Rare Association Between Osteogenesis Imperfecta and Chondrosarcoma: Could a Pathogenic Variant in the Gene SERPINF1 Explain It?

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type VI is a rare inherited disorder of the connective tissue caused by pathogenic variants in SERPINF1 gene, which encodes the pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF). PEDF is implicated in many biologic processes, including an anti-cancer role. This information is supported by in vitro and in vivo studies that evidenced its anti-angiogenic, anti-tumorigenic, and anti-metastatic properties. Although OI is related to skeletal changes such as bone fragility and deformities, as well as to other connective tissue defects, it does not represent a greater predisposition to the development of skeletal tumors. Here, we report on an adult with OI in which a deletion in exon 8 of the SERPINF1 gene (c.1152_1170del; p.384_390del) was identified. The patient presented popcorn calcification in both femoral epiphyses, but one of them presented radiological characteristics and evolution suspected of malignancy. Later, it was diagnosed as chondrosarcoma. This paper discusses that OI type VI patients may be at risk of developing some types of cancer.

Hepatitis C-Associated Osteosclerosis: Improvement After Treatment with Sofosbuvir, Daclatasvir, and Ibandronate: Case Report and Literature Review.

Hepatitis C-associated osteosclerosis (HCAO) remains a rare condition despite the growing prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection worldwide. Since the first case reported in 1992, this is the twenty-second case described. Patients with HCAO present with severe bone pain and elevated serum levels of bone markers, especially alkaline phosphatase (ALP), with increased bone density. We report here the case of a 59-year-old man with generalized bone pain and diagnosis of HCV infection. Biochemical tests showed elevated bone turnover markers, specifically, ALP, carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks and osteocalcin. Imaging studies revealed generalized bone sclerosis. Bone mineral density was elevated in all validated sites. His clinical symptoms and bone-related findings were attributed to HCAO. He was sequentially treated with cholecalciferol, prednisone, sofosbuvir associated with daclatasvir and ibandronate, and progressed with undetectable viral load after HCV treatment, normalization of ALP levels after introduction of ibandronate, and pain improvement 1 year after discontinuation of the bisphosphonate. Bone pain complaints must be investigated in patients with HCV. HCAO is a differential diagnosis of increased bone mass.

Overlapping phenotype comprising Kenny-Caffey type 2 and Sanjad-Sakati syndromes: The first case report.

Kenny-Caffey syndrome (KCS) is a rare hereditary skeletal disorder involving hypoparathyroidism. The autosomal dominant form (KCS2), caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the FAM111A gene, is distinguished from the autosomal recessive form (KCS1) and Sanjad-Sakati syndrome (SSS), both caused by pathogenic variants in the tubulin folding cofactor E (TBCE) gene, by the absence of microcephaly and intellectual disability. We present a patient with KCS2 caused by a de novo pathogenic variant c.1706G>A (p.Arg569His) in FAM111A gene, presenting intellectual disability and microcephaly, which are considered to be typical signs of SSS. We suggest that KCS1, KCS2, and SSS may not represent mutually exclusive clinical entities, but possibly an overlapping spectrum.

High Prevalence of Vertebral Fracture in a Very Elderly Community-Dwelling: "Longevous Project".

INTRODUCTION: Vertebral fractures (VF) are associated with poorer quality of life, morbidity, and mortality in aging, and are the main risk factors for new VF or fractures in other sites. Thus, to explore them in the elderly is important, especially considering the very elderly individuals (age ≥ 80), who belong to the fastest growing population in the world, a portion that is still very little studied. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence, specific characteristics and associations of VFs in a very elderly population. METHOD: Observational, descriptive, and analytical cross-sectional study of the "Longevous Project" - São Paulo, Brazil, an ongoing prospective cohort that includes elderly of both gender, aged 80 yr or more. For the diagnosis of VF 2 methods were used VFA ("VF Assessment) by bone densitometry and X-ray, by 2 independent physicians, and using the Genant semiquantitative technique. The VFs by VFA were correlated with demographic, anthropometric, clinical, laboratory, and densitometric data. Statistical tests applied were qui-square and ANOVA. RESULTS: We analyzed data of 125 individuals with a mean age of 86.7 ± 4.1 yr and majority of female (71.2%). The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was 35.5% and 47.6%, respectively. A higher prevalence of VF was verified by VFA (30.4%) than by X-ray (20.8%), besides the majority was considered severe, 52.6% and 57.7%, by VFA and X-ray, respectively. A concordance index between the 2 methods was considered regular for the diagnosis of VF (Kappa = 0.419), and good for the VF severity (Kappa = 0.743). The VF were significantly associated to bone densitometry analysis VF (p = 0.05), and its severity was significantly correlated with total hip BMD (p = 0.049) and glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: This study observed a high prevalence of VF in a very elderly population, being the great majority severe fractures and suggests that VFA might be more effective to detect VF in oldest-old individuals.

