A meta-analysis of previous falls and subsequent fracture risk in cohort studies.

The relationship between self-reported falls and fracture risk was estimated in an international meta-analysis of individual-level data from 46 prospective cohorts. Previous falls were associated with an increased fracture risk in women and men and should be considered as an additional risk factor in the FRAX® algorithm. INTRODUCTION: Previous falls are a well-documented risk factor for subsequent fracture but have not yet been incorporated into the FRAX algorithm. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in an international meta-analysis, the association between previous falls and subsequent fracture risk and its relation to sex, age, duration of follow-up, and bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: The resource comprised 906,359 women and men (66.9% female) from 46 prospective cohorts. Previous falls were uniformly defined as any fall occurring during the previous year in 43 cohorts; the remaining three cohorts had a different question construct. The association between previous falls and fracture risk (any clinical fracture, osteoporotic fracture, major osteoporotic fracture, and hip fracture) was examined using an extension of the Poisson regression model in each cohort and each sex, followed by random-effects meta-analyses of the weighted beta coefficients. RESULTS: Falls in the past year were reported in 21.4% of individuals. During a follow-up of 9,102,207 person-years, 87,352 fractures occurred of which 19,509 were hip fractures. A previous fall was associated with a significantly increased risk of any clinical fracture both in women (hazard ratio (HR) 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33-1.51) and men (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.41-1.67). The HRs were of similar magnitude for osteoporotic, major osteoporotic fracture, and hip fracture. Sex significantly modified the association between previous fall and fracture risk, with predictive values being higher in men than in women (e.g., for major osteoporotic fracture, HR 1.53 (95% CI 1.27-1.84) in men vs. HR 1.32 (95% CI 1.20-1.45) in women, P for interaction = 0.013). The HRs associated with previous falls decreased with age in women and with duration of follow-up in men and women for most fracture outcomes. There was no evidence of an interaction between falls and BMD for fracture risk. Subsequent risk for a major osteoporotic fracture increased with each additional previous fall in women and men. CONCLUSIONS: A previous self-reported fall confers an increased risk of fracture that is largely independent of BMD. Previous falls should be considered as an additional risk factor in future iterations of FRAX to improve fracture risk prediction.

Narrative Review of Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Bone Health in People Living with Obesity.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 Receptor agonists (GLP-1Ras) such as liraglutide and semaglutide have been recently approved as medications for chronic weight management in people living with obesity (PwO); GLP-1 may enhance bone metabolism and improve bone quality. However, the effects of GLP-1Ras on skeletal health remain to be determined and that's the purpose of this narrative review. Nevertheless, bone consequences of intentional weight loss interventions in PwO are well known: (i) significant weight loss induced by caloric restriction and bariatric surgery results in accelerated bone turnover and bone loss, and (ii) unlike caloric restriction interventions, PwO experience a substantial deterioration in bone microarchitecture and strength associated with an increased risk of fracture after bariatric surgery especially malabsorptive procedures. Liraglutide seems to have a positive effect on bone material properties despite significant weight loss in several rodent models. However, most of positive effects on bone mineral density and microarchitecture were observed at concentration much higher than approved for obesity care in humans. No data have been reported in preclinical models with semaglutide. The current evidence of the effects of GLP-1Ra on bone health in PwO is limited. Indeed, studies on the use of GLP-1Ra mostly included patients with diabetes who were administered a dose used in this condition, did not have adequate bone parameters as primary endpoints, and had short follow-up periods. Further studies are needed to investigate the bone impact of GLP-1Ra, dual- and triple-receptor agonists for GLP-1, glucose-dependent insulin releasing polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon in PwO.

