Bone quality, mineral density, and fractures in heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The trabecular bone score (TBS) indirectly estimates bone quality and predicts low-impact fractures independently of bone mineral density (BMD). However, there is still a paucity of data linking bone and heart diseases, mainly with gaps in the TBS analysis. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated TBS, BMD, and fractures in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and in sex-, BMI- and age-matched controls, and we assessed the fracture probability using the FRAX tool, considering active search for fractures by vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) and the adjustment for the TBS. RESULTS: TBS values were 1.296 ± 0.14 in 85 patients (43.5% women; age 65 ± 13 years) and 1.320 ± 0.11 in 142 controls (P = 0.07), being reduced (< 1.31) in 51.8% and 46.1% of them, respectively (P = 0.12). TBS was lower in patients than in the controls when BMD was normal (P = 0.04) and when the BMI was 15-37 kg/m2 (P = 0.03). Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.05; P = 0.026), albumin (OR 0.12; P = 0.046), statin use (OR 0.27; P = 0.03), and energy intake (OR 1.03; P = 0.014) were associated with reduced TBS. Fractures on VFA occurred in 42.4% of the patients, and VFA and TBS adjustment increased the fracture risk by 16%-23%. CONCLUSION: Patients with HFrEF had poor bone quality, with a better discriminating impact of the TBS assessment when BMD was normal, and BMI was suitable for densitometric analysis. Variables related to the prognosis, severity, and treatment of HFrEF were associated with reduced TBS. VFA and TBS adjustment increased fracture risk.

Factors that cause women with osteoporosis to fall.

Objective: To analyze and compare intrinsic and extrinsic factors that cause falls among women receiving treatment for osteoporosis. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study of women ≥50 years receiving treatment for osteoporosis. Participants filled out questionnaires (demographic characteristics), and researchers took anthropometric measurements of bone mineral density, handgrip strength (HGS), ankle range of motion (ROM), and gait speed (GS). We also evaluated the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (SST), and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and investigated the extrinsic factors for falls. Results: We included 144 participants (71.6 [8.3 years]), who reported 133 falls. We classified participants into a non-faller group (NFG; 0 falls, n=71, 49.5%), a faller group (FG; 1 fall, n=42, 28.9%), and a recurrent-faller group (RFG; more than 1 fall, n=31, 21.5%). Most patients had an increased risk of falling according to the TUGT, SST, reduced ankle ROM, and GS (P<.005 for all). FES-I was associated with sporadic and recurrent falls. For the multivariate analysis, the number of falls was influenced by the presence of ramps (RR 0.48, 95% CI, 0.26-0.87, P=.015), uneven surfaces (RR 1.6, 95% CI. 1.05-2.43, P=.028), and antislippery adhesive on stairs (RR 2.75, 95% CI, 1.77-4.28, P<.001). Conclusion: Patients receiving treatment for osteoporosis are influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors that cause falls. Lower-limb strength and power-discriminated participants at a higher risk of falls, but extrinsic factors varied. Only uneven floors and antislippery adhesives on stairs were associated with increased frequency of falls.

Factors that cause women with osteoporosis to fall

ABSTRACT Objectives: To analyze and compare intrinsic and extrinsic factors that cause falls among women receiving treatment for osteoporosis. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study of women ≥50 years receiving treatment for osteoporosis. Participants filled out questionnaires (demographic characteristics), and researchers took anthropometric measurements of bone mineral density, handgrip strength (HGS), ankle range of motion (ROM), and gait speed (GS). We also evaluated the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (SST), and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and investigated the extrinsic factors for falls. Results: We included 144 participants (71.6 [8.3 years]), who reported 133 falls. We classified participants into a non-faller group (NFG; 0 falls, n = 71, 49.5%), a faller group (FG; 1 fall, n = 42, 28.9%), and a recurrent-faller group (RFG; more than 1 fall, n = 31, 21.5%). Most patients had an increased risk of falling according to the TUGT, SST, reduced ankle ROM, and GS (P < .005 for all). FES-I was associated with sporadic and recurrent falls. For the multivariate analysis, the number of falls was influenced by the presence of ramps (RR 0.48, 95% CI, 0.26-0.87, P = .015), uneven surfaces (RR 1.6, 95% CI. 1.05-2.43, P = .028), and antislippery adhesive on stairs (RR 2.75, 95% CI, 1.77-4.28, P < .001). Conclusion: Patients receiving treatment for osteoporosis are influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors that cause falls. Lower-limb strength and power-discriminated participants at a higher risk of falls, but extrinsic factors varied. Only uneven floors and antislippery adhesives on stairs were associated with increased frequency of falls.

