Event-free survival by residual cancer burden with pembrolizumab in early-stage TNBC: exploratory analysis from KEYNOTE-522.

BACKGROUND: KEYNOTE-522 demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pathological complete response (pCR) with neoadjuvant pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy and event-free survival (EFS) with neoadjuvant pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy followed by adjuvant pembrolizumab in patients with high-risk, early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Prior studies have shown the prognostic value of the residual cancer burden (RCB) index to quantify the extent of residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In this preplanned exploratory analysis, we assessed RCB distribution and EFS within RCB categories by treatment group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1174 patients with stage T1c/N1-2 or T2-4/N0-2 TNBC were randomized 2 : 1 to pembrolizumab 200 mg or placebo every 3 weeks given with four cycles of paclitaxel + carboplatin, followed by four cycles of doxorubicin or epirubicin + cyclophosphamide. After surgery, patients received pembrolizumab or placebo for nine cycles or until recurrence or unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoints are pCR and EFS. RCB is a prespecified exploratory endpoint. The association between EFS and RCB was assessed using a Cox regression model. RESULTS: Pembrolizumab shifted patients into lower RCB categories across the entire spectrum compared with placebo. There were more patients in the pembrolizumab group with RCB-0 (pCR), and fewer patients in the pembrolizumab group with RCB-1, RCB-2, and RCB-3. The corresponding hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for EFS were 0.70 (0.38-1.31), 0.92 (0.39-2.20), 0.52 (0.32-0.82), and 1.24 (0.69-2.23). The most common first EFS events were distant recurrences, with fewer in the pembrolizumab group across all RCB categories. Among patients with RCB-0/1, more than half [21/38 (55.3%)] of all events were central nervous system recurrences, with 13/22 (59.1%) in the pembrolizumab group and 8/16 (50.0%) in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy resulted in fewer EFS events in the RCB-0, RCB-1, and RCB-2 categories, with the greatest benefit in RCB-2. These findings demonstrate that pembrolizumab not only increased pCR rates, but also improved EFS among most patients who do not have a pCR.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of fracture liaison services: a Markov model using Dutch real-world data.

This study assessed the lifetime cost-effectiveness of a fracture liaison service (FLS) compared to no-FLS in the Netherlands from a societal perspective and suggested that FLS was cost-effective in patients with a recent fracture aged 50 years and older. The implementation of FLS could lead to lifetime health-economic benefits. INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to investigate the lifetime cost-effectiveness of a fracture liaison service (FLS) compared to no-FLS in the Netherlands from a societal perspective and using real-world data. METHODS: Annual fracture incidence, treatment scenarios as well as treatment initiation in the years 2017-2019 were collected from a large secondary care hospital in the Netherlands. An individual-level, state transition model was designed to simulate lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Treatment pathways were differentiated by gender, presence of osteoporosis and/or prevalent vertebral fracture, and treatment status. Results were presented as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER). Both one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS: For patients with a recent fracture aged 50 years and older, the presence of an FLS was associated with a lifetime €45 higher cost and 0.11 additional QALY gained leading to an ICER of €409 per QALY gained, indicating FLS was cost-effective compared to no-FLS at the Dutch threshold of €20,000/QALY. The FLS remained cost-effectiveness across different age categories. Our findings were robust in all one-way sensitivity analyses, the higher the treatment initiation rate in FLS, the greater the cost-effective of FLS. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses revealed that FLS was cost-effective in 90% of the simulations at the threshold of €20,000/QALY, with women 92% versus men 84% by gender. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first health-economic analysis of FLS in the Netherlands, suggesting the implementation of FLS could lead to lifetime health-economic benefits.

Physical performance and sarcopenia assessment in patients with a recent fracture visiting the Fracture Liaison Service.

