Health-related quality of life of X-linked hypophosphatemia in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is lower than that of both the general population and the patients with other chronic diseases, mainly due to diagnostic delay, treatment difficulties, poor psychosocial support, and problems with social integration. Early diagnosis and optimal treatment are paramount to control the disease in patients with XLH, avoid complications, and maintain or improve their HRQoL. We, therefore, analyzed the HRQoL of pediatric and adult patients with XLH treated with conventional therapy in Spain. RESULTS: We used several versions of the EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) instrument according to the age of patients with XLH. Then we compared the HRQoL of patients to that of the general Spanish population. Children with XLH (n = 21) had moderate problems in walking about (61.9%), washing or dressing themselves (9.52%), and performing their usual activities (33.33%). They also felt moderate pain or discomfort (61.9%) and were moderately anxious or depressed (23.81%). Adults with XLH (n = 29) had lower HRQoL, with problems in walking (93%, with 3.45% unable to walk independently), some level of pain (86%, with 3.45% experiencing extreme pain), problems with their usual activities (80%) and self-care (> 50%), and reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression (65%). There were important differences with the general Spanish population. CONCLUSIONS: XLH impacts negatively on physical functioning and HRQoL of patients. In Spanish patients with XLH, the HRQoL was reduced despite conventional treatment, clearly indicating the need to improve the therapeutic approach to this disorder.

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a severe inherited disease. It is caused by loss of phosphorus by kidneys. As a result, blood level of phosphorus is low, affectingX-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a severe inherited disease. It is caused by loss of phosphorus by kidneys. As a result, blood level of phosphorus is low, affecting bones and muscles. Patients can have growth retardation, short stature, rickets, limb deformities, pain and other health problems despite traditional treatment. Consequently, their quality of life can be very bad. However, a recently available new treatment (burosumab) can improve this quality of life. We studied the quality of life of children and adults with XLH treated with traditional treatment in Spain. Results showed that children had moderate problems, but adults reported moderate-to-severe problems in walking and performing their usual activities and self-care. Pain and anxiety and/or depression were very frequent. There were important differences with the general Spanish population. Moreover, we also found that XLH is associated to high healthcare cost and even higher socioeconomic cost. Our results highlight the need of improving the treatment of XLH.bones and muscles. Patients can have growth retardation, short stature, rickets, limb deformities, pain and other health problems despite traditional treatment. Consequently, their quality of life can be very bad. However, a recently available new treatment (burosumab) can improve this quality of life. We studied the quality of life of children and adults with XLH treated with traditional treatment in Spain. Results showed that children had moderate problems, but adults reported moderate-to-severe problems in walking and performing their usual activities and self-care. Pain and anxiety and/or depression were very frequent. There were important differences with the general Spanish population. Moreover, we also found that XLH is associated to high healthcare cost and even higher socioeconomic cost. Our results highlight the need of improving the treatment of XLH.

Executive summary clinical practice guideline of postmenopausal, glucocortcioid-induced and male osteoporosis (2022 update). Spanish Society for Bone and Mineral Metabolism Investigation (SEIOMM).

This updated version of the Spanish Society for Research in Osteoporosis and Mineral Metabolism (SEIOMM) osteoporosis guides incorporate the most relevant information published in the last 7 years, since the 2015 guides, with imaging studies, such as vertebral fracture assessment and bone trabecular score analysis. In addition, therapeutic advances include new anabolic agents, comparative studies of drug efficacy, and sequential and combined therapy. Therefore, therapeutic algorithms are also updated.

Low serum osteocalcin levels are associated with diabetes mellitus in glucocorticoid treated patients.