Epidemiology of Vitamin D (EpiVida)-A Study of Vitamin D Status Among Healthy Adults in Brazil.

Context: There are few studies of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations in healthy adults in Brazil. Objective: This work aimed to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D status and its association with lifestyle, sociodemographic, and anthropometric data in 3 regions of Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among blood donors of both sexes, living in the cities of Salvador, São Paulo, and Curitiba during summer. Blood samples were collected during the procedure. Serum 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured in the same laboratory using chemiluminescence immunoassays. Lifestyle, sociodemographic, and anthropometric data were gathered by an interview with a standardized questionnaire. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was defined as 25(OH)D levels below 20 ng/mL and below 30 ng/mL, respectively. Results: A total of 1004 healthy adults were evaluated with mean levels of 25(OH)D (28.7 ± 9.27 ng/mL) and PTH (34.4 ± 15.1 pg/mL). The standardized prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was in the study population 15.3% and 50.9%: in Salvador 12.1% and 47.6%, in São Paulo 20.5%, and 52.4% and in Curitiba 12.7% and 52.1%, (P = .0004). PTH levels were negatively correlated with 25(OH)D levels. Greater body mass index (BMI) and higher latitude were significant predictors of vitamin D deficiency, whereas skin color (White), longer duration of sun exposure, and current use of dietary supplement were protective. Conclusion: This study confirmed the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency even in the midsummer in a healthy population of Brazil. Vitamin D levels are associated with sun exposure, latitude, BMI, skin color, and use of supplements.

New treatments for rare bone diseases: hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia.

Phosphorus is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body; it is required to maintain bone integrity and mineralization, in addition to other biological processes. Phosphorus is regulated by parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) in a complex set of processes that occur in the gut, skeleton, and kidneys. Different molecular mechanisms - overproduction of FGF-23 by tumors responsible for oncogenic osteomalacia, generation of an FGF-23 mutant that is resistant to cleavage by enzymes, and impaired FGF-23 degradation due to a reduction in or loss of the PHEX gene - can lead to FGF-23-stimulating activity and the consequent waste of urinary phosphate and low levels of 1,25(OH)2D3. Conventional treatment consists of multiple daily doses of oral phosphate salts and vitamin D analogs, which may improve radiographic rickets but do not normalize growth. Complications of the conventional long-term treatment consist of hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, impaired renal function, and potentially chronic kidney disease. Recently, burosumab, an antibody against FGF-23, was approved as a novel therapy for children and adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia and patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia. Burosumab showed good performance in different trials in children and adults. It increased and sustained the serum phosphorus levels, decreased the rickets severity and pain scores, and improved mineralization. It offers a new perspective on the treatment of chronic and disabling diseases.

Stress fractures.

Stress fractures (SF) represent 10%-20% of all injuries in sport medicine. An SF occurs when abnormal and repetitive loading is applied on normal bone: The body cannot adapt quickly enough, leading to microdamage and fracture. The etiology is multifactorial with numerous risk factors involved. Diagnosis of SF can be achieved by identifying intrinsic and extrinsic factors, obtaining a good history, performing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory and imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging is the current gold standard). Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a known risk factor. In addition, for women, it is very important know the menstrual status to identify long periods of amenorrhea in the past and the present. Early detection is important to improve the chance of symptom resolution with conservative treatment. Common presentation involves complaints of localized pain, with or without swelling, and tenderness on palpation of bony structures that begins earlier in training and progressively worsens with activity over a 2- to 3-week period. Appropriate classification of SF based on type, location, grading, and low or high risk is critical in guiding treatment strategies and influencing the time to return to sport. Stress injuries at low-risk sites are typically managed conservatively. Studies have suggested that calcium and vitamin D supplementation might be helpful. Moreover, other treatment regimens are not well established. Understanding better the pathophysiology of SFs and the potential utility of current and future bone-active therapeutics may well yield approaches that could treat SFs more effectively.