Impaired physical performance is associated with increased fracture risk. Performance on four physical functioning tests and prevalence of sarcopenia were assessed for 1789 fracture patients and compared to reference data. Performance was low on all tests, especially for patients with a hip, major or ≥ 1 prevalent vertebral fracture. PURPOSE INTRODUCTION: Impaired physical performance and sarcopenia are associated with increased fracture risk. This study aims to assess physical performance and the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with a recent clinical fracture attending the Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) compared to population means. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, chair stand test (CST), handgrip strength (HGS), timed-up-and-go (TUG), 6-min walking-test (6MWT), and sarcopenia (following EWGSOP2) were assessed. The proportion of patients with impaired/poor performance compared to reference data was calculated (Z-score: ≥ - 2SD to < - 1 (impaired) and < - 2 SD (poor)). Associations of fracture type, sex, age, and time since fracture with Z-scores were assessed using linear regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1789 consecutive FLS patients were included (median age (IQR): 66 (59-74), 70.7% females, 3.9 (± 1.6) months after fracture). The prevalence of impaired/poor performance for CST, HGS, TUG, and 6MWT was 39.2%, 30.4%, 21.9%, and 71.5%, respectively (expected proportion of 16%) and 2.8% had sarcopenia. Lower Z-scores (P < 0.001) were found for hip, major, and ≥ 1 prevalent vertebral fracture (VF) in CST (major: regression coefficient (B) (95%CI) = - 0.25 [- 0.34, - 0.16]; hip: B = - 0.32 [- 0.47, - 0.17], VF: B = - 0.22 [- 0.34, - 0.11]), TUG; (major: B = - 0.54 [- 0.75, - 0.33]; hip: B = - 1.72 [- 2.08, -1.35], VF: B = - 0.61 [- 0.88, - 0.57]), 6MWT (major: B = - 0.34 [- 0.47, - 0.21]; hip: B = - 0.99 [- 1,22, - 0.77], VF: B = - 0.36 [- 0.53, - 0.19]). CONCLUSIONS: Physical performance is significantly lower in FLS patients compared to healthy peers, especially in patients with hip, major or prevalent VF. These findings underline the need to assess and improve the physical performance of FLS patients, despite a low prevalence of sarcopenia.

Disease Manifestations and Complications in Dutch X-Linked Hypophosphatemia Patients.

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common monogenetic cause of chronic hypophosphatemia, characterized by rickets and osteomalacia. Disease manifestations and treatment of XLH patients in the Netherlands are currently unknown. Characteristics of XLH patients participating in the Dutch observational registry for genetic hypophosphatemia and acquired renal phosphate wasting were analyzed. Eighty XLH patients, including 29 children, were included. Genetic testing, performed in 78.8% of patients, showed a PHEX mutation in 96.8%. Median (range) Z-score for height was - 2.5 (- 5.5; 1.0) in adults and - 1.4 (- 3.7; 1.0) in children. Many patients were overweight or obese: 64.3% of adults and 37.0% of children. All children received XLH-related medication e.g., active vitamin D, phosphate supplementation or burosumab, while 8 adults used no medication. Lower age at start of XLH-related treatment was associated with higher height at inclusion. Hearing loss was reported in 6.9% of children and 31.4% of adults. Knee deformities were observed in 75.0% of all patients and osteoarthritis in 51.0% of adult patients. Nephrocalcinosis was observed in 62.1% of children and 33.3% of adults. Earlier start of XLH-related treatment was associated with higher risk of nephrocalcinosis and detection at younger age. Hyperparathyroidism longer than six months was reported in 37.9% of children and 35.3% of adults. This nationwide study confirms the high prevalence of adiposity, hearing loss, bone deformities, osteoarthritis, nephrocalcinosis and hyperparathyroidism in Dutch XLH patients. Early start of XLH-related treatment appears to be beneficial for longitudinal growth but may increase development of nephrocalcinosis.

Fracture risk revisited: Bone mineral density T-score and fracture risk in type 2 diabetes.

AIM: To study the association between femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (BMD) T-score and fracture risk in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a single-centre retrospective cohort study using the Danish National Health Service. BMD of the FN was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to study the association between FN BMD T-score and fractures in individuals with and without T2D separately, adjusted for age, comorbidities and comedication. The results from this analysis were used to estimate the 10-year absolute fracture risk. RESULTS: In total, there were 35,129 women (2362 with T2D) and 7069 men (758 with T2D). The FN BMD T-score was significantly associated with risk of any, hip and major osteoporotic fracture in men and women with [adjusted hazard risk ratios (aHR) women, hip: 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24-2.00, incidence rate (IR) 8.7; aHR men, hip: 1.55; 95% CI 1.01-2.36, IR 4.6] and without T2D (aHR women, hip: 1.75; 95% CI 1.64-1.87, IR 7.0; aHR men, hip: 1.97, 95% CI 1.73-2.25, IR 6.3), and its ability to predict fracture risk was similar. Fracture IRs were not significantly different for individuals with or without T2D, nor was the estimated cumulative 10-year fracture risk. CONCLUSIONS: The FN BMD T-score was significantly associated with hip, non-spine and major osteoporotic fracture risk in men and women with and without T2D. Fracture risk for a given T-score and age was equal in individuals with and without T2D, as was the ability of the FN BMD T-score to predict fracture risk.

