Effect of Loratadine for Pegfilgrastim-Induced Bone Pain.

AIMS: Breast cancer patients on chemotherapy who receive pegfilgrastim to prevent neutropenia may experience severe bone pain as a side effect. Traditional treatment recommendations include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, opioids, and/or antihistamine use. However, little research was found comparing these interventions. The study aim was to address the gaps in literature and to explore the use of and perceived effectiveness of loratadine versus acetaminophen or NSAIDs in women with breast cancer treated with pegfilgrastim. This study also sought to understand how patients became aware of loratadine or other treatments for management of bone pain. DESIGN/METHODS: This cross-sectional study used survey methods to collect data from 66 adult female breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy with pegfilgrastim. RESULTS: The incidence of bone pain was 45% (n = 30) in our sample, but more than half (n = 45; 69%) of the women took either acetaminophen, NSAIDs, or loratadine alone or in combination to prevent bone pain. All medication were rated as effective by patients, with acetaminophen slightly more effective than loratadine, and loratadine more effective than NSAIDs. CONCLUSIONS: Acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and loratadine are easily available and inexpensive. However, unlike acetaminophen and NSAIDs, loratadine is dosed once a day and well tolerated with minimal adverse effects. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Randomized controlled trials are needed to adequately assess the effectiveness of all three medication options. Because little is known about optimal use of any of these medications for pegfilgrastim-induced bone pain, it is also important to identify the optimal time to initiate treatment and ideal treatment duration.

Effect of aluminum accumulation on bone and cardiovascular risk in the current era.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of aluminum (Al) intoxication has declined over the past 3 decades. However, different groups still report on the diagnosis of Al in bone. Prolonged and low-intensity exposures to Al may not be captured by serum Al measurements, preventing its proper diagnosis. We hypothesize that bone Al accumulation may be related to bone and cardiovascular events in the current Era. AIMS: To detect the diagnosis of bone Al accumulation; to explore bone and cardiovascular consequences of Al accumulation. METHODS: This is a sub-analysis of The Brazilian Registry of Bone Biopsy, a prospective, multicentre cohort, with a mean follow-up of 3.4 years, including patients with CKD undergoing bone biopsy; bone fracture and major cardiovascular events (MACE) were adjudicated; Al accumulation was identified by solochrome-azurine staining; history of previous Al accumulation was registered based on information provided by the nephrologist who performed the bone biopsy; bone histomorphometry parameters, clinical data, and general biochemistry were registered. RESULTS: 275 individuals were considered; 96 (35%) patients have diagnosed with bone Al accumulation and were younger [50 (41-56) vs. 55 (43-61) years; p = 0.026], had lower body mass index [23.5 (21.6-25.5) vs. 24.3 (22.1-27.8) kg/m2; p = 0.017], higher dialysis vintage [108 (48-183) vs. 71 (28-132) months; p = 0.002], presented pruritus [23 (24%) vs. 20 (11%); p = 0.005], tendon rupture [7 (7%) vs. 3 (2%); p = 0.03) and bone pain [2 (0-3) vs. 0 (0-3) units; p = 0.02]. Logistic regression reveals that prior bone Al accumulation [OR: 4.517 (CI: 1.176-17.353); p = 0.03] and dialysis vintage [OR: 1.003 (CI: 1.000-1.007); p = 0.046] as independent determinants of bone Al accumulation; minor perturbations in dynamic bone parameters and no differences in bone fractures rate were noted; MACE was more prevalent in patients with bone Al accumulation [21 (34%) vs. 23 (18%) events; p = 0.016]. Cox regression shows the actual/prior diagnosis of bone Al accumulation and diabetes mellitus as independent predictors for MACE: [HR = 3.129 (CI: 1.439-6.804; p = 0.004) and HR = 2.785 (CI: 1.120-6.928; p = 0.028]. CONCLUSIONS: An elevated proportion of patients have bone Al accumulation, associated with a greater prevalence of bone pain, tendon rupture, and pruritus; bone Al accumulation was associated with minor perturbations in renal osteodystrophy; actual/prior diagnosis of bone Al accumulation and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors for MACE.