Immune response to the recombinant herpes zoster vaccine in people living with HIV over 50 years of age compared to non-HIV age-/gender-matched controls (SHINGR'HIV): a multicenter, international, non-randomized clinical trial study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The burden of herpes zoster (shingles) virus and associated complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia, is higher in older adults and has a significant impact on quality of life. The incidence of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia is increased in people living with HIV (PLWH) compared to an age-matched general population, including PLWH on long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) with no detectable viremia and normal CD4 counts. PLWH - even on effective ART may- exhibit sustained immune dysfunction, as well as defects in cells involved in the response to vaccines. In the context of herpes zoster, it is therefore important to assess the immune response to varicella zoster virus vaccination in older PLWH and to determine whether it significantly differs to that of HIV-uninfected healthy adults or younger PLWH. We aim at bridging these knowledge gaps by conducting a multicentric, international, non-randomised clinical study (SHINGR'HIV) with prospective data collection after vaccination with an adjuvant recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) in two distinct populations: in PLWH on long-term ART (> 10 years) over 50 years of and age/gender matched controls. METHODS: We will recruit participants from two large established HIV cohorts in Switzerland and in France in addition to age-/gender-matched HIV-uninfected controls. Participants will receive two doses of RZV two months apart. In depth-evaluation of the humoral, cellular, and innate immune responses and safety profile of the RZV will be performed to address the combined effect of aging and potential immune deficiencies due to chronic HIV infection. The primary study outcome will compare the geometric mean titer (GMT) of gE-specific total IgG measured 1 month after the second dose of RZV between different age groups of PLWH and between PLWH and age-/gender-matched HIV-uninfected controls. DISCUSSION: The SHINGR'HIV trial will provide robust data on the immunogenicity and safety profile of RZV in older PLWH to support vaccination guidelines in this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05575830. Registered on 12 October 2022. Eu Clinical Trial Register (EUCT number 2023-504482-23-00).

Validation of a fall rate prediction model for community-dwelling older adults: a combined analysis of three cohorts with 1850 participants.

BACKGROUND: Fragility fractures in older adults are often caused by fall events. The estimation of an expected fall rate might improve the identification of individuals at risk of fragility fractures and improve fracture prediction. METHODS: A combined analysis of three previously developed fall rate models using individual participant data (n = 1850) was conducted using the methodology of a two-stage meta-analysis to derive an overall model. These previously developed models included the fall history as a predictor recorded as the number of experienced falls within 12 months, treated as a factor variable with the levels 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and ≥ 5 falls. In the first stage, negative binomial regression models for every cohort were fit. In the second stage, the coefficients were compared and used to derive overall coefficients with a random effect meta-analysis. Additionally, external validation was performed by applying the three data sets to the models derived in the first stage. RESULTS: The coefficient estimates for the prior number of falls were consistent among the three studies. Higgin's I2 as heterogeneity measure ranged from 0 to 55.39%. The overall coefficient estimates indicated that the expected fall rate increases with an increasing number of previous falls. External model validation revealed that the prediction errors for the data sets were independent of the model to which they were applied. CONCLUSION: This analysis suggests that the fall history treated as a factor variable is a robust predictor of estimating future falls among different cohorts.

Role of fermented dairy products in the health benefits of a mediterranean diet.

Mediterranean diet includes fermented dairy products like yogurt and cheese. These foods provide calcium, phosphorus, fat, carbohydrates and protein, all nutrients influencing various systems including bone, cardiovascular system, intermediary metabolism, cancer, central nervous system, and inflammation. In addition, they contain prebiotics and provide probiotics which are capable of modifiying microbiota composition and metabolism, potentially acting also indirectly on the various systems. A large body of evidence indicates that fermented dairy products consumption significantly contributes to the beneficial effects of a Mediterranean diet on various systems' health.

[Metabolic bone diseases : what's new in 2023]. / Maladies osseuses : ce qui a changé en 2023.