The Fracture Phenotypes in Women and Men of 50 Years and Older with a Recent Clinical Fracture.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review the literature about patients 50 years and older with a recent clinical fracture for the presence of skeletal and extra-skeletal risks, their perspectives of imminent subsequent fracture, falls, mortality, and other risks, and on the role of the fracture liaison service (FLS) for timely secondary fracture prevention. RECENT FINDINGS: Patients with a recent clinical fracture present with heterogeneous patterns of bone-, fall-, and comorbidity-related risks. Short-term perspectives include bone loss, increased risk of fractures, falls, and mortality, and a decrease in physical performance and quality of life. Combined evaluation of bone, fall risk, and the presence of associated comorbidities contributes to treatment strategies. Since fractures are related to interactions of bone-, fall-, and comorbidity-related risks, there is no one-single-discipline-fits-all approach but a need for a multidisciplinary approach at the FLS to consider all phenotypes for evaluation and treatment in an individual patient.

Physical Functioning in Patients with a Recent Fracture: The "Can Do, Do Do" Framework Applied to Explore Physical Capacity, Physical Activity and Fall Risk Factors.

Physical capacity (PC) and physical activity (PA) are associated physical performance measures, and combined, PC and PA are used to categorize physical performance in the "can do, do do" framework. We aimed to explore physical performance of patients attending the fracture liaison service (FLS). In this cross-sectional study, PC was measured by 6-min-walking-test (can't do/can do) and PA by accelerometer (don't do/do do). Following quadrants were defined based on predefined cut-off scores for poor performance: (1) "can't do, don't do"; (2) "can do, don't do"; (3) "can't do, do do"; (4) "can do, do do". Odds ratios (OR) were calculated and fall and fracture risk factors were assessed between quadrants. Physical performance of 400 fracture patients was assessed (mean age 64; female 70.8%). Patients performed as follows: 8.3% "can't do, don't do"; 3.0% "can do, don't do"; 19.3% "can't do, do do"; 69.5% "can do, do do". For the "can't do" group the OR for low PA was 9.76 (95% CI: 4.82-19.80). Both the "can't do, don't do" and "can't do, do do" group differed significantly compared to the "can do, do do" group on several fall and fracture risk factors and had lower physical performance. The "can do, do do" framework is able to identify fracture patients with an impaired physical performance. Of all FLS patients 20% "can't do, but "do do" while having a high prevalence of fall risk factors compared to persons that "can do, do do", which may indicate this group is prone to fall.

Incidence and oncological implication of adrenal incidentalomas in esophageal cancer patients.

Adrenal incidentalomas are regularly encountered during imaging for esophageal cancer patients, but their oncological significance remains unknown. This study aimed to describe the incidence and etiology of adrenal incidentalomas observed throughout the diagnostic workup. This retrospective cohort study included all esophageal cancer patients referred to or diagnosed in the Amsterdam UMC between January 2012 and December 2016. Radiology and multidisciplinary team meeting reports were reviewed for adrenal incidentalomas. In case of adrenal incidentaloma, the 18FDG-PET/CT was reassessed by a radiologist blinded for the original report. In case of a metachronous incidentaloma during follow-up, visibility on previous imaging was reassessed. Primary outcome was the incidence, etiology and oncological consequence of synchronous adrenal incidentalomas. This study included 1,164 esophageal cancer patients, with a median age of 66 years. Patients were predominantly male (76.1%) and the majority had an adenocarcinoma (69.0%). Adrenal incidentalomas were documented in 138 patients (11.9%) during the diagnostic workup. At primary esophageal cancer workup, 22 incidentalomas proved malignant. However, follow-up showed that four incidentalomas were inaccurately diagnosed as benign and three malignant incidentalomas were visible on staging imaging but initially missed. Stage migration occurred in 15 of 22 (68.2%), but this would have been higher if none were missed or inaccurately diagnosed. The oncological impact of adrenal incidentalomas in patients with esophageal cancer is significant as a considerable part of incidentalomas changed treatment intent from curative to palliative. As stage migration is likely, pathological examination of a synchronous adrenal incidentaloma should be weighted in mind.