The Prevalence of Incidental Mastoid Opacification and the Need for Intervention: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The increasing use of cross-sectional imaging has led to the predicament of incidental mastoid opacification (IMO). We investigated the prevalence of IMO and the clinical need for ENT assessment or intervention when identified. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The PRISMA statement standards were used to search electronic databases including Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. The selection criteria were mastoid opacification found on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as incidental findings. RESULTS: A total of 16 studies were identified for qualitative analysis and 15 for quantitative analysis, mainly retrospective. The pooled prevalence of IMO in 246,288 patients was 8.4% (95% CI 5.5-12.0). The prevalence of IMO was significantly higher in studies with children (17.2%, 95% CI 10.9-24.6) than those with adults (6.1%, 95% CI 3.3-9.6); smaller sample size studies (12.4%, 95% CI 8.1-17.3) compared to larger sample size studies (4.1%, 95% CI 1.5-7.8); and when IMO was detected by viewing images (14.5%, 95% CI 9.9-19.8) compared to reading reports (3.5%, 95% CI 1.3-6.6). Imaging modality was not a significant moderator due to similar IMO rate on CT (8.6%, 95% CI 1.8-19.7) and MRI (10.4%, 95% CI 4.9-17.6). Nine studies reported on clinical outcomes of patients with IMO, and none reliably reported any cases of clinical mastoiditis. CONCLUSIONS: The term "mastoiditis" on radiology reports based on IMO does not indicate a clinical diagnosis of mastoiditis, although the current body of evidence is limited. Otolaryngology review is suggested if clinical correlation detects otological signs or symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 132:422-432, 2022.

Analysis of Clinical Characteristics of 556 Spinal Tuberculosis Patients in Two Tertiary Teaching Hospitals in Guangxi Province.

Spinal tuberculosis (STB), which accounts for half of musculoskeletal tuberculosis, is among the leading causes of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Guangxi Province, located in southern China, is among the most severely affected provinces in China. In this study, we collected and analyzed data from 2 Class-A tertiary teaching hospitals in Nanning City, Guangxi Province, from 2011 to 2019, with the aim of providing reference points for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis analysis of STB, using the epidemiological characteristics of 556 STB cases. Our results revealed that males had a slightly higher incidence (50.17%) compared to females (49.83%), with 64.93% of cases falling between the ages of 18 and 45 years. Cases from rural communities accounted for 63.49% of the reviewed cases. The average time between onset of symptoms and hospitalization was 18.0 months (range: 1 day-220 months). The most commonly reported symptoms were lower back pain (78.60%), radicular pain (51.98%), and systemic toxemia (43.53%). Additionally, 53.98% of the reviewed cases had varying degrees of neurological impairment. The main pathological lesion locations were the lumbar spine (43.53%) and thoracic spine (32.55%). Among them, 72.66% of cases involved at least 2 vertebral segments, and 62.77% of cases presented with paravertebral abscesses. Among the cases reviewed, 90.65% underwent antituberculosis chemotherapy prior to surgery. Following treatment, the cure rate was 78.41%, while 3.78% of patients had postoperative relapse. There were cases of concomitant illnesses among the cases reviewed, 40.65% of patients also had pulmonary tuberculosis, 15.29% had hepatitis B, 13.30% had diabetes, and 7.91% had hypertension. Our results still demonstrate that spinal tuberculosis remains a serious public health problem in Guangxi Province. Thus, preventive measures should be directed towards rural residents with comorbidities such as the elderly and diabetic.

Enfermedades, lesiones y accidentes en trabajadores de la construcción en Uruguay, período 2014-2018 / Illnesses, injuries and accidents among construction workers in Uruguay, 2014-2018

El presente trabajo se realizó en el marco de las actividades de investigación y extensión del Departamento de Salud Ocupacional de la Facultad de Medicina Universidad de la República, por iniciativa de los trabajadores del sindicato único de la construcción y afines. El objetivo fue conocer el perfil de salud y enfermedad de los trabajadores del sector con el propósito de generar acciones que promuevan la salud laboral del colectivo involucrado. La investigación realizada es de carácter descriptivo a partir de fuentes secundarias. De los resultados se destacaron las enfermedades del aparato osteomioarticular, lesiones por traumatismos o envenenamiento y patologías del aparato respiratorio como principales causas de ausentismo de origen médico. La patología osteomioarticular fue la primera causa de incapacidad total y también es la primera causa de incapacidad para la tarea en el periodo estudiado. La tasa de incidencia acumulada de los accidentes en el año 2014 fue de 81,8 por 1.000 trabajadores cotizantes de la construcción, presentando una caída sostenida hasta el 2018 que alcanzó el valor de 60,2 por 1.000 trabajadores cotizantes. El tipo de accidente más frecuente observado en el periodo fueron las lesiones a esfuerzo excesivo. Con respecto a los accidentes mortales existe una caída marcada entre los años 2014 al 2016 con un ascenso progresivo en 2018. De la investigación surge como necesidad mejorar el reconocimiento de la patología profesional en el sector, profundizar las acciones en seguridad y salud con énfasis en aspectos ergonómicos de la carga física(AU)