The sequential effects of romosozumab and denosumab in osteoporosis are shown in real-life, while the mechanisms of post-denosumab rebound are reviewed extensively. A network meta-analysis confirms the superiority of anabolics vs anti-resorptives on fracture reduction, while the latter shown a reduction of mortality in a large population-based study. Fracture risk prediction by FRAXPlus is improved. New meta-analyses confirm the benefits of Vitamin D on fractures and falls. Finally, multiples trials with new molecules for the treatment of rare bone diseases, including osteogenesis imperfecta, fibrous dysplasia and hypoparathyroidism, shown promising results.

Dans l'ostéoporose, les effets séquentiels du romosozumab et du dénosumab se précisent et les mécanismes du rebond à l'arrêt de ce dernier font l'objet d'une revue détaillée. Une méta-analyse en réseau confirme la supériorité des traitements anaboliques sur les antirésorbtifs, alors que l'effet de ces derniers sur la réduction de la mortalité est démontré dans une large étude populationnelle. La prédiction du risque fracturaire est améliorée par l'outil FRAXPlus. De nouvelles méta-analyses des bénéfices de la vitamine D sur le risque de fractures et de chutes sont également disponibles. Enfin, de nombreuses études encourageantes sur l'efficacité de nouveaux traitements dans de multiples maladies osseuse rares, telles l'ostéogenèse imparfaite, la dysplasie fibreuse et l'hypoparathyroïdie, ont été publiées.

Orbital myositis induced by alendronate: A case report.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Bisphosphonates are widely used, notably for osteoporosis treatment. Their common side effects are well known. However, they can trigger less common effects such as orbital inflammation. Here, the case is reported of an orbital myositis triggered by alendronate. METHODS: This is a case report at an academic medical center. An orbital magnetic resonance imaging scan, a thoraco-abdominal computed tomography scan and blood sample analyses were performed. RESULTS: A 66-year-old woman treated by alendronate for her osteoporosis was investigated. She developed an orbital myositis after the first intake. Neurological examination revealed a painful diplopia with decreased downward and adduction movements of the right eye and edema of the upper eyelid. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging showed an orbital myositis of the right eye. No other cause of orbital myositis was found than the alendronate intake. After alendronate arrest and a short course of prednisone, the symptoms resolved. CONCLUSION: This case highlights that alendronate can cause an orbital myositis whose early diagnosis is of major importance because it is a treatable side effect.

Development of a personalized fall rate prediction model in community-dwelling older adults: a negative binomial regression modelling approach.

BACKGROUND: Around a third of adults aged 65 and older fall every year, resulting in unintentional injuries in 30% of the cases. Fractures are a frequent consequence of falls, primarily caused in individuals with decreased bone strength who are unable to cushion their falls. Accordingly, an individual's number of experienced falls has a direct influence on fracture risk. The aim of this study was the development of a statistical model to predict future fall rates using personalized risk predictors. METHODS: In the prospective cohort GERICO, several fall risk factor variables were collected in community-dwelling older adults at two time-points four years apart (T1 and T2). Participants were asked how many falls they experienced during 12 months prior to the examinations. Rate ratios for the number of reported falls at T2 were computed for age, sex, reported fall number at T1, physical performance tests, physical activity level, comorbidity and medication number with negative binomial regression models. RESULTS: The analysis included 604 participants (male: 122, female: 482) with a median age of 67.90 years at T1. The mean number of falls per person was 1.04 and 0.70 at T1 and T2. The number of reported falls at T1 as a factor variable was the strongest risk factor with an unadjusted rate ratio [RR] of 2.60 for 3 falls (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.54 to 4.37), RR of 2.63 (95% CI 1.06 to 6.54) for 4 falls, and RR of 10.19 (95% CI 6.25 to 16.60) for 5 and more falls, when compared to 0 falls. The cross-validated prediction error was comparable for the global model including all candidate variables and the univariable model including prior fall numbers at T1 as the only predictor. CONCLUSION: In the GERICO cohort, the prior fall number as single predictor information for a personalized fall rate is as good as when including further available fall risk factors. Specifically, individuals who have experienced three and more falls are expected to fall multiple times again. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN11865958, 13/07/2016, retrospectively registered.