Bone turnover markers are decreased in GC-treated subjects with DM. Decreased OC levels in GC-treated patients were associated with an increased risk of DM. These results suggest the involvement of OC in glucose homeostasis regulation in DM. INTRODUCTION: Osteocalcin (OC) is involved in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Glucocorticoid (GC) treatment is associated with impaired osteoblast function, decreased OC levels, and the development and/or worsening of pre-existing diabetes mellitus (DM). Whether decreased OC levels in GC-treated subjects contribute to DM is not well known. The aim of this study was to analyse whether OC levels in GC-treated patients are associated with the presence of DM. METHODS: One hundred twenty-seven patients (aged 61.5 ± 17.9 years) on GC treatment were included. GC dose, treatment duration, presence of DM and bone formation (OC, bone ALP, PINP) and resorption markers (urinary NTX, serum CTX) were analysed. The cut-offs of each bone turnover marker (BTM) for the presence of DM were evaluated and optimised with the Youden index and included in the logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the patients, 17.3% presented DM. No differences were observed in GC dose or duration or the presence of fractures. Diabetics showed lower levels of OC (7.57 ± 1.01 vs. 11.56 ± 1; p < 0.001), PINP (21.48 ± 1.01 vs. 28.39 ± 1; p = 0.0048), NTX (24.91 ± 1.01 vs. 31.7 ± 1; p = 0.036) and CTX (0.2 ± 1.01 vs. 0.3 ± 1; p = 0.0016). The discriminating BTM cut-offs for DM presence were < 9.25 ng/mL for OC, < 24 ng/mL for PINP, < 27.5 nMol/mM for NTX and < 0.25 ng/mL for CTX. In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for GC dose, BMI, age and the above four BTMs, only OC remained independently associated with DM presence. Thus, in a model adjusted for GC dose, BMI and age, OC was significantly associated with DM (OR: 6.1; 95%CI 1.87-19.89; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Decreased OC levels in GC-treated patients are associated with increased odds of DM, and only OC was independently associated with DM in a model including four BTMs.

Correction to: Prevalent vertebral fractures and minor vertebral deformities analyzed by vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) increases the risk of incident fractures in postmenopausal women: the FRODOS study.

Figure 1 as published in the original version of this article was unfortunately incomplete.

Prevalent vertebral fractures and minor vertebral deformities analyzed by vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) increases the risk of incident fractures in postmenopausal women: the FRODOS study.

The incidence of vertebral fractures (VF) by vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) was 6.6% in postmenopausal women (FRODOS cohort) after 4 years of follow-up, increasing with prevalent VF and minor vertebral deformities, age, lower bone mass, glucocorticoid use, and rheumatoid arthritis. This study supports the usefulness of VFA to identify VF. PURPOSE: Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) is increasingly used to identify spine fractures, but few cohort studies have used this method in prevalence and incidence assessment. We previously reported the prevalence of vertebral fractures (VF) and minor vertebral deformities (MVD) by morphometric VFA in a population-based cohort of postmenopausal women (FRODOS study). Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of VF, the associated risk factors, and particularly the role of MVD in this cohort of subjects. METHODS: We performed a longitudinal analysis of 2510 women aged 59-70 years participating in the FRODOS prevalence study (2006-2009) with evaluable VFA 4 years later. VFA at baseline and in the present study was assessed by quantitative vertebral morphometry and by visual semiquantitative measurement. The multivariate Poisson regression model was performed, and relative risks with confidence interval of 95% were calculated for the incidence of VF. Bone mineral density (BMD) and an osteoporosis questionnaire were collected. RESULTS: Overall, the incidence of VF was 6.6%, increasing with prevalent VF (24.5%) and in women with prevalent MVD (17.7%). Age and low BMD were also associated risk factors as were the presence of rheumatoid arthritis and exposure to glucocorticoids and bisphosphonates. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of prevalent VF assessed by VFA is associated with further incident spinal fractures in postmenopausal women. In addition, having MVD confers an increased risk of new VF.

Direct costs of a home parenteral nutrition programme.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a lifesaving treatment for people with chronic intestinal failure and its cost has been reported to be very high. The purpose of the present paper was to study the direct healthcare and non-healthcare costs associated with the HPN programme managed by a tertiary hospital. METHODS: Observational, retrospective study of all adult patients on HPN from 11.1.2014 to 10.31.2015 treated at Gregorio Marañón University Hospital (Madrid, Spain). An economic evaluation was undertaken to calculate the direct healthcare (HPN provision, outpatient monitoring and management of complications) and non-healthcare costs (transportation process) of the HPN programme. The variables were collected from medical records, the dispensary and the hospital's financial services. The unit costs were taken from official price lists. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Total direct healthcare and non-healthcare costs amounted to €13,363.53 per patient (€124.02 per patient per day). The direct healthcare costs accounted for 98.32% of overall costs, while the non-healthcare costs accounted for the remaining 1.68%. HPN provision accounted for the majority of the costs (74.25%), followed by management of complications (21.85%) and outpatient monitoring (2.23%). CONCLUSIONS: The direct healthcare costs accounted for the majority of HPN expenditure, specifically HPN provision was the category with the highest percentage.