Obesity, Bariatric Surgery, and Vitamin D.

The high prevalence of obesity is a worldwide problem associated with multiple comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin D deficiency with secondary hyperparathyroidism is common in obese individuals and can be aggravated after bariatric surgery. Moreover, there is no consensus on the optimal supplementation dose of vitamin D in postbariatric surgical patients. We present new data on the variability of 25(OH)D response to supplementation in postmenopausal obese women. It is important to recognize and treat vitamin D deficiency before bariatric surgery to avoid postoperative complications, such as metabolic bone disease with associated high fracture risk. The objective of this article is to discuss the bone metabolism consequences of vitamin D deficiency after bariatric surgery.

Alert for the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in adolescents in a large Brazilian sample.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and severe deficiency in children and adolescents, in a large Brazilian sample. METHODOLOGY: Results of 413,988 25(OH)D measurements in children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years collected between 01/2014 and 10/2018 were obtained from the database of a Clinical Laboratory. In this population, 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentrations below 20 ng/mL are considered deficient, and below 12 ng/mL as severe deficiency. All measurements were performed by immunoassay and the results were distributed by gender, age group, seasonality, and latitude. RESULTS: The mean of 25(OH)D levels was 29.2 ng/mL with a standard deviation of 9.2 ng/mL. Of the total samples, 0.8% had a concentration < 12 ng/mL, and 12.5% of the samples had a concentration < 20 ng/mL, with a higher prevalence in females. Children under 2 years of age had the lowest prevalence. The effects of latitude and seasonality were quite evident. In samples of female adolescents from the southern region in winter, 36% of vitamin D deficiency and 5% of severe deficiency were found. CONCLUSION: In this large number of measurements of 25(OH)D in children and adolescents, 12.5% had a deficiency and 0.8% had severe deficiency. A greater deficiency was observed among adolescents, especially females, which raises questions about the need for supplementation during this period of life.

Factors affecting vitamin D status in different populations in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: the São PAulo vitamin D Evaluation Study (SPADES).

BACKGROUND: Hypovitaminosis D is a common condition among elderly individuals in temperate-climate countries, with a clear seasonal variation on 25 hydroxyvitamin D [(25(OH)D] levels, increasing after summer and decreasing after winter, but there are few data from sunny countries such as Brazil. We aimed to evaluate 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and its determining factors, in individuals in the city of São Paulo belonging to different age groups and presenting different sun exposure habits. METHODS: 591 people were included as follows: 177 were living in institutions (NURSING HOMES, NH, 76.2 ± 9.0 years), 243 were individuals from the community (COMMUNITY DWELLINGS, CD, 79.6 ± 5.3 years), 99 were enrolled in physical activity program designed for the elderly (PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, PA, 67.6 ± 5.4 years) and 72 were young (YOUNG, 23.9 ± 2.8 years). Ionized calcium, PTH, 25(OH)D, creatinine and albumin were evaluated. ANOVA, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests, Pearson Linear Correlation and Multiple Regression were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: 25(OH)D mean values during winter for the different groups were 36.1 ± 21.2 nmol/L (NH), 44.1 ± 24.0 nmol/L (CD), 78.9 ± 30.9 nmol/L (PA) and 69.6 ± 26.2 nmol/L (YOUNG) (p < 0.001) while during summer they were 42.1 ± 25.9 nmol/L, 59.1 ± 29.6 nmol/L, 91.6 ± 31.7 nmol/L and 103.6 ± 29.3 nmol/L, respectively (p < 0.001). The equation which predicts PTH values based on 25(OH)D concentration is PTH = 10 + 104.24.e-(vitD-12.5)/62.36 and the 25(OH)D value above which correlation with PTH is lost is 75.0 nmol/L. In a multiple regression analysis having 25(OH)D concentration as the depending variable, the determining factors were PTH, ionized calcium and month of the year (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Much lower 25(OH)D values were found for the older individuals when compared to younger individuals. This finding is possibly due to age and habit-related differences in sunlight exposure. The existence of seasonal effects on 25(OH)D concentration throughout the year was evident for all the groups studied, except for the nursing home group. According to our data, PTH values tend to plateau above 75 nmol/L.

Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in individuals over 80 years old and their correlations with musculoskeletal and health parameters.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to evaluate the serum concentrations of 25 hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] in individuals aged ≥80 years, independent, free-living in Sao Paulo, Brazil (Lat 23.5 oS), and to investigate their associations with musculoskeletal system, physical performance and health markers. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 212 community dwellers aged ≥80 years and evaluated serum 25(OH)D, PTH, calcium, albumin, phosphorus, creatinine, bone markers, and bone mineral density. Physical performance was evaluated with stationary march, Flamingo, and functional reach tests, questionnaires to assess falls and fractures in the previous year, energy expenditure (MET), and Charlson index. Physical activity was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was observed in 56% and severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL) in 13% of those individuals. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were significantly and positively associated with BMD total hip (p = 0.001), femoral neck (p = 0.011) and 33% radius (p = 0.046) BMDs, MET (p = 0.03) and functional reach test (p = 0.037) and negatively with age (p = 0.021), PTH (p = 0.004) and osteoporosis diagnosis (p = 0.012). Long-lived individuals with 25(OH)D ≥ 20 ng/mL had higher total hip and femoral neck BMDs (p = 0.012 and p = 0.014, respectively) and lower PTH (p = 0.030). In multiple linear regression analysis, age and osteoporosis diagnosis remained negatively associated with 25(OH)D levels (p = 0.021 and p = 0.001, respectively), while corrected calcium and cholecalciferol use remained positively associated (p = 0.001 and p = 0.024, respectively). CONCLUSION: We observed high vitamin D inadequacy prevalence in those Brazilian community dwellers' oldest old. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were positively associated with bone mass and dynamic balance, and negatively with PTH and osteoporosis diagnosis. Additionally, 25(OH)D ≥ 20 ng/mL was associated with better bone mass and lower PTH levels.

Levels of bioavailable, and free forms of 25(OH)D after supplementation with vitamin D3 in primary hyperparathyroidism.

The 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is the major metabolite for ascertaining vitamin D status, which circulates bound to a specific carrier (vitamin D-binding protein - VDBP). A portion that circulates unbound vary according to the VDBP genotype. This study evaluates the behavior of different forms of 25(OH)D, before and after supplementation with 14,000 IU of vitamin D3, weekly for 12 weeks, in individuals with primary hyperparathyroidism and controls. Fifty-six patients with active primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and 64 paired controls (CTRL), not taking vitamin D3 for the last three months, were enrolled. The genetic isotypes of VDBP were determined to calculate bioavailable and free 25(OH)D. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. There were no statistical differences in free, bioavailable, and total 25(OH)D levels between PHPT and CTRL groups at baseline. The distribution of VDBP haplotypes 1s/1s, 1f/1f, 1s/1f, 2/2, 1s/2, and 1f/2 was similar between groups. After supplementation, all three forms of 25(OH)D proportionally increased within each group, although the percentage increment was lower in the PHPT group (p < 0.05). Total 25(OH)D is better correlated with PTH in the PHPT group than bioavailable and free 25(OH)D (r = -0.41; p < 0.05). The concentrations of total, free, and bioavailable 25(OH)D were similar in both PHPT and CTRL groups, and all forms increased proportionally after supplementation, although this increment percentage was higher in the CTRL group, with a subsequent reduction of PTH and AP. Total 25(OH)D correlated better with PTH than other forms, suggesting no advantages in measuring free or bioavailable 25(OH)D in these situations.

Treatment options in hypoparathyroidism.

Hypoparathyroidism remains the single endocrine deficiency disease that is not habitually treated with the missing hormone. In this article, we aim to provide a review of the conventional approach and the novel therapies as well as an overview of the perspectives on the treatment of this rare condition. We conducted a literature review on the conventional therapy using vitamin D analogs and calcium salts, indications for thiazide diuretics and phosphorus binders, PTH analogs history and usage, and the drugs that are currently being tested in clinical trials. Conventional treatment involves calcium salts and vitamin D analogs. Thiazide diuretics can be used to reduce hypercalciuria in some cases. A low-phosphate diet is recommended, and phosphate binders are rarely needed. During pregnancy, a careful approach is necessary. The use of PTH analogs is a new approach despite the limitation of high cost. Studies have included modified PTH molecules, calcilytics, microencapsulation of human parathyroid cells, and allotransplantation.

FGF23 levels as a marker of physical performance and falls in community-dwelling very old individuals.