[Bone consequences of intentional weight loss in overweight or obese patients]. / Conséquences osseuses de la perte de poids intentionnelle des patients en surpoids ou obèses.

Although weight loss results in significant improvements in most comorbidities in people with overweight/obesity, one possible side effect is its negative impact on bone health. This review summarizes the effects of intentional weight loss achieved by non-surgical (lifestyle changes, drugs) and surgical (bariatric surgery) interventions on bone outcomes in individuals with overweight/obesity and discusses strategies to monitor and preserve bone health during weight loss.

Bien que la perte de poids entraîne des améliorations significatives de la plupart des comorbidités des patients en surpoids/obésité, elle s'associe à un impact négatif sur la santé osseuse. Cet article résume les effets de la perte de poids intentionnelle, induite par des interventions non chirurgicales (régimes alimentaires, médicaments) ou par la chirurgie bariatrique, sur la santé osseuse chez les personnes en surpoids/obèses. Il propose également les modalités de surveillance et de prévention de la perte osseuse dans ces contextes.

[New reimbursement criteria for vitamin D measurements: what about our migrant patients?] / Nouveaux critères de remboursement du dosage de la vitamine D : et nos patients migrants ?

Vitamin D deficiency is a global health burden, which has been subject to debate in recent years. Although its consequences on patients' general health are debatable, the association between severe vitamin D deficiency and osteomalacia are clearly established. Since the 1st of July 2022, blood testing in individuals who do not meet the recognized risk factors for deficiency is no longer reimbursed in Switzerland. Being a migrant (or refugee) does not constitute a risk factor even though it has repeated been shown that this population is at high risk of deficiency, in particular sever deficiency. This article aims to establish new recommendations for vitamin D deficiency diagnosis and substitution for this population. It is sometimes necessary to adapt our national recommendations to take into account our cultural diversity.

Le déficit en vitamine D est un problème de santé publique au cœur de l'actualité. Si les répercussions sur la santé générale des patients sont débattues, l'association entre déficit sévère et ostéomalacie est clairement établie. En Suisse, depuis le 1er juillet 2022, l'assurance obligatoire de soins ne rembourse plus son dosage sanguin, sauf si le patient présente des facteurs de risque avérés. Le fait d'être migrant (ou réfugié) n'est pas considéré comme l'un d'eux. Pourtant, plusieurs études attestent que cette population est à haut risque de déficit, notamment sévère. Cet article a pour but d'établir de nouvelles recommandations de dépistage et de substitution qui s'adaptent à cette population. Il est parfois nécessaire d'adapter les recommandations nationales pour prendre en compte la diversité culturelle populationnelle.

Osteoporosis and HIV Infection.

Life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH) is now close to that of the HIV-uninfected population. As a result, age-related comorbidities, including osteoporosis, are increasing in PLWH. This narrative review describes the epidemiology of bone fragility in PLWH, changes of bone features over the course of HIV infection and their determinants, as well as the available evidence regarding the management of osteoporosis in PLWH. The risk of fracture is higher and increases about 10 years earlier compared to the general population. The classical risk factors of bone fragility are very widespread and are major determinants of bone health in this population. The majority of bone loss occurs during virus replication and during immune reconstitution at antiretroviral therapies (ART) initiation, which both increase osteoclast activity. Abnormalities in bone formation and mineralization have also been shown in histomorphometric studies in untreated PLWH. Measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) is the first line tool for assessing fracture risk in postmenopausal women, men above 50 years, and other HIV-infected patients with clinical risk factors for osteoporosis. FRAX underestimates fracture probability in PLWH. In case of indication for anti-osteoporotic drug, bisphosphonates remain the reference option. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation should be considered as ART initiation, since it may attenuate bone loss at this stage. Bone-protective ART regimens improve BMD compared to other regimens, but to a lesser extent than bisphosphonate, and without available data on their influence on the incidence of fracture.