Entomopathogens infecting brown marmorated stink bugs before, during, and after overwintering.

The microsporidian, Nosema maddoxi Becnel, Solter, Hajek, Huang, Sanscrainte & Estep, infects brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), populations in North America and Asia and causes decreased fitness in infected insects. This host overwinters as adults, often in aggregations in sheltered locations, and variable levels of mortality occur over the winter. We investigated pathogen prevalence in H. halys adults before, during, and after overwintering. Population level studies resulted in detection of N. maddoxi in H. halys in 6 new US states, but no difference in levels of infection by N. maddoxi in autumn versus the following spring. Halyomorpha halys that self-aggregated for overwintering in shelters deployed in the field were maintained under simulated winter conditions (4°C) for 5 months during the 2021-2022 winter and early spring, resulting in 34.6 ± 4.8% mortality. Over the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 winters, 13.4 ± 3.5% of surviving H. halys in shelters were infected with N. maddoxi, while N. maddoxi infections were found in 33.4 ± 10.8% of moribund and dead H. halys that accumulated in shelters. A second pathogen, Colletotrichum fioriniae Marcelino & Gouli, not previously reported from H. halys, was found among 46.7 ± 7.8% of the H. halys that died while overwintering, but levels of infection decreased after overwintering. These 2 pathogens occurred as co-infections in 11.1 ± 5.9% of the fungal-infected insects that died while overwintering. Increasing levels of N. maddoxi infection caused epizootics among H. halys reared in greenhouse cages after overwintering.

Overall survival in the OlympiA phase III trial of adjuvant olaparib in patients with germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 and high-risk, early breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The randomized, double-blind OlympiA trial compared 1 year of the oral poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, olaparib, to matching placebo as adjuvant therapy for patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 (gBRCA1/2pv) and high-risk, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, early breast cancer (EBC). The first pre-specified interim analysis (IA) previously demonstrated statistically significant improvement in invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) and distant disease-free survival (DDFS). The olaparib group had fewer deaths than the placebo group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance for overall survival (OS). We now report the pre-specified second IA of OS with updates of IDFS, DDFS, and safety. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One thousand eight hundred and thirty-six patients were randomly assigned to olaparib or placebo following (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy if indicated. Endocrine therapy was given concurrently with study medication for hormone receptor-positive cancers. Statistical significance for OS at this IA required P < 0.015. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 3.5 years, the second IA of OS demonstrated significant improvement in the olaparib group relative to the placebo group [hazard ratio 0.68; 98.5% confidence interval (CI) 0.47-0.97; P = 0.009]. Four-year OS was 89.8% in the olaparib group and 86.4% in the placebo group (Δ 3.4%, 95% CI -0.1% to 6.8%). Four-year IDFS for the olaparib group versus placebo group was 82.7% versus 75.4% (Δ 7.3%, 95% CI 3.0% to 11.5%) and 4-year DDFS was 86.5% versus 79.1% (Δ 7.4%, 95% CI 3.6% to 11.3%), respectively. Subset analyses for OS, IDFS, and DDFS demonstrated benefit across major subgroups. No new safety signals were identified including no new cases of acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. CONCLUSION: With 3.5 years of median follow-up, OlympiA demonstrates statistically significant improvement in OS with adjuvant olaparib compared with placebo for gBRCA1/2pv-associated EBC and maintained improvements in the previously reported, statistically significant endpoints of IDFS and DDFS with no new safety signals.

Health-related quality of life of patients with a recent fracture attending a fracture liaison service: a 3-year follow-up study.