Usefulness of the Trabecular Bone Score for assessing the risk of osteoporotic fracture. / Utilidad del Trabecular Bone Score en la valoración del riesgo de fractura osteoporótica.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The trabecular bone score (TBS) is an imaging technique that assesses the condition of the trabecular microarchitecture. Preliminary results suggest that TBS, along with the bone mineral density assessment, could improve the calculation of the osteoporotic fracture risk. The aim of this study was to analyse TBS values and their relationship with the clinical characteristics, bone mineral density and history of fractures of a cohort of posmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed 2,257 posmenopausal women from the FRODOS cohort, which was created to determine the risk factors for osteoporotic fracture through a clinical survey and bone densitometry with vertebral morphometry. TBS was applied to the densitometry images. TBS values ≤1230 were considered indicative of degraded microarchitecture. We performed a simple and multiple linear regression to determine the factors associated with this index. RESULTS: The mean TBS value in L1-L4 was 1.203±0.121. Some 55.3% of the women showed values indicating degraded microarchitecture. In the multiple linear regression analysis, the factors associated with low TBS values were age, weight, height, spinal T-score, glucocorticoid treatment, presence of type 2 diabetes and a history of fractures due to frailty. CONCLUSIONS: TBS showed microarchitecture degradation values in the participants of the FRODOS cohort and was associated with anthropometric factors, low bone mineral density values, the presence of fractures, a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the use of glucocorticoids.

Analysis of the evolution of cortical and trabecular bone compartments in the proximal femur after spinal cord injury by 3D-DXA.

Marked trabecular and cortical bone loss was observed at the proximal femur short-term after spinal cord injury (SCI). 3D-DXA provided measurement of vBMD evolution at both femoral compartments and cortical thinning, thereby suggesting that this technique could be useful for bone analysis in these patients. INTRODUCTION: SCI is associated with a marked increase in bone loss and risk of osteoporosis development short-term after injury. 3D-DXA is a new imaging analysis technique providing 3D analysis of the cortical and trabecular bone from DXA scans. The aim of this study was to assess the evolution of trabecular macrostructure and cortical bone using 3D-DXA in patients with recent SCI followed over 12 months. METHODS: Sixteen males with recent SCI (< 3 months since injury) and without antiosteoporotic treatment were included. Clinical assessment, bone mineral density (BMD) measurements by DXA, and 3D-DXA evaluation at proximal femur (analyzing the integral, trabecular and cortical volumetric BMD [vBMD] and cortical thickness) were performed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: vBMD significantly decreased at integral, trabecular, and cortical compartments at 6 months (- 8.8, - 11.6, and - 2.4%), with a further decrease at 12 months, resulting in an overall decrease of - 16.6, - 21.9, and - 5.0%, respectively. Cortical thickness also decreased at 6 and 12 months (- 8.0 and - 11.4%), with the maximal decrease being observed during the first 6 months. The mean BMD losses by DXA at femoral neck and total femur were - 17.7 and - 21.1%, at 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Marked trabecular and cortical bone loss was observed at the proximal femur short-term after SCI. 3D-DXA measured vBMD evolution at both femoral compartments and cortical thinning, providing better knowledge of their differential contributory role to bone strength and probably of the effect of therapy in these patients.

Effect of recent spinal cord injury on the OPG/RANKL system and its relationship with bone loss and the response to denosumab therapy.

There is marked bone loss after spinal cord injury (SCI); however, its pathogenesis and clinical management remain unclear. The increased circulating levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand (RANKL) associated with bone loss shortly after SCI and the prevention of bone loss with denosumab treatment suggest a contributory role of RANKL in SCI-induced osteoporosis. INTRODUCTION: Bone turnover and bone loss are markedly increased shortly after SCI. However, the pathogenesis and clinical management of this process remain unclear, especially the role of the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/RANKL system in this disorder. The aim of this study was to analyze serum levels of OPG and RANKL in bone loss associated with recent SCI and the effect of denosumab treatment on these mediators. METHODS: Twenty-three males with recent complete SCI were prospectively included. Serum OPG and RANKL levels, bone turnover markers (PINP, bone ALP, CTX), and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed at baseline, at 6 months of follow-up, prior to initiating denosumab, and 6 months after treatment. The results were compared with a healthy control group. RESULTS: At baseline, SCI patients showed higher RANKL levels vs. controls which were correlated with days-since-SCI and total hip BMD loss at 6 months. OPG levels were similar to controls at baseline. After denosumab treatment, OPG showed no changes, whereas RANKL levels became undetectable in 67% of patients. Patients with undetectable RANKL during treatment showed better response in femoral BMD and bone markers vs. patients with detectable RANKL at 6 months of denosumab. Increased parathormone (PTH) levels during treatment were negatively correlated with RANKL changes. CONCLUSIONS: RANKL levels are increased after SCI and related to BMD loss at the proximal femur, becoming undetectable after denosumab treatment. The effect of denosumab on preventing sublesional bone loss, especially in patients with undetectable levels during treatment, suggests a contributory role of RANKL in this process.