Prevalence of Low Serum Alkaline Phosphatase and Hypophosphatasia in Adult Patients with Atypical Femur Fractures.

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by low serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), its manifestations may include atypical femoral fractures (AFF). However, the prevalence of low serum ALP and HPP in patients with AFF remains unknown. We retrospectively analyzed ALP levels and clinical manifestations compatible with HPP in 72 adult patients with confirmed AFF by chart review. ALP values were compared with those of a control group of patients with prior proximal femoral fracture during antiresorptive treatment (n = 20). Among the AFF patients, 18 (25%) had at least one serum ALP value ≤ 40 IU/L, although in all but one case, at least one ALP value > 40 IU/L was also detected at another time point. Most low ALP values were associated with antiresorptive treatment (P = 0.049) and lowest levels of ALP did not differ between the AFF and the control groups (P = 0.129). However, low ALP values among AFF patients were associated with a higher rate of bilateral AFF (50% vs 22%, P = 0.025), metatarsal fracture (33% vs 7%, P = 0.006), and with trends for more frequent use of glucocorticoid (22% vs 8%, P = 0.089) and proton pump inhibitor (61% vs 44%, P = 0.220). In one AFF patient with low ALP and clinical suspicion of HPP, a rare pathogenic heterozygous variant of the ALPL gene was identified. In conclusion, low ALP values are common among subjects with AFF and mainly related to concomitant antiresorptive medication. Hence, low serum ALP has low specificity for HPP among AFF patients.

Management of patients at very high risk of osteoporotic fractures through sequential treatments.

Osteoporosis care has evolved markedly over the last 50 years, such that there are now an established clinical definition, validated methods of fracture risk assessment and a range of effective pharmacological agents. Currently, bone-forming (anabolic) agents, in many countries, are used in those patients who have continued to lose bone mineral density (BMD), patients with multiple subsequent fractures or those who have fractured despite treatment with antiresorptive agents. However, head-to-head data suggest that anabolic agents have greater rapidity and efficacy for fracture risk reduction than do antiresorptive therapies. The European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) convened an expert working group to discuss the tools available to identify patients at high risk of fracture, review the evidence for the use of anabolic agents as the initial intervention in patients at highest risk of fracture and consider the sequence of therapy following their use. This position paper sets out the findings of the group and the consequent recommendations. The key conclusion is that the current evidence base supports an "anabolic first" approach in patients found to be at very high risk of fracture, followed by maintenance therapy using an antiresorptive agent, and with the subsequent need for antiosteoporosis therapy addressed over a lifetime horizon.

Reliability and validity of an adapted hip abductor strength measure as a potential new fall risk assessment for older persons: a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Persons aged ≥ 65 years are currently the world's fastest growing age group. An important complication of age is the increasing risk of falls. Falls have multifactorial etiology and modifiable risk factors open for interventions in prevention and rehabilitation, are of high interest. In this context, strong hip abductors seem to be important to prevent falls. A newly adapted measurement device to measure hip abductor strength (HAS) in a closed chain position was developed. We aim to assess feasibility, intra- and inter-tester reliability and construct and criterion validity of the new measure. METHODS: In two subsequent parts a feasibility, reliability and validity study with an adapted measurement instrument for the assessment of HAS (index test) in a closed chain position in persons aged ≥ 65 years will be conducted. Part I investigates feasibility of the measure in clinical settings as well as reliability of the new HAS test (n = 26). Part II evaluates construct and criterion validity (n = 169). Construct validity will be assessed cross-sectional, criterion validity by comparison with prospectively followed up fall history for 12 months (external criterion) and other functional fall risk assessments (Short Physical Performance Battery, Timed Up and Go test, usual gait speed and hand grip strength). DISCUSSION: Results of feasibility, will give insight in its applicability in daily clinical life and clinimetric properties will show if measurements of HAS in a closed chain position should be encouraged to include in fall risk assessments in older adults.