This study explored the course of health state utility value over 3 years in patients with a recent fracture attending a Fracture Liaison Service and suggested that the overall change in health-related quality of life was not significant, although significant improvements were observed at 6 and 12 months compared to baseline. INTRODUCTION: To estimate the 3-year health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with a recent fracture presenting at a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) and to explore factors associated with health state utility value (HSUV). METHODS: Patients' HSUVs were derived from the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D and calculated at six time points. Multiple imputation was applied for missing data. Linear mixed-effects regression analysis with random intercept and slope was applied to explore the course of HSUV over 3 years. The impact of subsequent fracture and the length of time between FLS visit and patients' index fracture on HSUV were also investigated. A backward stepwise elimination was applied to identify factors associated with HSUV. RESULTS: A total of 499 patients were included. The change of EQ-5D HSUV was not significant over 3-year follow-up (P = 0.52), although slightly but significantly higher HSUV was captured at 6 months (mean difference (MD): 0.015, P = 0.02) and 12 months (MD: 0.018, P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in the course of EQ-5D HSUV between fracture locations (P = 0.86). A significant increase in HSUV was only captured for patients had shorter time period (< 107 days) between FLS visit and their index fracture. Suffering a subsequent fracture was associated with significant QoL loss (MD: - 0.078, P < 0.001). Subsequent fracture, previous treatment with anti-osteoporosis medication, a prevalent vertebral fracture (grade 2 or 3), use of a walking aid, previous falls, and higher BMI were negatively associated with mean EQ-5D HSUV over 3 years. Comparable results were found using SF-6D HSUV. The lack of HRQoL data immediately after fracture and selection bias were two main limitations. CONCLUSION: The 3-year change in HSUV was not statistically significant, although significant improvements were observed at 6 and 12 months in comparison with baseline. Six factors were negatively associated with EQ-5D HSUV.

The pattern of incident fractures according to fracture site in people with T1D.

Higher incidences of fractures are seen in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), but knowledge on different fracture sites is sparse. We found a higher incidence mainly for distal fracture sites in people with T1D compared to controls. It must be further studied which fractures attributed to the higher incidence rates (IRs) at specific sites. INTRODUCTION: People with T1D have a higher incidence of fractures compared to the general population. However, sparse knowledge exists on the incidence rates of individual fracture sites. Therefore, we examined the incidence of various fracture sites in people with newly treated T1D compared to matched controls. METHODS: All people from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD (1987-2017), of all ages with a T1D diagnosis code (n = 6381), were included. People with T1D were matched by year of birth, sex, and practice to controls (n = 6381). Fracture IRs and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated. Analyses were stratified by fracture site and sex. RESULTS: The IR of all fractures was significantly higher in people with T1D compared to controls (IRR: 1.39 (CI95%: 1.24-1.55)). Compared to controls, the IRR for people with T1D was higher for several fracture sites including carpal (IRR: 1.41 (CI95%: 1.14-1.75)), clavicle (IRR: 2.10 (CI95%: 1.18-3.74)), foot (IRR: 1.70 (CI95%: 1.23-2.36)), humerus (IRR: 1.46 (CI95%: 1.04-2.05)), and tibia/fibula (IRR: 1.67 CI95%: 1.08-2.59)). In women with T1D, higher IRs were seen at the ankle (IRR: 2.25 (CI95%: 1.10-4.56)) and foot (IRR: 2.11 (CI95%: 1.27-3.50)), whereas in men with T1D, higher IRs were seen for carpal (IRR: 1.45 (CI95%: 1.14-1.86)), clavicle (IRR: 2.13 (CI95%: 1.13-4.02)), and humerus (IRR: 1.77 (CI95%: 1.10-2.83)) fractures. CONCLUSION: The incidence of carpal, clavicle, foot, humerus, and tibia/fibula fractures was higher in newly treated T1D, but there was no difference at other fracture sites compared to controls. Therefore, the higher incidence of fractures in newly treated people with T1D has been found mainly for distal fracture sites.

The clinical application of high-resolution peripheral computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in adults: state of the art and future directions.