Comparison of total, free and bioavailable 25-OH vitamin D determinations to evaluate its biological activity in healthy adults: the LabOscat study.

Determination of different forms of 25-OHD (total, free and bioavailable) in healthy young women does not offer additional advantages over standard 25-OHDT for evaluating vitamin D deficiency. In these subjects 25-OHDT values <15 ng/ml would be more appropriate for defining this deficiency. INTRODUCTION: Determination of 25-OH vitamin D serum levels (25-OHD) constitutes the method of choice for evaluating vitamin D deficiency. However, vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) may modulate its bioavailability thereby affecting correct evaluation of 25-OHD status. We analysed the impact of the determination of 25-OHD (total, free and bioavailable) on the evaluation its biologic activity (estimated by serum PTH determination) in healthy young women. METHODS: 173 premenopausal women (aged 35-45 yrs.) were included. We analysed serum values of total 25-OHD (25-OHDT), DBP, albumin, PTH and bone formation (PINP,OC) and resorption (NTx,CTx) markers. Free(25-OHDF) and bioavailable (25-OHDB) serum 25-OHD levels were estimated by DBP and albumin determinations and also directly by ELISA (25-OHDF-2). We analysed threshold PTH values for the different forms of 25-OHD and the correlations and differences according to 25-OHDT levels <20 ng/ml. RESULTS: 62% of subjects had 25-OHD values <20 ng/ml and also had significantly lower 25-OHDF and 25-OHDB values, with no significant differences in bone markers and PTH values. The PTH threshold value was similar for all forms of 25-OHD (∼70 pg/ml). Women with PTH values >70 had lower 25-OHDT (15.4 ± 1.4 vs. 18.3 ± 2.7, p < 0.05) and 25OHDB values (1.7 ± 0.2 vs. 2.2 ± 0.09, p < 0.05). The different forms of 25OHD were significantly intercorrelated, with marginal correlations between PTH and 25-OHDT (r = -0.136, p = 0.082). CONCLUSIONS: Determination of different forms of 25-OHD in healthy young women does not offer additional advantages over standard 25-OHDT for evaluating vitamin D deficiency. In these subjects 25-OHDT values <15 ng/ml would be more appropriate for defining this deficiency.

Development of multiorganic calciphylaxis during teriparatide, vitamin D, and calcium treatment.

Non-uremic calciphylaxis is a severe rare disorder characterized by ischemic necrosis. Recently, three cases of cutaneous calciphylaxis have been described in the context of teriparatide treatment. We present a 51-year-old woman with alcoholic cirrhosis who developed multiorganic calciphylaxis shortly after starting teriparatide treatment associated with calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplements for severe osteoporosis. After lengthy care of the infectious complications and treatment with bisphosphonates and sodium thiosulfate progressive improvement was observed over a 3-year period. The time between the initiation of teriparatide and the development of calciphylaxis suggests that this agent may have been the triggering factor of this process. Nevertheless, other non-negligible risk factors for calciphylaxis such as alcoholic liver disease, obesity, and vitamin D treatment must also be considered in this patient. Considering the severity of this extremely rare clinical condition, better knowledge of the risk factors related to calciphylaxis development is mandatory.