This study was carried out under the framework of the research and outreach activities of the Department of Occupational Health of the School of Medicine of the University of the Republic, as an initiative of the workers of its single union of construction and related industries. The objective was to describe the health and disease profile of workers in the sector in order to generate actions to promote their occupational health. The study was descriptive and consisted of a secondary analysis of existing data. Musculoskeletal disorders, traumatic injuries, poisonings and respiratory illnesses were the main cause of sickness absence. Musculoskeletal disorders were the main cause of both work-related and total disability. The cumulative incidence rate of injuries in 2014 was 81.8 per 1000 dues-paying construction workers, and subsequently declined until 2018, to an incidence of 62.2 per 1000 dues-paying workers. Overexertion was the most common mechanism of injury. With respect to fatal accidents, there was a arked decline between 2014 and 2016, followed by a progressive increasein 2018. This study underscores the need to improve the recognition of occupational illness and injury in the construction and related industries sector, and to add depth to safety and health interventions, with an emphasis on ergonomic aspects of physical loads(AU)

Radiographs of 366 removed limb-lengthening nails reveal differences in bone abnormalities between different nail types.

AIMS: Limb-lengthening nails have largely replaced external fixation in limb-lengthening and reconstructive surgery. However, the adverse events and high prevalence of radiological changes recently noted with the STRYDE lengthening nail have raised concerns about the use of internal lengthening nails. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of radiological bone abnormalities between STRYDE, PRECICE, and FITBONE nails prior to nail removal. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series from three centres. Patients were included if they had either of the three limb-lengthening nails (STYDE, PRECICE, or FITBONE) removed. Standard orthogonal radiographs immediately prior to nail removal were examined for bone abnormalities at the junction of the telescoping nail parts. RESULTS: In total, 306 patients (168 male, 138 female) had 366 limb-lengthening nails removed. The mean time from nail insertion to radiological evaluation was 434 days (36 to 3,015). Overall, 77% of STRYDE nails (20/26) had bone abnormalities at the interface compared with only 2% of FITBONE (4/242) and 1% of PRECICE nails (1/98; p < 0.001). Focal osteolysis in conjunction with periosteal reaction at the telescoping interface was only observed in STRYDE nails. CONCLUSION: Bone abnormalities at the interface of telescoping nail parts were seen in the majority of STRYDE nails, but only very rarely with FITBONE or PRECICE nails. We conclude that the low prevalence of radiological changes at the junctional interface of 242 FITBONE and 98 PRECICE nails at the time of nail removal does not warrant clinical concerns. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(11):1731-1735.

Skeletal adverse events in childhood cancer survivors: An Adult Life after Childhood Cancer in Scandinavia cohort study.

The dynamic growth of the skeleton during childhood and adolescence renders it vulnerable to adverse effects of cancer treatment. The lifetime risk and patterns of skeletal morbidity have not been described in a population-based cohort of childhood cancer survivors. A cohort of 26 334 1-year cancer survivors diagnosed before 20 years of age was identified from the national cancer registries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden as well as a cohort of 127 531 age- and sex-matched comparison subjects randomly selected from the national population registries in each country. The two cohorts were linked with data from the national hospital registries and the observed numbers of first-time hospital admissions for adverse skeletal outcomes among childhood cancer survivors were compared to the expected numbers derived from the comparison cohort. In total, 1987 childhood cancer survivors had at least one hospital admission with a skeletal adverse event as discharge diagnosis, yielding a rate ratio (RR) of 1.35 (95% confidence interval, 1.29-1.42). Among the survivors, we observed an increased risk for osteonecrosis with a RR of 25.9 (15.0-44.5), osteoporosis, RR 4.53 (3.28-6.27), fractures, RR 1.27 (1.20-1.34), osteochondropathies, RR 1.57 (1.28-1.92) and osteoarthrosis, RR 1.48 (1.28-1.72). The hospitalization risk for any skeletal adverse event was higher among survivors up to the age of 60 years, but the lifetime pattern was different for each type of skeletal adverse event. Understanding the different lifetime patterns and identification of high-risk groups is crucial for developing strategies to optimize skeletal health in childhood cancer survivors.