[Osteoporosis: Novel drug, new recommendations]. / Ostéoporose - Nouvelle molécule, nouvelles directives.

New recommendations from the Swiss Association against Osteoporosis (SVGO) concerning fracture risk stratification and treatment delineate two new risk categories : very high risk (FRAX 10-years probability of fracture at least 20 % above the usual intervention threshold) and imminent risk (major osteoporotic fracture in the last 2 years). In these patients, parenteral therapies are recommended first. Among them, romosozumab is now available in Switzerland and is indicated for 1 year in absence of cardiovascular contra-indications, followed by an anti-resorptive. Regarding denosumab, several studies indicate that post-treatment bone loss may be, at least partially, prevented by zoledronate. Finally, monitoring BMD changes and the T-score reached on any therapy could be used as an indicator of anti-fracture efficacy.

Les nouvelles directives de l'Association suisse contre l'ostéoporose proposent deux nouvelles catégories dans la stratification du risque fracturaire et du traitement : très haut risque (FRAX au moins 20 % au-dessus du seuil d'intervention pour l'âge) et risque imminent (fracture ostéoporotique majeure au cours des 2 dernières années). Chez ces patient·e·s, les thérapies parentérales sont indiquées en première intention. Parmi celles-ci, le romosozumab est maintenant disponible en Suisse et est indiqué pour 1 an en l'absence de contre-indication cardiovasculaire, suivi d'un antirésorptif. Concernant le dénosumab, plusieurs études ont démontré que la perte osseuse à l'arrêt peut être, au moins partiellement, prévenue par l'acide zolédronique. Finalement, le score-T atteint sous thérapie pourrait être un indicateur clinique de l'effet antifracturaire.

Are Probiotics the New Calcium and Vitamin D for Bone Health?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is recommended for patients at high risk of fracture and/or for those receiving pharmacological osteoporosis treatments. Probiotics are micro-organisms conferring a health benefit on the host when administered in adequate amounts, likely by influencing gut microbiota (GM) composition and/or function. GM has been shown to influence various determinants of bone health. RECENT FINDINGS: In animal models, probiotics prevent bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency, diabetes, or glucocorticoid treatments, by modulating both bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblast. In humans, they interfere with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, and calcium intake and absorption, and slightly decrease bone loss in elderly postmenopausal women, in a quite similar magnitude as observed with calcium ± vitamin D supplements. A dietary source of probiotics is fermented dairy products which can improve calcium balance, prevent secondary hyperparathyroidism, and attenuate age-related increase of bone resorption and bone loss. Additional studies are required to determine whether probiotics or any other interventions targeting GM and its metabolites may be adjuvant treatment to calcium and vitamin D or anti-osteoporotic drugs in the general management of patients with bone fragility.

[Osteoporosis]. / Ostéoporose.

Except for bisphosphonates, the duration of anti-osteoporotic treatment is not limited to 3 to 5 years. T-score between - 2.0 and - 1.5 DS might be the BMD target to reach before considering discontinuing anti-osteoporosis treatment. A rebound of bone remodeling can occur in some patients despite receiving zoledronate after denosumab discontinuation, and the monitoring of CTX is required. There is no benefit of vitamin D supplementation on musculoskeletal health in the general population, but vitamin D remains indicated in patients with vitamin D deficiency or receiving osteoporosis treatment. A sequential treatment with romosozumab during one year, a bone anabolic anti-sclerostin antibody, followed by two years of denosumab, decreases vertebral and non-vertebral fractures with rapid and substantial BMD gains after 3 years.