Effect of inulin and fructo-oligosaccharide on the prevention of acute radiation enteritis in patients with gynecological cancer and impact on quality-of-life: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The pathogenesis of enteritis after abdominal radiotherapy (RT) is unknown, although changes in fecal microbiota may be involved. Prebiotics stimulate the proliferation of Lactobacillus spp and Bifidobacterium spp, and this may have positive effects on the intestinal mucosa during abdominal RT. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving patients with gynecological cancer who received abdominal RT after surgery. Patients were randomized to receive prebiotics or placebo. The prebiotic group received a mixture of fiber (50 inulin and 50% fructo-oligosaccharide), and the placebo group received 6 g of maltodextrin twice daily from 1 week before to 3 weeks after RT. The number of bowel movements and stool consistency was recorded daily. Diarrhea was evaluated according to the Common Toxicity Criteria of the National Cancer Institute. Stool consistency was assessed using the 7-point Bristol scale. Patients' quality-of-life was evaluated at baseline and at completion of RT using the EORTC-QLQ-C30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality-of-life Questionnaire C30) test. RESULTS: Thirty-eight women with a mean age of 60.3±11.8 years participated in the study. Both groups (prebiotic (n=20) and placebo (n=18)) were comparable in their baseline characteristics. The number of bowel movements per month increased in both groups during RT. The number of bowel movements per day increased in both groups. The number of days with watery stool (Bristol score 7) was lower in the prebiotic group (3.3±4.4 to 2.2±1.6) than in the placebo group (P=0.08). With respect to quality-of-life, the symptoms with the highest score in the placebo group were insomnia at baseline and diarrhea toward the end of the treatment. In the prebiotic group, insomnia was the symptom with the highest score at both assessments, although the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Prebiotics can improve the consistency of stools in gynecologic cancer patients on RT. This finding could have important implications in the quality-of-life of these patients during treatment.

Denosumab increases sublesional bone mass in osteoporotic individuals with recent spinal cord injury.

UNLABELLED: Osteoporosis is a frequent complication related to spinal cord injury (SCI), and data on osteoporosis treatment after SCI is scarce. Treatment with denosumab increases lumbar and femoral BMD and decreases bone turnover markers in individuals with recent SCI. This drug may be a promising therapeutic option in SCI-related osteoporosis. INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis development is a frequent complication related to SCI, especially at the sublesional level. Nevertheless, data on osteoporosis treatment after SCI is scarce, particularly short term after injury, when the highest bone loss is produced. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of denosumab in the treatment of SCI-related osteoporosis. METHODS: Fourteen individuals aged 39 ± 15 years with osteoporosis secondary to recent SCI (mean injury duration 15 ± 4 months) were treated with denosumab for 12 months. Bone turnover markers (BTMs) (PINP, bone ALP, sCTx), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH), and femoral neck (FN) were assessed at baseline and at 12 months. All participants received calcium and vitamin D supplementation. RESULTS: At 12 months, SCI denosumab-treated participants showed a significant increase in BMD at TH (+2.4 ± 3.6 %, p = 0.042), FN (+3 ± 3.6 %, p = 0.006), and LS (+7.8 ± 3.7 %, p < 0.001) compared to baseline values. Denosumab treatment was associated with significant decreases in BTMs (bone ALP -42 %, p < 0.001; PINP -58 %, p < 0.001, sCTx -57 %, p = 0.002) at 12 months. BMD evolution was not related to BTM changes or 25OHD serum levels. No skeletal fractures or serious adverse events were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with denosumab increases lumbar and femoral BMD and decreases bone turnover markers in individuals with recent SCI. This drug may be a promising therapeutic option in SCI-related osteoporosis.

Risk factors for the development of osteoporosis after spinal cord injury. A 12-month follow-up study.

