Graphic trace analysis of ultrasound at the phalanges may differentiate between subjects with primary hyperparathyroidism and with osteoporosis: a pilot study.

Bone loss characterizes both primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and osteoporosis (OP) but with a different histologic pattern, and this could partially explain the different fracture incidence in these two populations. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS), influenced by bone structural parameters other than bone mineral density (BMD), could evidence these differences, opening new perspectives in the evaluation of patients with metabolic bone diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the usefulness of QUS graphic trace parameters, assessed at the phalanx, in discriminating between PHPT bone disease and osteoporosis. We studied 34 patients with PHPT (mean age 59.7 +/- 12.7 years), 35 patients with OP (mean age 60.6 +/- 7.1 years) and 34 healthy subjects as controls (mean age 59.1+/- 9.4 years). In all subjects QUS measurements were performed at the phalanx with a Bone Profiler (IGEA, Italy), obtaining the amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS), fast wave amplitude (FWA), signal dynamic (SDy), bone transmission time (BTT) and ultrasound bone profile index (UBPI). Moreover, serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) and ionized calcium were measured in all subjects in the morning under fasting conditions. In PHPT patients BTT was correlated with PTH, ionized calcium and B-ALP levels (r = -0.47, -0.57 and -0.44, respectively; p < 0.01), whereas FWA, SDy and UBPI correlated only with B-ALP (r = -0.43, -0.46 and -0.50, respectively; p <0.01). Moreover, FWA, SDY and UBPI were significantly (p<0.01) lower and BTT significantly (p<0.001) higher in OP than in PHPT patients. UBPI, BTT, FWA and the BTT/FWA ratio, but not SDy, were able to discriminate between the two groups (area under the curve =0.66, 0.69, 0.67 and 0.81, respectively). Our findings show that ultrasound signal parameters are differently influenced by bone changes characterizing primary hyperparathyroidism or osteoporosis. This suggests that the QUS signal could be a useful instrument in discriminating and studying some of the bone alterations typical of metabolic bone diseases.

Validation of a food frequency questionnaire for nutritional calcium intake assessment in Italian women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a food frequency questionnaire assessing calcium intake in women. DESIGN: : Estimates of calcium intake from the food frequency questionnaire were compared with those from 14 day records from 206 Caucasian women aged 25-75 y in Siena, Italy. SUBJECTS: Subjects were randomly recruited from the residents list of the city of Siena, Italy. Of the 250 initially recruited, 39 did not meet the inclusion criteria or failed to complete the diet record and five outliers were excluded before the statistical analysis on the basis that their diet record was unlikely to represent habitual intake. RESULTS: Mean dietary calcium intakes were 829+/-255 (s.d.) mg/day from the questionnaire and 818+/-260 (s.d.) mg/day from the diet record. The mean difference in intake by the two methods (-11.3+/-116.4 mg/day) did not differ significantly from zero. Specificity in classifying women consuming less than 800 mg/day calcium was 86.6%, and sensibility in classifying women consuming more than 800 mg/day calcium was 89.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The food frequency questionnaire could be used in epidemiological studies to assess calcium intake in young to elderly women. The specificity in identifying low calcium intake subjects makes it useful also as an educational tool in diet counselling and for prescribing calcium supplementation.

Calcium and vitamin D nutrition and bone disease of the elderly.