Prevalencia de enfermedad osteomioarticular lumbosacras y miembros inferiores en auxiliares de enfermería / Prevalence of lumbosacral and lower limb osteomyoarticular pathologies in nursing assistants / Prevalência de doença osteomioarticular lombossacral e de membros inferiores em auxiliares de enfermagem

RESUMEN Introducción: Los trabajadores de la salud se enfrentan permanentemente a labores complejas que afectan la región lumbar y miembros inferiores. Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia de enfermedad osteomioarticular lumbosacras y miembros inferiores en auxiliares de enfermería Método: Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico, descriptivo y transversal en una muestra de 46 auxiliares del Distrito 18D04 de salud de Tungurahua, Ecuador. El instrumento aplicado fue un cuestionario para indagar variables sociodemográficas, antigüedad en el sector, horarios, tipos y tiempo de exposición a las labores habituales. Se utilizó la prueba estadística Chi-cuadrado, la paramétrica de correlación de Pearson y la prueba t de Student. Resultados: El 85 % de los estudiados presentó enfermedades lumbosacras y miembros inferiores durante el tiempo de trabajo, se apreció que el 39 % ha tenido una baja temporal al trabajo entre 1-3 días. Se identificó que la carga de peso es realizada por un 37 % y caminatas prolongadas en un 33 %. El 67 % tenía entre 11 y 40 años de trabajo y el resto menos de 10 años en el sector. El 54 % padeció enfermedades pertenecientes a miembros inferiores y un 46 % a lumbosacras. Conclusiones: El padecimiento de enfermedad osteomioarticular lumbosacras y miembros inferiores está relacionado con la edad y con padecerlas en los últimos doce meses, estas han provocado ausentismo laboral. No se comprobó una relación estadísticamente significativa con el padecimiento de enfermedad osteomioarticular con la antigüedad en el sector, las jornadas de trabajo y las actividades que más desarrollan.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Health care workers are constantly confronted with complex tasks that affect the lumbar region and lower limbs. Objective: To identify the prevalence of lumbosacral and lower limb osteomyoarticular pathologies in nursing assistants. Method: An epidemiological, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the 18D04 health district of Tungurahua, Ecuador. A total of 46 nursing assistants were selected in this study. We aimed a questionnaire to assess the sociodemographic variables, seniority in the health sector, time schedules, modes and time of exposure to the usual work. Chi-square test, Pearson's parametric correlation test, and the Student's t-test were used. Results: Most nursing assistants, the 85%, were diagnosed with lumbosacral and lower limb pathologies, and 39% took a temporary absence from work between 1-3 days. It was found that 37 % performed the heavy load work and 33% performed prolonged walks. The 67% had between 11 and 40 years of work and the rest had less than 10 years in the health sector. Fifty-four percent suffered from lower limb pathologies and 46% from lumbosacral pathologies. Conclusions: Lumbosacral and lower limb osteomyoarticular pathology is related to age, and their suffering in the last 12 months has led to a level of absenteeism in the workplace. There was no an important relationship, statistically, between osteomyoarticular pathology and seniority in the sector, working hours and the activities most frequently performed.