UNLABELLED: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has been associated with a marked bone loss after injury and a consequent increased risk of osteoporosis. The evaluation of bone mineral density shortly after SCI is a simple and effective method for predicting the development of osteoporosis during the first year after SCI. INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has been associated with a marked bone loss after injury and a consequent increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with osteoporosis development short-term after SCI. METHODS: We included patients with complete recent SCI (<6 months) evaluating bone turnover markers (P1NP, bone ALP, and sCTx), 25-OH-vitamin D (25OHD) levels, and lumbar and femoral BMD (Lunar, Prodigy) at baseline, 6 and 12 months after SCI. The risk factors for osteoporosis analyzed included the following: age, gender, BMI, toxic habits, bone turnover markers, 25OHD levels, lumbar and femoral BMD, level, severity and type of SCI, and days-since-injury. Osteoporosis was defined according to WHO criteria. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients aged 35 ± 16 years were included, and 52 % developed osteoporosis during the 12-month follow-up. These latter patients had lower BMD values at femur and lumbar spine and higher bone turnover markers at baseline. On multivariate analysis, the principal factors related to osteoporosis development were as follows: total femur BMD <1 g/cm(2) (RR, 3.61; 95 % CI 1.30-10.06, p = 0.002) and lumbar BMD <1.2 g/cm(2) at baseline (0.97 probability of osteoporosis with both parameters under these values). Increased risk for osteoporosis was also associated with increased baseline values of bone ALP (>14 ng/mL) (RR 2.40; 95 % CI 1.10-5.23, p = 0.041) and P1NP (>140 ng/mL) (RR 3.08; 95 % CI 1.10-8.57, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of BMD at the lumbar spine and femur short-term after SCI is a simple, effective method for predicting the development of osteoporosis during the first year after SCI. Our results also indicate the need to evaluate and treat these patients shortly after injury.

[Nutritional support in chronic neurological diseases]. / Manejo nutricional en las enfermedades neurológicas crónicas.

Malnutrition is common in neurodegenerative disorders and is associated with a worse prognosis and an increased risk of complications. Factors leading to malnutrition in these patients are: diseased nutrient intake, due to anorexia, dysphagia and other factors, gastrointestinal symptoms, and energy expenditure alterations. Nutritional evaluation and monitoring is mandatory and should be part of regular clinical evaluation. It will help to identify those patients that need specialized nutritional support. In this paper, relevant aspects regarding nutritional evaluation and support in patients suffering from a neurodegenerative disorder are reviewed, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and dementia.

Prevalence of vertebral fractures and minor vertebral deformities evaluated by DXA-assisted vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) in a population-based study of postmenopausal women: the FRODOS study.

UNLABELLED: Population-based studies performed with vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) morphometric technology are lacking in postmenopausal osteoporosis. In this study, we show a lower than expected prevalence of vertebral fractures, a high prevalence of minor vertebral deformities, and a clear association with clinical and densitometric parameters indicating the usefulness of this approach. INTRODUCTION: Adequate epidemiological data on the prevalence of vertebral fractures (VF) is essential in studies of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Routine DXA-assisted VFA may be useful to determine the presence of VF. However, population-based studies performed with this technology are lacking. We aimed to assess the prevalence of VF and minor deformities in 2,968 postmenopausal women aged 59-70 years from a population-based cohort. METHODS: VFA and bone mineral density (BMD) measurements were conducted, and McCloskey criteria (vertebral heights under 3 SD from reference values) confirmed with the Genant method were used to define VF. Additionally, minor vertebral deformities (vertebral heights between -2 and -2.99 SD) were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of VF was 4.3%, and 17% of the participants had minor vertebral deformities. Low BMD was frequently observed in women with VF, with 4%, and 42% of participants showing osteoporosis and osteopenia. Minor vertebral deformities were observed in nearly 40% of women with VF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, history of previous fracture, osteoporotic BMD, receiving anti-osteoporotic treatment, and current use of glucocorticoids were significantly associated with VF. CONCLUSIONS: Although the VFA approach showed a lower than expected prevalence of VF in our cohort, its association with clinical and densitometric parameters may be useful to identify women at risk for developing fragility fractures and may therefore justify its use in longitudinal studies. The high prevalence of minor vertebral deformities detected in patients with VF indicates the need to evaluate this type of deformity as a risk factor for further skeletal fractures.

The effects of second-generation antipsychotics on food intake, resting energy expenditure and physical activity.

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGA) are associated with weight gain and metabolic alterations including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. These metabolic side effects increase cardiovascular risk and are related to medication non-compliance. Patients without previous exposure to these or other antipsychotic drugs (naive patients) seem to be more prone to develop these metabolic abnormalities. The mechanisms behind weight gain can be an increase in food intake and/or a decrease in energy expenditure. This review comprehensively examines the current knowledge on the impact of these drugs on food intake and energy expenditure. The influence of these drugs on appetite and food intake (total caloric intake and food sources) is reviewed as well as the evidence of abnormal eating behaviors. The studies evaluating the effect on resting energy expenditure are critically examined, taking into account the influence of body composition and previous exposure to antipsychotics (naive vs non-naive patients). Finally, the influence of these drugs on physical activity is also discussed. The knowledge of the mechanisms of weight gain in patients starting these drugs may be useful to further prompt research in this field and ameliorate the metabolic side effects associated with these treatments.