Osteoporosis, a systemic skeletal disease characterized by a low bone mass, is a major public health problem in EC member states because of the high incidence of fragility fractures, especially hip and vertebral fracture. In EC member states the high incidence of osteoporotic fractures leads to considerable mortality, morbidity, reduced mobility and decreased quality of life. In 1995 the number of hip fractures in 15 countries of EC has been 382,000 and the estimated total care cost of about 9 billion of ECUs. Given the magnitude of the problem public health measures are important for preventive intervention. Skeletal bone mass is determined by a combination of endogenous (genetic, hormonal) and exogenous (nutritional, physical activity) factors. Nutrition plays an important role in bone health. The two nutrients essential for bone health are calcium and vitamin D. Reduced supplies of calcium are associated with a reduced bone mass and osteoporosis, whereas a chronic and severe vitamin D deficiency leads to osteomalacia, a metabolic bone disease characterized by a decreased mineralization of bone. Vitamin D insufficiency, the preclinical phase of vitamin D deficiency, is most commonly found in the elderly. The major causes of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are decreased renal hydroxylation of vitamin D, poor nutrition, scarce exposition to sunlight and a decline in the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. The daily average calcium intake in Europe has been evaluated in the SENECA study concerning the diet of elderly people from 19 towns of 10 European countries. In about one third of subjects the dietary calcium intake results were very low, between 300 and 600 mg/day in women, and 350 and 700 mg/day in men. Calcium supplements reduce the rate of bone loss in osteoporotic patients. Some recent studies have reported a significant positive effect of calcium treatment not only on bone mass but also on fracture incidence. The SENECA study, has also shown that vitamin D insufficiency is frequent in elderly populations in Europe. There are a number of studies on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on bone loss in the elderly, showing that supplementations with daily doses of 400-800 IU of vitamin D, given alone or in combination with calcium, are able to reverse vitamin D insufficiency, to prevent bone loss and to improve bone density in the elderly. In recent years, there has been much uncertainty about the intake of calcium for various ages and physiological states. In 1998, the expert committee of the European Community in the Report on Osteoporosis-Action on prevention, has given the recommended daily dietary allowances (RDA) for calcium at all stage of life. For the elderly population, above age 65 the RDA is 700-800 mg/day. The main source of calcium in the diet are dairy products (milk, yoghurts and cheese) fish (sardines with bones), few vegetables and fruits. The optimal way to achieve adequate calcium intake is through the diet. However, when dietary sources are scarce or not well tolerated, calcium supplementation may be used. Calcium is generally well tolerated and reports of significant side-effects are rare. Adequate sunlight exposure may prevent and cure vitamin D insufficiency. However, the sunlight exposure or the ultraviolet irradiation are limited by concern about skin cancer and skin disease. The most rational approach to reducing vitamin D insufficiency is supplementation. In Europe, the RDA is 400-800 IU (10-20 microg) daily for people aged 65 years or over. This dose is safe and free of side effects. In conclusion, in Europe a low calcium intake and a suboptimal vitamin D status are very common in the elderly. Evidence supports routine supplementation for these people at risk of osteoporosis, by providing a daily intake of 700-800 mg of calcium and 400-800 IU of vitamin D. This is an effective, safe and cheap means of preventing osteoporotic fractures.

A double blind, placebo-controlled trial of ipriflavone for prevention of postmenopausal spinal bone loss.

One hundred ninety-eight postmenopausal women (aged 50-65 years) with vertebral bone density (VBD) 1 SD below the mean value for normal, age-matched, postmenopausal subjects were enrolled in six Italian centers and 134 completed 2 years of treatment. All subjects were randomly allocated to a 2-year treatment with oral ipriflavone (200 mg t.i.d.) or a matching placebo, according to a double-blind, parallel group design. All patients also received an oral daily calcium supplement of 1 g as calcium carbonate. VBD and markers of bone turnover were measured at baseline, and every 6 months. A complete routine analysis of liver and kidney functions along with hematological parameters were measured before and at the end of treatment period. The valid completers analysis showed a significant increase of VBD in ipriflavone-treated women with average percent changes of +1.4 after 1 year, and +1% at the end of treatment period (P < 0.05). The placebo group presented a significant decrease of VBD after 2 years of treatment (P < 0.05). The difference between treatments was significant (P < 0.01). The intention to treat analysis confirmed the significant decrease of VBD in the placebo group, with no changes in ipriflavone-treated women. Skeletal ALP significantly decreased in ipriflavone-treated women (P < 0.05). Serum BGP and urine HOP/Cr showed a significant decrease only in ipriflavone-treated women, suggesting an inhibitory effect on bone turnover rate. Adverse reactions, mainly gastrointestinal, occurred to a similar extent in the two treatment groups. The evaluation of patients' compliance, assessed by residual tablets count, revealed a drug intake of more than 80% after 2 years in 92.5% and 92.8% of patients treated with ipriflavone or placebo, respectively. This study demonstrates that ipriflavone can prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women with low bone mass.

The combined use of ultrasound and densitometry in the prediction of vertebral fracture.