RESUMO Introdução: Os trabalhadores da saúde enfrentam constantemente tarefas complexas que afetam a região lombar e membros inferiores. Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência de doenças osteomioarticulares lombossacrais e de membros inferiores em auxiliares de enfermagem. Método: Estudo epidemiológico, descritivo e transversal em uma amostra de 46 auxiliares do Distrito Sanitário 18D04 de Tungurahua, Equador. O instrumento aplicado foi um questionário para investigar variáveis sociodemográficas, antiguidade no setor, horário, tipos e tempo de exposição a tarefas normais. Foram utilizados o teste estatístico Qui-quadrado, correlação paramétrica de Pearson e teste t de Student. Resultados: 85% dos estudados apresentaram doenças lombossacrais e de membros inferiores durante o tempo de trabalho, observou-se que 39% tiveram afastamento temporário do trabalho entre 1-3 dias. Identificou-se que a descarga de peso é realizada por 37% e as caminhadas prolongadas por 33%. 67% tinham entre 11 e 40 anos de trabalho e o restante menos de 10 anos no setor. 54% sofreram doenças pertencentes aos membros inferiores e 46% lombossacral. Conclusões: O sofrimento da doença osteomioarticular lombossacral e de membros inferiores está relacionado à idade e com o sofrimento nos últimos doze meses, estes têm causado absenteísmo ao trabalho. Não foi verificada relação estatisticamente significativa entre o sofrimento de doença osteomioarticular e o tempo de permanência no setor, a jornada de trabalho e as atividades que mais desenvolvem.

Multimorbidity and its associated factors among adults aged 50 and over: A cross-sectional study in 17 European countries.

AIMS: To estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity among European community-dwelling adults, as well as to analyse the association with gender, age, education, self-rated health, loneliness, quality of life, size of social network, Body Mass Index (BMI) and disability. METHODS: A cross-sectional study based on wave 6 (2015) of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was conducted, and community-dwelling participants aged 50+ (n = 63,844) from 17 European countries were selected. Multimorbidity was defined as presenting two or more health conditions. The independent variables were gender, age group, educational level, self-rated health, loneliness, size of network, quality of life, BMI and disability (1+ limitations of basic activities of daily living). Poisson regression models with robust variance were fit for bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of multimorbidity was 28.2% (confidence interval-CI 95%: 27.5.8-29.0) among men and 34.5% (CI95%: 34.1-35.4) among women. The most common health conditions were cardiometabolic and osteoarticular diseases in both genders, and emotional disorders in younger women. A large variability in the prevalence of multimorbidity in European countries was verified, even between countries of the same region. CONCLUSIONS: Multimorbidity was associated with sociodemographic and physical characteristics, self-rated health, quality of life and loneliness.

Management and retrospective analysis of tumors and tumor-like lesions localized in the talus.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the characterization and follow-up results of tumors and tumor-like lesions in the talus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients (15 males, 6 females; mean age: 31.6±17 years; range, 4 to 67 years) with benign and malignant tumors or tumor-like lesions in the talus region treated and followed in our clinic between January 2007 and January 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Radiological, pathological, surgical, and demographic features were scanned from the database. RESULTS: Patients were followed for mean 80±45.1 (range, 25 to 156) months. The most common complaint was pain and antalgic gait. Benign bone tumors were found in 15 (71%) of 21 patients, while tumor-like lesions (two intraosseous ganglia, osteomyelitis, and bone infarction) were found in four patients. The remaining two were patients with lung and bladder cancer metastasis. Lesion size was mean 2.1±0.5 (range, 1.1 to 3.3) cm. Recurrence developed in 14.3% (n=3) of the patients during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The talus is a rare location for tumors; however, benign and malignant tumors and tumor-like lesions may be localized in the talus.

Effect of birth season on anthropometrics and diseases of bone mineralization in the US population.

OBJECTIVES: Birth season has been inconsistently associated with anthropometrics, bone fractures, and malocclusion. Our aim was to assess the association between birth season and anthropometrics (height, weight, birth weight), bone fractures and dental malocclusion in the United States. METHODS: US surveys conducted between 1963-1973 assessed 16 152 6-to-21-year-old participants. Prevalence ratios and mean differences were estimated using linear models using fall as reference. RESULTS: Participants born in spring, when compared to fall, were of similar height (mean difference (MD) in height-adjusted Z score 0.03, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -0.01 to 0.08; P-value = .17), weight (MD for weight-adjusted Z-score 0.00, 95% CI: -0.05 to 0.04; P-value =0.83), had similar rates of bone fractures (Prevalence Rate [PR] 1.07; 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.22; P-value = .28) and similar rates of dental malocclusion (MD of malocclusion index HLD -0.16; 95% confidence interval - 0.39 to 0.07; P = .18). CONCLUSION: We did not find an impact of birth season on anthropometrics, bone fractures, and dental malocclusions.

Bone targeted therapy and skeletal related events in the era of enzalutamide and abiraterone acetate for castration resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases.