Effect of glucocorticoid treatment on Wnt signalling antagonists (sclerostin and Dkk-1) and their relationship with bone turnover.

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of glucocorticoid therapy (GCCT) on Wnt signalling antagonists (sclerostin and Dkk-1) and their relationship with bone turnover. 25 patients (8 M/17 F, aged 48±19yrs) recently initiating GCCT (≥7.5mg/day, ≤6months) were prospectively included. Bone turnover markers (bone formation: P1NP, osteocalcin [OC], bone ALP; bone resorption: sCTx) and Wnt antagonists (serum sclerostin and Dkk-1) were assessed in all patients (short-term and 12months after initiating GCCT). Bone mineral density (BMD) was performed to assess osteoporosis. The results were compared with 60 healthy controls. At short-term patients on GCCT showed a significant decrease in bone formation markers versus controls (P1NP: 19±9 vs. 43±16ng/mL, p<0.001; OC: 7.4±2.4 vs. 18.4±5.2ng/mL, p=0.001) and in Dkk-1 levels (24.5±20.1 vs. 36.8±13.7pmol/L, p=0.008) with similar sclerostin values (41.8±21.8 vs. 42.1±13.9pmol/L, p=0.950). Sclerostin correlated positively with GCCT doses (r=0.449, p=0.024) and lumbar BMD (r=0.424, p=0.035), and negatively with bone ALP (r=-0.398, p=0.049). A progressive decrease in Dkk-1 levels was observed at 12months, (19.1±14.9, p=0.001), whereas sclerostin increased compared to controls (48.9±11.6, p=0.045). In conclusion, the effect of GCCT on the serum levels of the Wnt signalling parameters differs depending on the antagonist evaluated. Whereas sclerostin values increased and showed a relationship with the dose and bone AP, Dkk-1 levels decreased throughout the study suggesting a counter-regulatory mechanism of this factor thereby reducing the deleterious effect of GCCT in the bone.

[Persistent chylothorax in patient with lymphangioleiomyomatosis]. / Quilotórax persistente en paciente con linfangioleiomiomatosis.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease that affects women in fertile age and presents a systemic progressive evolution, being the lung and the mediastinic lymph nodes the most affected organs. The pulmonary disease is characterized by dyspnea, pleural effusion, hemoptysis and spontaneous pneumothorax, being the chylothorax a frequent complication in the course of this disease, appearing in up to 30% of cases. The treatment of chylothorax is not standardized and it is necessary a multidisciplinary approach: nutritional, pharmacological, respiratory and even surgery. These patients present high risk of malnutrition due to the constant loss of chyle, therefore a suitable nutritional management is essential to avoid more complications.

Effect of a mixture of inulin and fructo-oligosaccharide on Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium intestinal microbiota of patients receiving radiotherapy: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The pathogenesis of enteritis after abdominal radiotherapy is unknown, although changes in faecal microbiota may be involved. In several studies, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have proven beneficial for the host. Prebiotics stimulate the proliferation of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and this may have positive effects on the intestinal mucosa during abdominal radiotherapy. METHODS: We performed a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial including 31 patients with gynaecological cancer who received radiotherapy (29 sessions, 52.2 Gy) after surgery. Patients were randomised to two groups: prebiotic and placebo. The first group received a mixture of fibre (50% inulin and 50% fructo-oligosaccharide) and the second received 6 g of maltodextrin twice daily from one week before to three weeks after radiotherapy. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts were determined in faeces samples (day -7 before radiotherapy, day 15 of radiotherapy, at the end of treatment, and three weeks after radiotherapy) by culture in selective media and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using genus-specific probes. Bacterial counts by FISH were significantly higher than by culture method. RESULTS: There were no differences in baseline microbiota between groups. At the end of radiotherapy, we observed a statistically significant decrease in Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts in both groups. By cultural analysis, we observed higher numbers of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium three weeks after radiotherapy in the prebiotic group (5.6 vs. 6.3, p = 0.04 and 5.5 vs. 6 log cfu/g, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal radiotherapy negatively affects Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts. The prebiotic mixture of inulin and fructoligosaccharide can improve the recovery of both genera after radiotherapy. Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT01549782.