Measurement of ultrasonographic parameters provides information concerning not only bone density but also bone architecture. We investigated the usefulness of ultrasonographic parameters and bone mineral density for evaluating the probability of vertebral fracture. 397 postmenopausal women (59.1 +/- 6.0 years) with (n = 178) or without (n = 219) atraumatic vertebral fractures were studied. In all women, bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine was evaluated by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and speed of sound (SOS); broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and Stiffness in the calcaneus were evaluated by an Achilles unit (Lunar Corporation). Ultrasonographic parameters and BMD were compared by examining the magnitude of the odds ratios, to determine which produces the highest estimate of the probability of odds of fracture, and by examining widths of the respective confidence intervals (CI) to show which estimate of odd ratio is the most precise. The relative risk of vertebral fracture, after adjusting for potential confounders, was 3.5 (CI 2.6-4.8) for BUA; 4.5 (CI 3.2-6.2) for SOS; 5.8 (CI 4.0-8.4) for Stiffness and 7.5 (CI 4.8-11.5) for BMD. Ultrasound (US) parameters were still significant independent predictors of vertebral fracture, even after adjusting for BMD. The relative risk of fracture for a simultaneous decrease by 1 SD of BMD and by 1 SD of each ultrasound parameter was 17.3 (CI 9.4-39.6) for BMD and SOS; 18.3 (CI 8.4-30.6) for BMD and BUA and 22.1 (CI 8.9-52.7) for BMD and Stiffness. Our data suggest that US and BMD provide complementary information which can be combined to improve estimates of vertebral fracture risk.

Design for an ipriflavone multicenter European fracture study.

In order to investigate the efficacy of ipriflavone (i.p.) on the prevention of vertebral fractures and the effect on bone mineral density (BMD) in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, a large multicentric European study was designed and is presently ongoing. Included in the study were 460 Caucasian, nonobese postmenopausal women aged > 45 and < 75 years, menopaused for at least 12 months. Inclusion was on the basis of a lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) lower than 2 SD compared with healthy women aged 50 years, corresponding to values below 0.860 g/cm2 (antero-posterior measurement) by Hologic QDR 1000. Women with prevalent vertebral fractures were excluded as well as those presenting secondary osteoporosis or having been treated with medications that could affect bone metabolism. This study was designed as a 3-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study that randomized the women to the oral administration of either 3 x 200 mg/day of i.p. or placebo. All patients received a daily supplement of 500 mg calcium. The primary purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of i.p. in preventing vertebral nontraumatic fractures. Fracture is defined here as a > or = 20% decrease in any anterior, central, or posterior T4-L4 vertebral height. Blinded vertebral X-ray readings and vertebral morphometry have been centralized in an independent Center, with standardized evaluation of two experts. Power calculations have been based on the hypothesis that 21% of placebo-treated patients would fracture within 3 years and that treatment with i.p. would lead to a 50% reduction in the incidence of fracture. Statistical tests have been designed to have a power of 80%, with a type I error equal to 5%. Secondary endpoints were changes in vertebral, radial, and femoral BMD. Centralized controls on 100% BMD scans would ensure the good quality of BMD readings. This study should verify the hypothesis that i.p. significantly decreases the risk of vertebral fracture in postmenopausal, osteoporotic women.

Effect of calcium supplementation as a high-calcium mineral water on bone loss in early postmenopausal women.

It is generally agreed that an adequate calcium intake is necessary for the maintenance of bone health and that calcium supplementation reduces the rate of bone loss in postmenopausal women. Mineral waters are calorie free, and some, with relatively high calcium levels, might be significant sources of calcium. We studied the effect of mineral water in 45 early postmenopausal women randomly assigned to receive a high-calcium (Ferrarelle, Italy) or a low-calcium mineral water. On the basis of the dietary regimen, women were divided in two clusters (A = 23 subjects, B = 22 subjects) significantly different only for calcium intake (CI) and for dietary consumption of calories (energy). At the end of the study period (13 +/- 1 months), bone mineral density at the distal radius showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) only in cluster with low CI. The difference between the clusters was significant (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the cluster with high CI showed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in osteocalcin serum levels after 3 months. This study provides further evidence to support the use of a high calcium mineral water as an effective prophylaxis against postmenopausal bone loss.