Physiological and Ankle Functions Are Discriminating Factors for the Risk of Falls in Women in Treatment of Osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION: Elderly women with osteoporosis are at risk of falls and fractures. OBJECTIVE: To compare the intrinsic factors of falls, including ankle evaluation, in a group of elderly women in treatment for osteoporosis compared with a control group. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of elderly women in treatment for osteoporosis (TG) was paired with a control group (CG) not in treatment. All groups completed a questionnaire and underwent a bone mineral density test; the mini-mental state examination (MMSE); physical performance tests; lower-limb strength and power, ankle, and muscle architecture evaluations; and a physiological profile assessment (PPA). RESULTS: A total of 128 women were included (68 TG, 60 CG); the mean age was 71.55 ± 3.07 years; TG had a worse performance in the intrinsic factors in the MMSE, plantarflexions range of motion, gait speed, plantarflexions peak isometric strength, and short physical performance battery (p < 0.05 for all). PPA stratification (proprioception and lower-limb strength) presented a greater risk of falls in the TG, with proprioception increasing the risk by 2.4 times. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing treatment for osteoporosis are influenced by intrinsic factors of falls, many being present in the CG. PPA and ankle strength and flexibility tests are more discriminative for evaluating fall risks in patients in treatment for osteoporosis.

New treatments for rare bone diseases: hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia

Abstract Phosphorus is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body; it is required to maintain bone integrity and mineralization, in addition to other biological processes. Phosphorus is regulated by parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) in a complex set of processes that occur in the gut, skeleton, and kidneys. Different molecular mechanisms - overproduction of FGF-23 by tumors responsible for oncogenic osteomalacia, generation of an FGF-23 mutant that is resistant to cleavage by enzymes, and impaired FGF-23 degradation due to a reduction in or loss of the PHEX gene - can lead to FGF-23-stimulating activity and the consequent waste of urinary phosphate and low levels of 1,25(OH)2D3. Conventional treatment consists of multiple daily doses of oral phosphate salts and vitamin D analogs, which may improve radiographic rickets but do not normalize growth. Complications of the conventional long-term treatment consist of hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, impaired renal function, and potentially chronic kidney disease. Recently, burosumab, an antibody against FGF-23, was approved as a novel therapy for children and adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia and patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia. Burosumab showed good performance in different trials in children and adults. It increased and sustained the serum phosphorus levels, decreased the rickets severity and pain scores, and improved mineralization. It offers a new perspective on the treatment of chronic and disabling diseases. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2022;66(5):658-65

Stress fractures

ABSTRACT Stress fractures (SF) represent 10%-20% of all injuries in sport medicine. An SF occurs when abnormal and repetitive loading is applied on normal bone: The body cannot adapt quickly enough, leading to microdamage and fracture. The etiology is multifactorial with numerous risk factors involved. Diagnosis of SF can be achieved by identifying intrinsic and extrinsic factors, obtaining a good history, performing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory and imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging is the current gold standard). Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a known risk factor. In addition, for women, it is very important know the menstrual status to identify long periods of amenorrhea in the past and the present. Early detection is important to improve the chance of symptom resolution with conservative treatment. Common presentation involves complaints of localized pain, with or without swelling, and tenderness on palpation of bony structures that begins earlier in training and progressively worsens with activity over a 2- to 3-week period. Appropriate classification of SF based on type, location, grading, and low or high risk is critical in guiding treatment strategies and influencing the time to return to sport. Stress injuries at low-risk sites are typically managed conservatively. Studies have suggested that calcium and vitamin D supplementation might be helpful. Moreover, other treatment regimens are not well established. Understanding better the pathophysiology of SFs and the potential utility of current and future bone-active therapeutics may well yield approaches that could treat SFs more effectively.