BACKGROUND: In an era of multiple life-prolonging therapies for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), the optimal timing of initiation and duration of antiresorptive bone targeted therapy (BTT) to prevent skeletal related events (SREs) is unknown. METHODS: To assess practice patterns of BTT use and its associations with clinical outcomes in a high-volume center in the modern era of metastatic CRPC management, a retrospective cohort of patients treated for mCRPC with BM between 2007 and 2017 was identified from a single institutions clinical research database. Study endpoints included time from the diagnosis of CRPC to the onset of SRE or OS. Cox proportional hazards model assessed association of BTT use with time to first SRE and OS. RESULTS: In total, 249 patients were identified; median follow-up was 7.7 (95%CI: 5.7-10.2) years. On multivariable analysis, patients with 4 or more BM at diagnosis of mCRPC who received BTT with abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide as first line therapy had a 42% reduced risk of developing an SRE (HR 0.58; 95%CI: 0.36-0.95) compared to those who never received BTT or received it in second line. No such effect was observed in patients with 1-3 BM. No OS difference was noted in patients who received BTT, whether with first line therapy or without. This study is limited by retrospective nature at a single institution. CONCLUSIONS: Our hospital registry data indicate a potential benefit in terms of SRE prevention for early use of antiresorptive BTT in combination with life prolonging CRPC therapies for patients with CRPC and at least 4 BM.

The Association between Community Water Fluoridation and Bone Diseases: A Natural Experiment in Cheongju, Korea.

The present study aimed to investigate the association between bone diseases and community water fluoridation (CWF). An ecological study with a natural experiment design was conducted in Cheongju, South Korea, from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2013. The community water fluoridation program was implemented in Cheongju and divided into CWF and non-CWF areas. To observe adverse health effects related to bone diseases, we conducted a spatio-temporal analysis of the prevalence of hip fracture, osteoporosis, and bone cancer in residents who have lived in CWF and non-CWF areas using National Health Insurance Service data. First, we used standardized incidence ratios to estimate the disease risk. Second, the hierarchical Bayesian Poisson spatio-temporal regression model was used to investigate the association between the selected bone diseases and CWF considering space and time interaction. The method for Bayesian estimation was based on the R-integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA). Comparing the CWF area with the non-CWF area, there was no clear evidence that exposure to CWF increased health risks at the town level in Cheongju since CWF was terminated after 2004. The posterior relative risks (RR) of hip fracture was 0.95 (95% confidence intervals 0.87, 1.05) and osteoporosis was 0.94 (0.87, 1.02). The RR in bone cancer was a little high because the sample size very small compared to the other bone diseases (RR = 1.20 (0.89, 1.61)). The relative risk of selected bone diseases (hip fractures, osteoporosis, and bone cancer) increased over time but did not increase in the CWF area compared to non-CWF areas. CWF has been used to reduce dental caries in all population groups and is known for its cost-effectiveness. These findings suggest that CWF is not associated with adverse health risks related to bone diseases. This study provides scientific evidence based on a natural experiment design. It is necessary to continue research on the well-designed epidemiological studies and develop public health prevention programs to help in make suitable polices.

Sclerostin and osteoprotegerin: new markers of chronic kidney disease mediated mineral and bone disease in children.

Background Sclerostin and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are new markers of chronic kidney disease (CKD) mediated mineral bone disease (CKD-MBD) which were extensively evaluated in adult population. We aimed to evaluate the associations between serum levels of sclerostin/OPG and parameters of bone turnover and compare the serum levels of sclerostin/OPG in different stages of CKD in children. Methods 70 children with CKD stage 1-5, aged 2-21 years were examined. Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, total calcium, phosphorus , intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and vitamin D were measured. Serum sclerostin and OPG levels were measured in children with different levels of CKD stage and their association with bone turnover parameters were noted. Results We did not observe any significant correlation between serum levels of sclerostin and OPG and stages of CKD. A negative relationship was present between serum sclerostin and 25-OH vitamin D levels. Osteoprotegerin was positively and significantly correlated with ALP but serum sclerostin was negatively correlated with ALP. Conclusion Our study, which includes only children and adolescents with a growing skeleton under uremic conditions and excluding diabetes and atherosclerosis interference, is very valuable. We couldn't find any significant relationship between either sclerostin or OPG levels among different stages of CKD. Also our study demonstared a strong negative relationship between ALP and sclerostin levels and a strong positive relationship between ALP and OPG levels, reminding the importance of ALP levels to predict the bone-mineral status of the children with CKD.