Acute biochemical variations induced by two different calcium salts in healthy perimenopausal women.

Despite the potential utility of calcium supplementation and the availability of many calcium supplements in the market, there are few data concerning the absorbability of different calcium salts in different conditions. We have compared the acute metabolic responses following oral administration of calcium citrate (CC) or calcium gluconolactate and carbonate (CGC) given to 20 healthy perimenopausal women (aged 48-55 years). Ten women received two effervescent tablets of CC (each containing 500 mg of calcium) and 10 women received two effervescent tablets of CGC (each containing 500 mg of calcium). Before and on an hourly basis for 6 hours, serum total and ionized calcium, phosphate, and immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were measured. Urinary calcium and creatinine were also measured. Both calcium salts induced significant increase in serum total and ionized calcium and in urinary calcium excretion; they also significantly reduced circulating levels of iPTH. The analysis of ionized calcium and iPTH response curves to CC and CGC administration revealed a significantly greater bioavailability of CC compared with CGC. Our data suggest that CC could be prefered to CGC for its characteristics of absorbability and bioavailability.

Dietary L-lysine and calcium metabolism in humans.

Calcium deficiency contributes to age-related bone loss; consequently, any preventive approach to osteoporosis should include dietary Ca adjustment or supplementation. The ideal Ca supplement would yield the greatest bioavailability. Studies in animals have shown that dietary supplements with certain amino acids, particularly L-lysine, can increase Ca absorption. Therefore, we examined the potential effect of this essential amino acid on Ca metabolism in humans. In one study, the acute effects of an oral Ca load (3 g as CaCl2) administered with or without 400 mg of L-lysine were compared in 15 healthy and 15 osteoporotic women. In all cases, the oral Ca load determined a progressive increase in serum total Ca and Ca2+ and a concomitant decrease in neophrogenous cAMP. As expected, a progressive increase in urinary Ca excretion was also observed, except in the L-lysine-treated healthy subjects, who exhibited a blunted calciuric response to the Ca load. In a second study, the effects of a short-term dietary supplementation with either L-lysine, L-valine, or L-tryptophan (800 mg/day) on 47Ca fraction absorption were compared in 45 osteoporotic patients. L-Lysine but not L-valine or L-tryptophan significantly increased the intestinal absorption of the mineral. Our results suggest that L-lysine can both enhance intestinal Ca absorption and improve the renal conservation of the absorbed Ca. The combined effects may contribute to a positive Ca balance, thus suggesting a potential usefulness of L-lysine supplements for both preventive and therapeutic interventions in osteoporosis.

Treatment of bone metastases with dichloromethylene bisphosphonate.

PURPOSE: The study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of dichloromethylene bisphosphonate (Cl2MDP) on osteolytic and osteoblastic bone lesions from a variety of tumoral primary sites and to investigate the in vivo mechanism underlying the action of this drug. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-six patients participated in the current study: 59 had predominantly osteolytic lesions and 17 osteoblastic metastases. Sixteen patients had hypercalcemia. All of the patients received 300 mg of Cl2MDP intravenously (IV) for 7 days and then 200 mg of Cl2MDP intramuscularly (IM) for 14 days. Biochemical parameters were measured in the patients before the start of treatment and 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after beginning treatment. After the withdrawal of parenteral Cl2MDP, 59 patients with predominantly osteolytic lesions were then randomized to receive chemotherapy alone (group A, 29 cases) or chemotherapy plus Cl2MDP given at an oral dose of 1,200 mg/d (group B, 30 cases). RESULTS: Serum calcium (Ca), urinary calcium (UCa) phosphate (UPO4), and hydroxyproline (HOP) excretion levels significantly decreased in all patients, whereas no significant changes occurred in serum alkaline phosphatase (AlkPh) and bone Gla-protein (BGP) levels. In 56 patients with painful bone lesions, a progressive analgesic effect was observed mainly between day 7 and day 14. In patients with predominantly osteoblastic metastases, the Cl2MDP treatment led to a more evident hypocalcemia and an increase in both AlkPh and BGP. However, in the majority of these patients the hypocalcemia was corrected by the concurrent use of effective cytotoxic treatments capable of reducing osteoblast stimulation. During 6 months of follow-up, two pathologic fractures occurred in patients of group A, and none occurred in patients of group B. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that Cl2MDP was effective in patients presenting bone metastases with and without hypercalcemia. Care should be taken particularly in those patients with mixed metastases when the sclerotic component is predominant, as the drug may enhance the possibility of hypocalcemia, which is generally corrected by effective cytotoxic drugs. Therefore, Cl2MDP can be considered a valuable support in the treatment of bone metastases.