Accuracy of Tools to Differentiate Single From Recurrent Fallers Pre-Frail Older Women.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to analyze and compare musculoskeletal and functional performance and present cutoff points to differentiate pre-frail community-dwelling older women regarding their fall history: non fallers (0 falls), fallers (single fall), and recurrent fallers (≥2 falls). Method: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective study on 90 pre-frail community-dwelling older women (71.2 ± 4.49 years) according to Fried criteria. We assessed peak torque (PT) (isokinetic dynamometer), muscle architecture/mass (ultrasound/dual-energy X-ray absorptometry), and the following functional performance: usual gait speed (UGS), fast gait speed (FGS), walking speed reserve (WSR), cadence and step length, and timed up and go. Results: The recurrent fallers presented lower UGS (1.12 ± 0.18 vs. 1.29 ± 0.28 m/s; p = 0.05) and isometric PT of knee extensors than the fallers (89.88 ± 20.99 vs. 115.55 ± 23.09 Nm; p = 0.01), and lower FGS than the fallers (1.35 ± 0.26 vs. 1.5 ± 0.29 m/s; p = 0.03) and non-fallers (1.35 ± 0.26 vs. 1.52 ± 0.26 m/s; p = 0.01). The outcomes that differentiated the fallers from the non-fallers were both WSR calculated as a difference (WSRdiff) (≤0.26 m/s) and WSR calculated as a ratio (WSRratio) (≤1.25 m/s), while to differentiate the recurrent fallers from the non-fallers were FGS (≤1.44 m/s) and step length (≤73 cm). The following cutoff points might be used to differentiate recurrent fallers and fallers: UGS (≤1.12 m/s), FGS (≤1.34m/s), step length (≤73 cm), PT knee extension (≤114.2 Nm), PT knee flexion (≤46.3 Nm), and PT ankle dorsiflexion (≤22.1 Nm). Conclusion: Recurrent fallers community-dwelling pre-frail older women presented a worse musculoskeletal and functional performance when compared to the non-fallers and fallers. Gait speed, step length, PT of both knee extension and flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion can be used to identify both single and recurrent fallers pre-frail older women, contributing to guide interventions and prevent falls and fractures.

Prevalence of sarcopenia in women at stable weight phase after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Objective: Evaluating the prevalence of sarcopenia in women submitted to bariatric surgery - Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Design: Observational, cross-sectional study. Subjects and methods: Women (18-65 years old) who underwent bariatric surgery (BG) ≥ 2 years and reached stable weight ≥ 6 months, were investigated. Control group (CG) comprised non-operated matched women with obesity. Body composition was determined through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Low lean mass (LLM) was defined as appendicular lean mass index (ALM kg/height m2) < 5.5 kg/m2. Physical strength was assessed through dynamometer and sit-to-stand test (SST), whereas performance was assessed through 4-m gait speed and Short Physical Performance Battery Tests (SPPB). Sarcopenia was diagnosed in the presence of LLM and low strength. Results: One-hundred and twenty women (60 in each group, 50 ± 9.7 years old) were investigated. All anthropometric and body composition parameters were lower in BG than in CG, whereas strength and performance were similar between groups. Women with reduced strength presented high total fat mass and low physical activity level (p < 0.005). LLM was observed in 35% of BG and in 18.3% of CG (p = 0.04), whereas sarcopenia was diagnosed in 28.3% of BG and in 16.6% of CG (p = 0.12). Sarcopenic women in BG had better performance both in SST (p = 0.001) and SPPB (p = 0.004). Total lean mass (OR:1.41, 95% CI [1.18; 1.69], p < 0.001) and obesity (OR: 38.2 [2.27; 644.12], p < 0.001) were associated with sarcopenia in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Despite great weight loss, sarcopenia prevalence did not increase in BG and its presence was influenced by total lean mass and obesity.