Le traitement de l'ostéoporose ne se limite pas à 3 ou 5 ans, hormis peut-être avec les bisphosphonates, et doit être guidé par l'évolution densitométrique en ciblant des T-scores entre - 2,0 et - 1,5 DS. En cas d'arrêt du dénosumab, une seule perfusion de zolédronate 6 ou 9 mois après la dernière injection de dénosumab peut ne pas suffire à prévenir le rebond du remodelage osseux et un suivi du marqueur de résorption CTX s'impose. Il n'y a pas de bénéfice de la supplémentation en vitamine D sur la santé musculosquelettique dans la population générale, mais celle-ci reste indiquée chez les patients déficitaires en vitamine D ou recevant des traitements de l'ostéoporose. La séquence d'un an de romosozumab, suivi de deux ans de dénosumab, permet des gains densitométriques rapides et substantiels avec une nette diminution du risque fracturaire.

[Bone effects of bisphosphonates and denosumab treatments in breast or prostate cancer]. / Effets osseux des traitements de bisphosphonates et dénosumab en cas de cancer du sein ou de la prostate.

Two types of bone diseases can be observed in patients with breast or prostate cancer: fragility fractures related to osteoporosis, and skeletal related events (SRE) complicating bone metastases. Aromatase inhibitors, ovarian function suppression and tamoxifen use in pre-menopausal women, and androgen deprivation therapy, induce a decrease of bone mineral density and an increase of the incidence of fractures, which can be prevented by inhibitors of bone resorption at low doses. In addition, adjuvant bisphosphonates may be associated with benefits on disease free survival, especially regarding bone recurrences, in postmenopausal women with non-metastatic breast cancer. In the presence of bone metastases, inhibitors of bone resorption at higher doses and frequencies prevent SRE.

Deux complications osseuses peuvent être observées en cas de cancer du sein ou de la prostate : les fractures ostéoporotiques et les événements squelettiques osseux compliquant les métastases osseuses. Les inhibiteurs de l'aromatase, la suppression de la fonction ovarienne et le tamoxifène en préménopause, et la déprivation androgénique induisent une diminution de la densité minérale osseuse et une augmentation de l'incidence des fractures, qui peuvent être prévenues par les inhibiteurs de la résorption osseuse (IRO) à faibles doses. Par ailleurs, les bisphosphonates pourraient diminuer le risque de récidives, en particulier osseuses, chez les patientes ménopausées avec cancer du sein non métastatique. En cas de métastases osseuses, les IRO à doses et fréquences plus importantes préviennent les événements squelettiques osseux.

Effects of Fermented Milk Products on Bone.

Fermented milk products like yogurt or soft cheese provide calcium, phosphorus, and protein. All these nutrients influence bone growth and bone loss. In addition, fermented milk products may contain prebiotics like inulin which may be added to yogurt, and provide probiotics which are capable of modifying intestinal calcium absorption and/or bone metabolism. On the other hand, yogurt consumption may ensure a more regular ingestion of milk products and higher compliance, because of various flavors and sweetness. Bone mass accrual, bone homeostasis, and attenuation of sex hormone deficiency-induced bone loss seem to benefit from calcium, protein, pre-, or probiotics ingestion, which may modify gut microbiota composition and metabolism. Fermented milk products might also represent a marker of lifestyle promoting healthy bone health.

Quality of life assessment in musculo-skeletal health.

Musculoskeletal disorders affect morbidity, quality of life and mortality, and represent an increasing economic and societal burden in the context of population aging and increased life expectancy. Improvement of quality of life should be one of the priorities of any interventions to prevent and treat musculoskeletal disorders in the ageing population. Two main approaches, namely generic and disease-specific instruments, can be applied to measure health-related quality of life. Among the generic tools available in scientific literature, the short form 36 questionnaire (SF-36) and the Euroqol five item questionnaire (EQ-5D) are two of the most popular questionnaires used to quantify the health related quality of life in people with musculoskeletal disorders. However, because generic tools may not always be able to detect subtle effects of a specific condition on quality of life, a specific tool is highly valuable. Specific tools improve the ability to clinically characterize quality of life in subjects with a specific musculoskeletal disorder, as well as the capacity to assess changes over time in the QoL of these subjects. The recent development of specific tools should help to validate preventive and therapeutic interventions in this field.