High-resolution peripheral computed tomography (HR-pQCT) was developed to image bone microarchitecture in vivo at peripheral skeletal sites. Since the introduction of HR-pQCT in 2005, clinical research to gain insight into pathophysiology of skeletal fragility and to improve prediction of fractures has grown. Meanwhile, the second-generation HR-pQCT device has been introduced, allowing novel applications such as hand joint imaging, assessment of subchondral bone and cartilage thickness in the knee, and distal radius fracture healing. This article provides an overview of the current clinical applications and guidance on interpretation of results, as well as future directions. Specifically, we provide an overview of (1) the differences and reference data for HR-pQCT variables by age, sex, and race/ethnicity; (2) fracture risk prediction using HR-pQCT; (3) the ability to monitor response of anti-osteoporosis therapy with HR-pQCT; (4) the use of HR-pQCT in patients with metabolic bone disorders and diseases leading to secondary osteoporosis; and (5) novel applications of HR-pQCT imaging. Finally, we summarize the status of the application of HR-pQCT in clinical practice and discuss future directions. From the clinical perspective, there are both challenges and opportunities for more widespread use of HR-pQCT. Assessment of bone microarchitecture by HR-pQCT improves fracture prediction in mostly normal or osteopenic elderly subjects beyond DXA of the hip, but the added value is marginal. The prospects of HR-pQCT in clinical practice need further study with respect to medication effects, metabolic bone disorders, rare bone diseases, and other applications such as hand joint imaging and fracture healing. The mostly unexplored potential may be the differentiation of patients with only moderately low BMD but severe microstructural deterioration, which would have important implications for the decision on therapeutical interventions.

The impact of fracture liaison services on subsequent fractures and mortality: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that fracture liaison service (FLS) is associated with a significantly lower probability of subsequent fractures and mortality although the latter was only found in studies comparing outcomes before and after the introduction of an FLS. INTRODUCTION: To systematically review and evaluate the impact of fracture liaison services (FLSs) on subsequent fractures and mortality using meta-analysis. METHODS: A literature search was performed within PubMed and Embase to identify original articles published between January 1, 2010, and April 30, 2020, reporting the effect of FLSs on subsequent fractures and/or mortality. Only studies comparing FLS to no-FLS were included. A meta-analysis using random-effects models was conducted. The quality of studies was appraised after combining and modifying criteria of existing quality assessment tools. RESULTS: The search retrieved 955 published studies, of which 16 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twelve studies compared outcomes before (pre-FLS) and after (post-FLS) FLS implementation, two studies compared outcomes between hospitals with and without FLS, and two other studies performed both comparisons. In total, 18 comparisons of FLS and no-FLS care were reported. Follow-up time varied from 6 months to 4 years. Sixteen comparisons reported on subsequent fractures and 12 on mortality. The quality assessment revealed methodological issues in several criteria. Excluding studies with very high selection bias, the meta-analysis of nine comparisons (in eight papers) revealed that the FLS care was associated with a significantly lower probability of subsequent fractures (odds ratio: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52-0.93, P=0.01). In studies with a follow-up > 2 years, a significantly lower probability of subsequent fractures was captured for FLS care (odds ratio: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34-0.94, P=0.03), while in studies ≤ 2 years, there was no difference in the odds of subsequent fractures. No significant difference in the odds of mortality was observed (odds ratio: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.49-1.09, P=0.12) in the meta-analysis of eight comparisons (in seven papers). However, a significantly lower probability of mortality was identified in the six pre-post FLS comparisons (odds ratio: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44-0.95, P=0.03), but not in studies comparing hospitals with and without FLS. No difference was observed in mortality stratified by follow-up time. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that FLS care is associated with a significantly lower probability of subsequent fractures and mortality although the latter was only found in studies comparing outcomes before and after the introduction of an FLS. The quality assessment revealed that some important methodological issues were unmet in the currently available studies. Recommendations to guide researchers to design high-quality studies for evaluation of FLS outcomes in the future were provided.

Associations between bone attenuation and prevalent vertebral fractures on chest CT scans differ with vertebral fracture locations.