Prevalence of sarcopenia in women at stable weight phase after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluating the prevalence of sarcopenia in women submitted to bariatric surgery - Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Design: Observational, cross-sectional study. Subjects and methods: Women (18-65 years old) who underwent bariatric surgery (BG) ≥ 2 years and reached stable weight ≥ 6 months, were investigated. Control group (CG) comprised non-operated matched women with obesity. Body composition was determined through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Low lean mass (LLM) was defined as appendicular lean mass index (ALM kg/height m2) < 5.5 kg/m2. Physical strength was assessed through dynamometer and sit-to-stand test (SST), whereas performance was assessed through 4-m gait speed and Short Physical Performance Battery Tests (SPPB). Sarcopenia was diagnosed in the presence of LLM and low strength. Results: One-hundred and twenty women (60 in each group, 50 ± 9.7 years old) were investigated. All anthropometric and body composition parameters were lower in BG than in CG, whereas strength and performance were similar between groups. Women with reduced strength presented high total fat mass and low physical activity level (p < 0.005). LLM was observed in 35% of BG and in 18.3% of CG (p = 0.04), whereas sarcopenia was diagnosed in 28.3% of BG and in 16.6% of CG (p = 0.12). Sarcopenic women in BG had better performance both in SST (p = 0.001) and SPPB (p = 0.004). Total lean mass (OR:1.41, 95% CI [1.18; 1.69], p < 0.001) and obesity (OR: 38.2 [2.27; 644.12], p < 0.001) were associated with sarcopenia in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Despite great weight loss, sarcopenia prevalence did not increase in BG and its presence was influenced by total lean mass and obesity.

Incidence of fractures and clinical profile of patients following up at a Fracture Liaison Service in the city of Curitiba.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporotic fractures are common, and their incidence are increasing worldwide. The first fracture doubles the risk of new fractures. Despite that, up to 80% of patients with a fragility fracture are evaluated or treated to reduce the risk of new fractures. AIMS: To evaluate the results of the operation of the hospital Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) and to analyze the clinical characteristics of the patients attending the service in its first 2 years of operation and to estimate the fracture risk reduction ratio. METHODS: The FLS managed patients older than 50 years who were admitted with a low-energy trauma fracture between January 2017 and April 2018. This management consists in a full medical evaluation, nutritional and physical activity guidance, and specific osteoporosis treatment, if needed. RESULTS: We monitored and treated 135 patients. Forty percent of them had a previous fracture and only 20.3% of them received treatment to prevent new fractures. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, the estimated incidence of new fractures over 24 months was 12.1% (95% CI 7.2-20.8%), indicating that the percentage of patients without new fractures due to bone fragility during treatment was estimated at 87.9% (95% CI 79.2-92.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation and treatment of patients who sustained a fragility fracture to prevent a secondary fracture is effective in reducing the risk of new fractures in high-risk patients.

Effects of Exergames and Protein Supplementation on Body Composition and Musculoskeletal Function of Prefrail Community-Dwelling Older Women: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of exergames and protein supplementation on the body composition and musculoskeletal function of pre-frail older women. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 90 pre-frail older women (71.2 ± 4.5 years old) divided into five groups: control (CG); exergames training (ETG); protein supplementation (PSG); exergames combined with protein supplementation (ETPSG); exergames combined with isoenergetic supplementation (ETISG). The primary outcomes were pre-frailty status, body composition (appendicular muscle mass (ASM); appendicular muscle mass index (ASMI)) assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and gastrocnemius muscle architecture via ultrasound. Secondary outcomes were protein intake, plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6, plantar and dorsiflexion isokinetic peak torque, and handgrip strength (HS). Data were analyzed using an ANOVA mixed model test and Bonferroni post hoc test (p < 0.05). The ETG showed a reduction of ASM (16.7 ± 3.4 vs. 16.1 ± 3.3 kg; Δ = -0.5; p = 0.02; d = 0.26) and ASMI (6.8 ± 0.9 vs. 6.5 ± 0.9 kg; Δ = -0.2; p = 0.03; d = 0.35), without changing ASM in other groups. The average protein intake in the supplemented groups (PSG and ETPSG) was 1.1 ± 0.2 g/kg/day. The dorsiflexion peak torque increased 11.4% in ETPSG (16.3 ± 2.5 vs. 18.4 ± 4.2 Nm; p = 0.021; d = -0.58). The HS increased by 13.7% in ETG (20.1 ± 7.2 vs. 23.3 ± 6.2 kg, Δ = 3.2 ± 4.9, p = 0.004, d = -0.48). The fatigue/exhaustion reduced by 100% in ETG, 75% in PSG, and 100% in ETPSG. Physical training with exergames associated with protein supplementation reversed pre-frailty status, improved the ankle dorsiflexors torque, and ameliorated fatigue/exhaustion in pre-frail older women.