Prevalence of extra-articular manifestations in psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of extra-articular manifestations-enthesitis, dactylitis, nail disease, uveitis and IBD-in PsA, and their impact on longitudinal disease outcomes. METHODS: We searched Medline, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science using a predefined protocol in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies using imaging to define extra-articular manifestations (EAMs) were excluded. Where possible, we performed meta-analyses of prevalence estimates, reported as percentages (95% CI). Heterogeneity (I2 statistic) was examined according to study characteristics. RESULTS: We identified 65 studies amounting to a total of 163 299 PsA patients. Enthesitis was assessed in 29 studies with an average prevalence of 30% (95% CI: 24%, 38%). Dactylitis was reported in 35 studies with an average prevalence of 25% (95% CI: 20%, 31%). Nail disease was present in 60% (95% CI: 52%, 68%) across 26 studies, but definitions were often unclear. Uveitis (3.2%; 95% CI: 1.9%, 5.3%) and IBD (3.3%; 95% CI: 1.5%, 7.1%) were less common. Heterogeneity was high (>95%) in all meta-analyses, but could not be explained by study characteristics. No studies examined the impact of EAMs on longitudinal disease outcomes, except that dactylitis increases radiographic progression. CONCLUSION: Enthesitis, dactylitis and nail disease are highly prevalent in PsA, but not uveitis and IBD. EAM patterns differ from axial SpA despite their shared disease mechanisms, which may help further understand differences between spondyloarthritides. More studies are needed on the impact of EAMs on disease outcomes such as response to treatment.

Osteoprotegerin in diabetic osteopathy.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between OPG and the degree of glycaemic control in a population of elderly subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data presented included 172 elderly subjects, of whom 107 were hospitalized for a hip fracture and 65 were non fractured outpatients. All participants received a multidimensional geriatric evaluation and underwent blood sampling. HbA1c, OPG, CTX and OC were measured and DXA scans were performed. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured in all outpatients. Diabetic patients had more comorbidities, higher mean values of lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD and T-score, lower circulating levels of OC and CTX, and higher circulating levels of OPG compared to non-diabetic subjects. OPG was directly correlated with HbA1c. This association was most evident in non-fractured elderly subjects. Moreover, diabetic patients with IMT>1.5 mm had greater mean values of OPG than non-diabetic subjects with high IMT and than elderly subjects with IMT < 1.5 mm, with and without T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients have reduced circulating levels of OC and CTX, and elevated serum levels of OPG, suggesting a state of low bone turnover. Reduced bone turnover causes an increase of BMD and could lead to a poor bone quality. OPG and HbA1c were directly correlated and OPG mean values were higher in diabetic patients with poor glucose control. Diabetic osteopathy could be considered a late complication of T2DM, directly related with the degree of glucose control and the duration of the disease.

Contemporary Lifestyle Modification Interventions to Improve Metabolic Comorbidities in HIV.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Metabolic comorbidities including diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, all of which are traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors that are highly prevalent in people with HIV (PWH). Bone disease including osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fragility fractures is also prevalent in PWH. These comorbidities may be prevented and treated in part with lifestyle modification, including changes to dietary and physical habits. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent literature that characterizes current lifestyle habits in PWH as well as the effectiveness of lifestyle strategies to improve metabolic comorbidities prevalent in PWH. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have expanded our knowledge regarding the current lifestyle habits of PWH as well as the potential for lifestyle modification to prevent or improve comorbidities prevalent in PWH. Clinical trials focusing on lifestyle modification have shown some benefit of such interventions on traditional risk factors for comorbidities; however, significant heterogeneity exists between studies and results are not consistent. Further clinical trials are needed including developing lifestyle strategies that are feasible, effective, and sustainable to prevent and decrease prevalence of comorbidities in this population.

Elderly HIV-positive women: A gender-based analysis from the Multicenter Italian "GEPPO" Cohort.

