: A Cohort Study of Video-Captured Falls in Long-Term Care

Over 95% of hip fractures in older adults are caused by falls, yet only 1% to 2% of falls result in hip fracture. Our current understanding of the types of falls that lead to hip fracture is based on reports by the faller or witness. We analyzed videos of real-life falls in long-term care to provide objective evidence on the factors that separate falls that result in hip fracture from falls that do not. Between 2007 and 2018, we video-captured 2377 falls by 646 residents in two long-term care facilities. Hip fracture was documented in 30 falls. We analyzed each video with a structured questionnaire, and used generalized estimating equations (GEEs) to determine relative risk ratios (RRs) for hip fracture associated with various fall characteristics. All hip fractures involved falls from standing height, and pelvis impact with the ground. After excluding falls from lower than standing height, risk for hip fracture was higher for sideways landing configurations (RR = 5.50; 95% CI, 2.36–12.78) than forward or backward, and for falls causing hip impact (3.38; 95% CI, 1.49–7.67). However, hip fracture risk was just as high in falls initially directed sideways as forward (1.14; 95% CI, 0.49–2.67), due to the tendency for rotation during descent. Falling while using a mobility aid was associated with lower fracture risk (0.30; 95% CI, 0.09–1.00). Seventy percent of hip fractures involved impact to the posterolateral aspect of the pelvis. Hip protectors were worn in 73% of falls, and hip fracture risk was lower in falls where hip protectors were worn (0.45; 95% CI, 0.21–0.99). Age and sex were not associated with fracture risk. There was no evidence of spontaneous fractures. In this first study of video-captured falls causing hip fracture, we show that the biomechanics of falls involving hip fracture were different than nonfracture falls for fall height, fall direction, impact locations, and use of hip protectors. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Muscle Strength and Physical Performance Are Associated With Risk of Postfracture Mortality But Not Subsequent Fracture in Men

Muscle strength and physical performance are associated with incident fractures and mortality. However, their role in the risk of subsequent fracture and postfracture mortality is not clear. We assessed the association between muscle strength (grip strength) and performance (gait speed and chair stands time) and the risk of subsequent fracture and mortality in 830 men with low-trauma index fracture, who participated in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) USA Study and had their index measurements assessed within 5 years prior to the index fracture. The annual decline in muscle strength and performance following index fracture, estimated using linear mixed-effects regression, was also examined in relation to mortality. The associations were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, femoral neck bone mineral density (FN BMD), prior fractures, falls, body mass index (BMI), index fracture site, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Over a median follow-up of 3.7 (interquartile range [IQR], 1.3–8.1) years from index fracture to subsequent fracture, 201 (24%) men had a subsequent fracture and over 5.1 (IQR, 1.8–9.6) years to death, and 536 (65%) men died. Index measurements were not associated with subsequent fracture (hazard ratios [HRs] ranging from 0.97 to 1.07). However, they were associated with postfracture mortality. HR (95% confidence interval [CI]) per 1 standard deviation (1-SD) decrement in grip strength: HR 1.12 (95% CI, 1.01–1.25) and gait speed: HR 1.14 (95% CI, 1.02–1.27), and 1-SD increment in chair stands time: HR 1.08 (95% CI, 0.97–1.21). Greater annual declines in these measurements were associated with higher mortality risk, independent of the index values and other covariates. HR (95% CI) per 1-SD annual decrement in change in grip strength: HR 1.15 (95% CI, 1.01–1.33) and in gait speed: HR 1.38 (95% CI, 1.13–1.68), and 1-SD annual increment in chair stands time: HR 1.28 (95% CI, 1.07–1.54). Men who were unable to complete one or multiple tests had greater risk of postfracture mortality (24%–109%) compared to those performed all tests. It remains to be seen whether improvement in these modifiable factors can reduce postfracture mortality. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).