Bone density and quality in patients treated with direct-acting oral anticoagulants versus warfarin.

INTRODUCTION: Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are therapeutic alternatives to warfarin that act independently of vitamin K, thus not affecting bone matrix formation. The aim of this study was to compare bone mineral density (BMD) and microarchitecture in patients treated with DOACs versus warfarin. METHODS: Cross-sectional, observational study in patients using oral anticoagulants for >1 year and a paired control group (CG). Based on the type of anticoagulant used, the patients were grouped into a DOAC (DOACG) or warfarin (WG) group. All patients filled out a questionnaire and underwent BMD evaluation and trabecular bone score (TBS) measurement. RESULTS: In all, 150 patients were included (50 patients in each group). The mean age was 60.49 ± 7.48 years, and most participants were men (64%). The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia (comparison between groups p > 0.05). Low bone mass was diagnosed in 42%, 50%, and 66% of the patients in the CG, DOACG, and WG, respectively (p = 0.012). On logistic regression analysis, BMD was associated with body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR] 0.846, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.763-0.926, p = 0.001), creatinine level (OR 0.024, 95%CI 0.001-0.434, p = 0.017), and TBS value (OR 17.777, 95%CI 4.526-96.903, p = 0.000). The mean TBS decreased progressively from the CG to the DOACG and WG (1.328 ± 0.112, 1.264 ± 0.138, and 1.203 ± 0.112, respectively, p < 0.001). On multivariate linear regression, negative predictors of TBS included warfarin use (-0.06, 95%CI -0.11 to -0.02, p = 0.006), BMI (-0.01, 95%CI -0.01 to -0.00, p < 0.001), and hyperglycemia (-0.07, 95%CI -0.11 to -0.03, p = 0.003), while positive predictors were an active IPAQ classification (0.06, 95%CI 0.01-0.11, p = 0.029) and family history of hip fracture (0.07, 95%CI 0.01-0.14, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Patients using anticoagulants have lower BMD and TBS values compared with controls. This negative effect on bone was more pronounced with warfarin, but was also seen with DOACs.

Association between fractures and traditional risk factors for osteoporosis and low bone mineral density in patients with obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reasons for request of bone mineral density (BMD) evaluation and correlate the BMD results with previous fractures, risk factors for osteoporosis, and clinical characteristics in patients with obesity. METHODS: Cross-sectional, retrospective, single-site study including adult patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 and BMD evaluation between January 2015 and May 2016 selected from a BMD database. Data on demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, comorbidities, medications, risk factors, previous fractures, and indications for BMD evaluation were collected from the participants' medical records. RESULTS: The study included 619 patients (89.9% women, mean BMI 34.79 ± 4.05 kg/m2). In all, 382 (61.7%), 166 (26.8%), and 71 (11.5%) patients had class 1, 2, and 3 obesity, respectively. The most frequent (29.9%) reason for BMD evaluation was for osteoporosis monitoring. In all, 69.4% of the patients had low BMD. Multivariate analysis showed that age, calcium supplementation, and previous osteoporosis or osteopenia were associated with low BMD, while age, vitamin D supplementation, use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and low BMD were associated with previous fractures (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Among patients with obesity identified from a tertiary hospital database, those with low bone mass and risk factors traditionally associated with fractures had an increased history of fractures. Patients with greater BMI had better bone mass and fewer fractures. These findings indicate that the association between reduced weight, risk factors for osteoporosis, and fractures remained despite the presence of obesity in our population.