BACKGROUND: HIV-positive patients are facing age-and disease-related comorbidities. Since gender differences in viro-immunological, clinical and therapeutic features have been described, aim of this analysis was to explore such differences in elderly HIV-positive females compared to males coming from the same cohort. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Ten Infectious Diseases Center participating to a new multicenter Italian geriatric Cohort aiming at describing health transition over time in HIV-positive individuals. PARTICIPANTS: HIV-positive patients aged ≥65 years old. MEASUREMENTS: We recorded clinical, viro-immunological and therapeutical data. RESULTS: We included 210 women (17%) out of 1237 patients. Compared to males, elderly females were less likely to present a HIV-RNA <50 copies/mL (74.3% vs. 81.8%, OR 0.64, 95%CI 0.44-0.93); they showed higher CD4+/CD8+ ratio (p = 0.016). Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) strategies were similar between genders (p>0.05), although women were less likely to be treated with protease Inhibitors (PIs) (p = 0.05); specifically, in triple-drug regimens females received less PIs (28% vs 38% p = 0.022) and more integrase inhibitors (30% vs. 20% p = 0.012). Bone disease was more common in females (p<0.001) while males presented more frequently cardiovascular disease (CVD) (p<0.001). In females with bone disease, PIs and boosted regimens (38% vs. 53.7% p = 0.026 and 30.4 vs 44.0% p = 0.048 respectively) were prescribed less frequently. Polypharmacy was common and similar in both genders (20% vs. 22.8%, p = >0.05). A higher use of lipid-lowering drugs (20.5% vs. 14.8%, p = 0.04) was observed in females and yet they were less likely to receive anti-thrombotic agents (18.6% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.019) even when CVD was recorded (57.1% vs. 83.1%, p = 0.018). In multivariate analysis, we found that female gender was independently associated with a higher CD4+/CD8+ ratio but not with virological suppression. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly HIV-positive women display a worse virologic response despite a better immune reconstitution compared to males. The burden of comorbidities as well as the medications received (including cART) may slightly differ according to gender. Our data suggest that more efforts and focused interventions are needed in this population.

Predictors of skeletal-related events and mortality in men with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer: Results from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database.

BACKGROUND: Although skeletal-related events (SREs) are linked with a reduced quality of life and worse outcomes, to the authors' knowledge the factors that predict SREs are minimally understood. The objective of the current study was to identify predictors of SREs and all-cause mortality among men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). METHODS: Data were collected on 837 men with bone mCRPC at 8 Veterans Affairs medical centers within the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database from 2000 through 2017. Patients were followed to assess development of SREs (pathological fracture, radiotherapy to bone, spinal cord compression, or surgery to bone). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate predictors of SREs and mortality. RESULTS: Of the 837 men with bone mCRPC, 287 developed a SRE and 740 men died (median follow-up, 26 months). Bone pain was found to be the strongest predictor of SREs (hazard ratio [HR], 2.96; 95% CI, 2.25-3.89). A shorter time from CRPC to the development of metastasis (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85-0.99), shorter progression to CRPC (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91-0.98), and visceral metastasis at the time of diagnosis of bone metastasis (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.18-3.09) were associated with an increased risk of SREs. Ten or more bone metastases (HR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.72-2.74), undergoing radical prostatectomy (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.61-0.89), shorter progression to CRPC (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99), older age (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.04), higher prostate-specific antigen level at the time of diagnosis of metastasis (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.14-1.28), bone pain (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.23-1.70), and visceral metastasis (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.23-2.39) were associated with an increased mortality risk. CONCLUSIONS: Among men with bone mCRPC, bone pain was found to be the strongest predictor of SREs and the number of bone metastases was a strong predictor of mortality. If validated, these factors potentially may be used for risk stratification and for SRE prevention strategies.

Safety analysis of proposed pegfilgrastim biosimilar in Phase I and Phase III studies.

Aim: This analysis compares safety data for Sandoz proposed biosimilar (LA-EP2006) and reference pegfilgrastim from a Phase I pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study in healthy volunteers (HVs) and two Phase III confirmatory studies in patients with breast cancer (BC; total n = 808). Patients & methods: Baseline characteristics were summarized, and event rates of bone pain and headache calculated. Results: HVs in the Phase I pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study were generally younger, with lower mean body mass index, versus BC patients in PROTECT-1/-2. Bone pain was the most frequent adverse event with similar incidences with reference versus proposed biosimilar in all studies. Conclusion: No differences in adverse events were found between Sandoz proposed biosimilar and reference pegfilgrastim, notwithstanding some differences between HVs and BC patients.