Effects of nandrolone decanoate therapy on bone mass and calcium metabolism in women with established post-menopausal osteoporosis: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.

In many patients with involutional osteoporosis anabolic steroids may produce a rapid subjective improvement and a pronounced reduction in the frequency of complaints. Animal experiments have demonstrated that anabolic steroids can also have an objective effect on bone tissue. Twenty (20) post-menopausal osteoporotic patients were randomly assigned to 2 different treatment regimens; 10 patients were treated with 50 mg i.m. of nandrolone decanoate (ND) every 3 wk for 12 mth and 10 patients were treated with a placebo. Both groups also received an oral calcium supplement (1 g/day). Bone mineral content (BMC) was measured by dual photon absorptiometry before and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 mth of treatment. Plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and urinary hydroxyproline excretion were measured at the same time. Intestinal calcium absorption was measured by the 47Ca oral test before and after treatment. A transiliac bone biopsy was performed before and after treatment in 4 patients in each group. After 1 yr there was a significant increase in lumbar spine BMC in the group receiving calcium plus ND. A progressive increase in plasma ALP was also observed in the group treated with ND but this was not significant, whereas radiocalcium absorption did increase significantly in this group. Histomorphometric study of bone samples demonstrated a significant increase in trabecular bone volume (TBV) and in active osteoid surface area in the patients treated with ND. Because plasma ALP tends to increase when a small decrease in bone resorption occurs (as measured by urinary hydroxyproline excretion) and the active osteoid surfaces also significant augment, we concluded that ND therapy increases the bone formation rate through inhibition of bone resorption. This interpretation could explain the considerable increase in lumbar spine BMC and the significant increase in TBV observed in patients treated with ND.

[Clinical efficacy of treatment with salmon calcitonin, administered intranasally for 1 year, in stabilized postmenopausal osteoporosis]. / Efficacia clinica di un trattamento con calcitonina di salmone, somministrata per via endonasale per un anno, nell'osteoporosi postmenopausale stabilizzata.

Several controlled clinical studies have confirmed the rationale of calcitonin therapy in postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, administration by injection and side-effects reduced patient compliance and flexibility of dosage. Recently, evidence has been given that an intranasal spray may provide an effective alternative administration route for calcitonin. Forty women with established postmenopausal osteoporosis (at least on vertebral crush fracture) divided into three groups, entered and completed a one-year controlled study on the effects of treatment with synthetic salmon calcitonin nasal spray on bone mass and mineral metabolism. The first group (n = 20) received a daily treatment with 100 I.U. of salmon calcitonin (sCT) nasal spray; the second group (n = 10) received 100 I.U. of sCT by subcutaneous injection every second day; the control group (n = 10) received an oral calcium supplement, 1 g per day. Bone mineral content (BMC), evaluated by dual photon absorptiometry, was measured at the distal radius before and after 6 and 12 months of treatment. Every three months, throughout the year, an evaluation of some parameters of bone remodeling was made. BMC increased (p less than 0.01) in the treatment groups, whereas at the end of treatment, a decrease (p less than 0.05) was observed in the control group. Biochemical estimates of bone resorption, such as urinary hydroxyproline excretion showed a significant decrease in the calcitonin groups. No changes in markers of bone formation, serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were observed in all patients. This study demonstrates that one-year treatment with sCT nasal spray is able to increase bone mass in osteoporotic patients without important local side-effects.

Calcium-channel blockade (nitrendipine) in combination with ACE inhibition (captopril) in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.