Association between fractures and traditional risk factors for osteoporosis and low bone mineral density in patients with obesity

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the reasons for request of bone mineral density (BMD) evaluation and correlate the BMD results with previous fractures, risk factors for osteoporosis, and clinical characteristics in patients with obesity. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional, retrospective, single-site study including adult patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 and BMD evaluation between January 2015 and May 2016 selected from a BMD database. Data on demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, comorbidities, medications, risk factors, previous fractures, and indications for BMD evaluation were collected from the participants' medical records. Results: The study included 619 patients (89.9% women, mean BMI 34.79 ± 4.05 kg/m2). In all, 382 (61.7%), 166 (26.8%), and 71 (11.5%) patients had class 1, 2, and 3 obesity, respectively. The most frequent (29.9%) reason for BMD evaluation was for osteoporosis monitoring. In all, 69.4% of the patients had low BMD. Multivariate analysis showed that age, calcium supplementation, and previous osteoporosis or osteopenia were associated with low BMD, while age, vitamin D supplementation, use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and low BMD were associated with previous fractures (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Among patients with obesity identified from a tertiary hospital database, those with low bone mass and risk factors traditionally associated with fractures had an increased history of fractures. Patients with greater BMI had better bone mass and fewer fractures. These findings indicate that the association between reduced weight, risk factors for osteoporosis, and fractures remained despite the presence of obesity in our population.

Sarcopenia as an early complication of patients with head and neck cancer with dysphagia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between dysphagia and sarcopenia in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS: A cross-sectional, prospective study, sample by convenience, including men with HNC during their initial oncologic evaluation. Patients answered questionnaires (demographic data, lifestyle habits, disease characteristics and the Short International Physical Activity Questionnaire). Swallowing capacity, bioelectrical impedance (BIA), handgrip strength (HGS) and physical performance test (Timed Up and Go test) were evaluated. Sarcopenia was diagnosed following the European Working Group on Sarcopenia and Foundation for the National Institute of Health criterion. RESULTS: 71 men, elderly (66.9 ± 6.25 years) and adults (53.17 ± 3.66 years), were divided into the dysphagic group (DG, 44) and the non-dysphagic group (NDG, 27). The DG presented lower body mass index (BMI), lower skeletal muscle mass and a higher number of sarcopenic individuals than the NDG (p < 0.05). The degree of dysphagia was associated with weight loss (p = 0.006) but not with sarcopenia (p = 0.084) in the DG. The multivariate analysis showed that age, percentage of weight loss and BMI interfered with pre-sarcopenia, and only age influenced sarcopenia (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Patients with dysphagia had a high prevalence of sarcopenia in the pre-treatment phase, related to age.

Body composition in nonobese individuals according to vitamin D level.

Obesity is associated with lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels, but the association between 25OHD deficiency and specific body composition (BC) patterns remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between 25OHD levels and BC in a population of healthy, nonobese individuals. Cross-sectional, observational study including a convenience sample of community-dwelling healthy individuals aged ≥18 years who responded to a study advertisement and were randomly selected. The participants filled out a questionnaire and had fasting blood drawn and anthropometric indices taken. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was performed for BC analysis (fat and lean body mass). The subjects were divided according to 25OHD levels into three groups: I (≤20 ng/mL, vitamin D deficient), II (>20 and <30 ng/mL, vitamin D insufficient), and III (≥30 ng/mL, vitamin D sufficient). Of 299 individuals selected, 51 were excluded, yielding a final sample of 248 (128 women) who had serum 25OHD levels measured. Women presented higher 25OHD levels than men (27.8±12.0 ng/mL and 24.8±11.3 ng/mL, respectively; p = 0.03). Including both sexes, Group I had greater body mass index (BMI; 26.6±2.5 kg/m2) and waist circumference (WC; 91.8.8±9.1 cm) compared with the other groups. Group I also had 75.7% and 65.3% of abnormal BMI and WC values, respectively, (p<0.05 for both) and a higher percentage of trunk and android fat confirmed by multivariate analysis. No differences in BC were observed in individuals with insufficient versus sufficient 25OHD levels. Individuals with lower 25OHD levels had increased fat in the android region and trunk. This study confirms the association of lower 25OHD levels with greater BMI and WC and increased deposition of fat in body compartments, which, even in nonobese individuals, are commonly associated with increased metabolic risk.