Vertebral fracture (VF) locations are bimodally distributed in the spine. The association between VF and bone attenuation (BA) measured on chest CT scans varied according to the location of VFs, indicating that other factors than only BA play a role in the bimodal distribution of VFs. INTRODUCTION: Vertebral fractures (VFs) are associated with low bone mineral density but are not equally distributed throughout the spine and occur most commonly at T7-T8 and T11-T12 ("cVFs") and less commonly at T4-T6 and T9-T10 ("lcVF"). We aimed to determine whether associations between bone attenuation (BA) and VFs vary between subjects with cVFs only, with lcVFs only and with both cVFs and lcVFs. METHODS: Chest CT images of T4-T12 in 1237 smokers with and without COPD were analysed for prevalent VFs according to the method described by Genant (11,133 vertebrae). BA (expressed in Hounsfield units) was measured in all non-fractured vertebrae (available for 10,489 vertebrae). Linear regression was used to compare mean BA, and logistic regression was used to estimate the association of BA with prevalent VFs (adjusted for age and sex). RESULTS: On vertebral level, the proportion of cVFs was significantly higher than of lcVF (5.6% vs 2.0%). Compared to subjects without VFs, BA was 15% lower in subjects with cVFs (p < 0.0001), 25% lower in subjects with lcVFs (p < 0.0001) and lowest in subjects with cVFs and lcVFs (- 32%, p < 0.0001). The highest ORs for presence of VFs per - 1SD BA per vertebra were found in subjects with both cVFs and lcVFs (3.8 to 4.6). CONCLUSIONS: The association between VFs and BA differed according to VF location. ORs increased from subjects with cVFs to subjects with lcVFs and were highest in subjects with cVFs and lcVFs, indicating that other factors than only BA play a role in the bimodal VF distribution. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00292552.

Fracture Patterns in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review of Recent Literature.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this narrative review, we have summarized the literature on fracture risk in T1DM and T2DM with a special focus on fracture site, time patterns, glucose-lowering drugs, and micro- and macrovascular complications. RECENT FINDINGS: T1DM and T2DM were associated with an overall increased fracture risk, with preferent locations at the hip, vertebrae, humerus, and ankle in T1DM and at the hip, vertebrae, and likely humerus, distal forearm, and foot in T2DM. Fracture risk was higher with longer diabetes duration and the presence of micro- and macrovascular complications. In T2DM, fracture risk was higher with use of insulin, sulfonylurea, and thiazolidinediones and lower with metformin use. The increased fracture risk in T1DM and T2DM concerns specific fracture sites, and is higher in subjects with longer diabetes duration, vascular complications, and in T2DM with the use of specific glucose-lowering medication.

Bone mineral density and fractures in institutionalised children with epilepsy and intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: Long-term use of antiseizure drugs is associated with a low bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased fracture risk. The literature regarding institutionalised children on chronic antiseizure drugs is limited. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate the prevalence of low BMD and the history of fractures in institutionalised children with epilepsy and intellectual disability (ID). METHODS: A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of lumbar spine (L1-L4) and hip was performed in 24 children, residing in a long-stay care facility in the Netherlands. Additionally, serum concentrations of albumin, calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were determined. Data on fractures were retrospectively extracted from the medical files. RESULTS: Ages of the children (14 male and 10 female) ranged from 5 to 17 years with a mean age of 13.0 (±3.2). The criteria of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) were used for classification of bone mineral disorders. Eight (33.3%) children had a normal BMD (Z-score > - 2.0). Of the 16 children with a low BMD (Z-score ≤ - 2.0), three were diagnosed as osteoporotic, based on their fracture history. Ten children (41.7%) were reported to have at least one fracture in their medical history. Serum concentrations of albumin-corrected calcium (2.28-2.50 mmol/L) and (supplemented) vitamin D (16-137 nmol/L) were within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that 67% of institutionalised children with epilepsy and ID had low BMD and 42% had a history of at least one fracture, despite supplementation of calcium and vitamin D in accordance with the Dutch guidelines.