The antihypertensive efficacy of a combination of calcium-channel blockers and angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in severe primary hypertension is well known, but a synergistic action of this drug combination in mild to moderate primary hypertension is still not established. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of monotherapy with nitrendipine (20 mg) or captopril (100 mg), and of their combination (nitrendipine 10 mg plus captopril 50 mg), in patients suffering from mild to moderate primary hypertension, according to a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design. After the first 4-week monotherapy period, both nitrendipine and captopril induced a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (p less than 0.001). Furthermore, nitrendipine caused a significant increase in heart rate (HR), while no change in HR was observed in patients treated with captopril. Several side effects were observed, both in the nitrendipine-treated patients (facial flushing, headache, malleolar edema) and in the captopril-treated patients (initial hypotension, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders). However, these side effects were mild and were well tolerated. In the second combined 4-week therapy period, systolic and diastolic BP of patients treated with 10 mg nitrendipine combined with 50 mg captopril continued to decrease to a degree significantly lower (p less than 0.001) than that observed at the end of the monotherapy period. Simultaneously, no change in HR values occurred when compared to basal values. Furthermore, the incidence and intensity of some side effects observed during the combined therapy period were lower than those of the monotherapy period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Serum ionized calcium, parathormone and plasma renin activity in essential arterial hypertension]. / Calcio ionizzato sierico, paratormone, attività reninica plasmatica nell'ipertensione arteriosa essenziale.

Given the significance of the calcium ion in the pathogenesis of essential arterial hypertension, blood levels of total and ionised calcium, phosphorus, parathormone, blood renin activity as well as urinary calcium and phosphorus were assayed in a group of hypertensives and a comparable control group with normal blood pressure. The results showed reduced ionised calcium in the blood of the hypertensives together with hyperparathyroidism and increased calciuria. In addition, the link between parathormone and mean blood pressure levels suggests that parathormone itself play a primary role in the genesis of high blood pressure. Finally the connection between renin activity in the plasma and ionised calcium in the serum suggests that the two hormone systems are closely linked and may interact via the calcium ion.

[Effects on the bones of nandrolone decanoate therapy in postmenopausal osteoporosis]. / Effetti ossei della terapia con nandrolone decanoato nella osteoporosi postmenopausale.

In many patients with involutional osteoporosis, anabolic steroids may produce a rapid subjective improvement and pronounced reduction of complaints. In animal experiments it has been demonstrated that anabolic steroids can also have objective effect on bone tissue. Twenty postmenopausal osteoporotic patients have been randomly assigned to two different treatments: 10 patients were treated with 50 mg i.m. of nandrolone decanoate every 3 weeks for 12 months; 10 patients were treated with placebo. Both groups received an oral calcium supplement (1 g/day). Bone mineral content (BMC) was measured by dual photon absorptiometry before and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Plasma alkaline phosphatase (A.Ph.) and urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio (HOP) were measured at the same times. Intestinal calcium absorption was measured by the 47Ca oral test before and after treatment. In 4 patients of both groups a transiliac bone biopsy was performed before and after treatment. After 1 year there was a significant increase in the BMC of the lumbar spine in the group receiving calcium plus nandrolone decanoate. A progressive but not significant increase of A.Ph. was observed in the group treated with nandrolone decanoate. Radiocalcium absorption significantly increased in nandrolone treated patients. The histomorphometric study of bone demonstrated a significant increases in trabecular bone volume and in active osteoid surfaces in patients treated with nandrolone decanoate. Because the plasma A.Ph. tendes to increase with no change in bone resorption (as measured by urinary HOP) and the active osteoid surfaces significantly augment, we conclude that nandrolone therapy increases the bone formation rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of a new glucocorticoid, oxazacort, on some variables connected with bone metabolism in man: a comparison with prednisone.

The urinary elimination of calcium, other electrolytes, and hydroxyproline and the oral absorption of 47Ca have been evaluated in three groups of 8 patients before and during a 15-day treatment with prednisone at daily doses of 25 and 50 mg and with oxazacort, a new glucocorticoid, at a daily dose of 50 mg. The results obtained demonstrate that oxazacort in short-term teatment with a high dose has no significant effect on the urinary elimination of calcium and hydroxypyroline in experimental conditions in which prednisone produces statistically significant and clinically relevant increase, both when given at the same dose and when given at half that dose. On the other hand, the oral absorption of 47Ca is decreased by oxazacort, but less than by prednisone at the same dose. As the antirheumatic activity of oxazacort appears to be only slightly lower than that of prednisone (activity ratio of about 0.84: 1), these findings may have interesting therapeutic implications.