Influence of Inhaled Corticosteroids and Dietary Intake on Bone Density and Metabolism in Patients With Moderate to Severe Asthma

Objectives Compare the effect of high doses of inhaled corticosteroids on bone loss in subjects with moderate to severe asthma or mild asthma, and examine the influence of dietary intake on bone metabolism. Design A survey on the effects of corticotherapy and nutrition on bone density was conducted in 74 subjects currently being treated for asthma in the asthma clinic of Hospital Laval (Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada). Fifty-eight subjects completed the study (attrition RATE=15%).

Main outcome measures In all subjects expiratory volumes were determined and urinary analysis was conducted for hydroxyproline, calcium, phosphorus, and cortisol levels. Osteocalcin, calcium, phosphorus, cortisol, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyltransferase levels were measured in blood samples. Bone density of the lumbar spine was determined by means of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Nutrition evaluation was based on a 3-day food diary analyzed using progiciel Nutri 91. The nutritional parameters examined were calcium; phosphorus; magnesium; zinc; vitamins A, C, and D; protein; total fiber; oxalates; energy; caffeine; and alcohol in relation to bone density.

Subjects Thirty-one patients with moderate to severe asthma who had been taking more than 1,000 μg beclomethasone per day or the equivalent for more than 2 years and 27 patients with mild asthma who were taking less than 500 μg beclomethasone per day or the equivalent.

Statistical analyses performed Four factor analysis of variance with hierarchized interactions of four levels, Duncan's test, Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results Blood levels of osteocalcin and protein intake were lower in patients with moderate to severe asthma than in those with mild asthma (P<.05). Significant correlations (P<.02) were observed between bone density and calcium intake (r=.40), phosphorus intake (r=.35), protein intake (r=.30), and serum alkaline phosphatase level (r=−.30). Bone density was not significantly different between the two groups of patients with asthma.

Applications A follow-up of patients with asthma who are taking inhaled corticosteroids is needed to assess bone density, osteocalcin levels, and dietary intakes of calcium. Verify if osteocalcin level decreases over time in patients with moderate to severe asthma, monitor possible modifications in bone density, and verify if the correlation between dietary calcium and bone density is maintained. J Am Diet Assoc. 1997;97:1401–1406.     

Correction of juvenile hallux valgus deformity associated with metatarsus primus adductus using epiphysiodesis technique

A 4.5-year follow-up retrospective study on the use of epiphysiodesis procedure for juvenile hallux valgus deformity and metatarsus primus adductus deformity shows a good reduction of deformity in nine patients with minimal change in one patient that can be explained due to the timing of the procedure. This is a minor operation for juvenile bunion deformities, using epiphyseal arrest techniques. The only complication to this procedure was one case with a noted metatarsus primus elevatus due to incomplete epiphyseal arrest from dorsal to plantar. This procedure has been found to be a safe and effective way of dealing with juvenile hallux valgus deformity when metatarsus primus adductus is the deforming force. It should be stated that in all cases a follow-up biomechanical examination and casting for orthotics took place and to date no complications, other than what has been previously mentioned, has occurred. I shall continue to perform this procedure where indicated and shall report my findings as they become available.     

Complement levels before and after dives with a high risk of DCS.

BACKGROUND: Previously, complement activation has been associated with decompression sickness (DCS). However data, both in humans and in animals, are controversial. Hypothesis: Complement activation and depletion occurs after exposure to the hyperbaric environment and is associated with increasing risk of DCS. METHODS: We obtained serological samples from 102 dives (120-300 feet of seawater) with a constant partial pressure of O2 set at 1.3 ATA in thirty-five U.S. Navy diver volunteers. Blood was obtained within one hour of diving and within one hour of surfacing. Plasma was extracted and analyzed for complement depletion. The risk of DCS was estimated using a validated model of DCS risk. RESULTS: Pre-post dive concentrations of C3a were significantly related to estimated risk of DCS (Figure 1), but the variation in predicted DCS explained by C3a was small (correlation co-efficient (r2 = 0.19, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a reduction in total Ca3 levels in divers after exposure to dives with a high estimated risk of DCS. This decomplementation appeared to increase as the estimated risk of DCS increased.