Association of secondary displacement of distal radius fractures with cortical bone quality at the distal radius.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of patient characteristics, bone mineral density (BMD), bone microarchitecture and calculated bone strength with secondary displacement of a DRF based on radiographic alignment parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dorsal angulation, radial inclination and ulnar variance were assessed on conventional radiographs of a cohort of 251 patients, 38 men and 213 women, to determine the anatomic position of the DRF at presentation (primary position) and during follow-up. Secondary fracture displacement was assessed in the non-operatively treated patients (N = 154) with an acceptable position, preceded (N = 97) or not preceded (N = 57) by primary reduction (baseline position). Additionally, bone microarchitecture and calculated bone strength at the contralateral distal radius and tibia were assessed by HR-pQCT in a subset of, respectively, 63 and 71 patients. OUTCOME: Characteristics of patients with and without secondary fracture displacement did not differ. In the model with adjustment for primary reduction [OR 22.00 (2.27-212.86), p = 0.008], total [OR 0.16 (95% CI 0.04-0.68), p = 0.013] and cortical [OR 0.19 (95% CI 0.05-0.80], p = 0.024] volumetric BMD (vBMD) and cortical thickness [OR 0.13 (95% CI 0.02-0.74), p = 0.021] at the distal radius were associated with secondary DRF displacement. No associations were found for other patient characteristics, such as age gender, BMD or prevalent vertebral fractures. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our study indicates that besides primary reduction, cortical bone quality may be important for the risk of secondary displacement of DRFs.

Characterization of fracture liaison service non-responders after invitation by home visits and questionnaires.

This study aimed to gain insight in specific characteristics and beliefs of FLS non-responders. INTRODUCTION: The proportion of non-responding fracture liaison service (FLS) invitees is high but characteristics of FLS non-responders are unknown. METHODS: We contacted FLS non-responders by telephone to consent with home visit (HV) and to fill in a questionnaire or, if HV was refused, to receive a questionnaire by post (Q), to gain insight in beliefs on fracture cause and subsequent fracture risk. RESULTS: Out of 716 FLS invitees, 510 attended, nine declined, and 197 did not respond. Of these non-responders, 181 patients were consecutively traced and phoned until 50 consented with HV. Forty-two declined HV but consented with Q. Excluded were eight Q-consenters in whom no choice was offered (either HV or Q) and 81 patients who declined any proposition (non-HV|Q). 62% HV and Q could recall the FLS invitation letter. The fracture cause was differently believed between HV and Q; the fall (96% versus 79%, p = .02), bad physical condition (36% versus 2%, p = .0001), dizziness or imbalance (24% versus Q 7%, p = .03), osteoporosis (16% versus 2%, p = .02), and increased fracture risk (26% versus 17%, NS). Age ≥ 70, woman, and major fracture were significantly associated with HV consent compared to Q (OR 2.7, 2.5, and 2.4, respectively) and HV compared to non-HV|Q (OR 16.8, 5.3, and 6.1). CONCLUSION: FLS non-responders consider fracture risk as low. Note, 50 patients (about 25%) consented with a home visit after one telephone call, mainly older women with a major fracture. This non-responder subgroup with high subsequent fracture risk is therefore approachable for secondary fracture prevention.

Diabetes and fractures: new evidence of atypical femoral fractures?

Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of fractures. In this study, subtrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures were increased in patients with type 1 diabetes compared with the general population. In the light of this, more evidence points towards an association between diabetes and atypical femoral fractures. INTRODUCTION: Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of femoral fractures, but little is known about the risk of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs). The aim of this study was to identify the risk of subtrochanteric and femoral shaft (ST/FS) fractures and estimate the risk of AFFs in patients with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: From the nationwide Danish National Patient Register, we identified patients with T1D (n = 19,896), T2D (n = 312,188), and sex- and aged-matched controls without diabetes (n = 996,252) from the general population and all ST/FS fractures (n = 7509). Data were analyzed using a Cox proportional-hazards model and the incidence rate and rate ratio of ST/FS fractures were estimated. RESULTS: The incidence rate of ST/FS fractures in T1D was 52.14 events per 100,000 person years and 73.21 per 100,000 person years in T2D. T1D was associated with an increased risk of ST/FS (HR 2.07 (95% CI 1.68-2.56)), whereas T2D was not (HR 0.99 (95% CI 0.94-1.10)). Previous ST/FS fractures were associated with an increased risk of subsequent ST/FS fractures (HR 6.95 (95% CI 6.00-8.05)) and the use of bisphosphonates with an increased risk of ST/FS fractures (HR 1.72 (95% CI 1.54-1.91)). CONCLUSION: Patients with T1D have a higher risk of ST/FS fractures compared with sex- and age-matched controls. Since a proportion of ST/FS fractures are classified as AFFs, this could point towards the fact that AFFs also are increased in patients with T1D, but not T2D.