Objective: The fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has been related to biological aging, but data in elderly individuals are scant. We determined the profile of serum FGF23 levels in a population of very-old individuals and studied their correlations with parameters of bone metabolism and health markers, as functional performance. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 182 community dwellers aged ≥ 80 years. Serum levels of FGF23, PTH, calcium, albumin, phosphorus, creatinine, bone markers, and bone mineral density data were analyzed. Physical performance was evaluated with the stationary march (Step), Flamingo, and functional reach tests, along with questionnaires to assess falls and fractures in the previous year, energy expenditure (MET), and the Charlson index (CI). Physical activity was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: Most participants (75%) had FGF23 levels between 30-120 RU/mL (range: 6.0-3,170.0 RU/mL). FGF23 levels correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; r = -0.335; p = 0.001) and PTH (r = 0.318; p < 0.0001). Individuals with FGF23 in the highest tertile had more falls in the previous year (p = 0.032), worse performance in the Flamingo (p = 0.009) and Step (p < 0.001) tests, worse CI (p = 0.009) and a trend toward sedentary lifestyle (p = 0.056). On multiple regression, FGF23 tertiles remained significant, independently of eGFR, for falls in the previous year, performance in the Flamingo and stationary march tests, lean mass index, and IPAQ classification. Conclusion: In a population of very elderly individuals, FGF23 levels were inversely associated with neuromuscular and functional performances. Higher concentrations were related to more falls, lower muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and poorer balance, regardless of renal function, suggesting a potentially deleterious role of high FGF23 concentrations in musculoskeletal health.

Definition and management of very high fracture risk in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis: a position statement from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) and the Brazilian Association of Bone Assessment and Metabolism (ABRASSO).

Several drugs are available for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Over the last decades, most patients requiring pharmacological intervention were offered antiresorptive drugs as first-line therapy, while anabolic agents were considered a last resource for those with therapeutic failure. However, recent randomized trials in patients with severe osteoporosis have shown that anabolic agents reduce fractures to a greater extent than antiresorptive medications. Additionally, evidence indicates that increases in bone mineral density (BMD) are maximized when patients are treated with anabolic agents first, followed by antiresorptive therapy. This evidence is key, considering that greater increases in BMD during osteoporosis treatment are associated with a more pronounced reduction in fracture risk. Thus, international guidelines have recently proposed an individualized approach to osteoporosis treatment based on fracture risk stratification, in which the stratification risk has been refined to include a category of patients at very high risk of fracture who should be managed with anabolic agents as first-line therapy. In this document, the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism and the Brazilian Association of Bone Assessment and Metabolism propose the definition of very high risk of osteoporotic fracture in postmenopausal women, for whom anabolic agents should be considered as first-line therapy. This document also reviews the factors associated with increased fracture risk, trials comparing anabolic versus antiresorptive agents, efficacy of anabolic agents in patients who are treatment naïve versus those previously treated with antiresorptive agents, and safety of anabolic agents.

Official position of the Brazilian Association of Bone Assessment and Metabolism (ABRASSO) on the evaluation of body composition by densitometry: part I (technical aspects)-general concepts, indications, acquisition, and analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the technical aspects of body composition assessment by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and other methods based on the most recent scientific evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This Official Position is a result of efforts by the Scientific Committee of the Brazilian Association of Bone Assessment and Metabolism (Associação Brasileira de Avaliação Óssea e Osteometabolismo, ABRASSO) and health care professionals with expertise in body composition assessment who were invited to contribute to the preparation of this document. The authors searched current databases for relevant publications. In this first part of the Official Position, the authors discuss the different methods and parameters used for body composition assessment, general principles of DXA, and aspects of the acquisition and analysis of DXA scans. CONCLUSION: Considering aspects of accuracy, precision, cost, duration, and ability to evaluate all three compartments, DXA is considered the gold-standard method for body composition assessment, particularly for the evaluation of fat mass. In order to ensure reliable, adequate, and reproducible DXA reports, great attention is required regarding quality control procedures, preparation, removal of external artifacts, imaging acquisition, and data analysis and interpretation.

Official Position of the Brazilian Association of Bone Assessment and Metabolism (ABRASSO) on the evaluation of body composition by densitometry-part II (clinical aspects): interpretation, reporting, and special situations.

OBJECTIVE: To present an updated and evidence-based guideline for the use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This Official Position was developed by the Scientific Committee of the Brazilian Association of Bone Assessment and Metabolism (Associação Brasileira de Avaliação Óssea e Osteometabolismo, ABRASSO) and experts in the field who were invited to contribute to the preparation of this document. The authors searched current databases for relevant publications in the area of body composition assessment. In this second part of the Official Position, the authors discuss the interpretation and reporting of body composition parameters assessed by DXA and the use of DXA for body composition evaluation in special situations, including evaluation of children, persons with HIV, and animals. CONCLUSION: This document offers recommendations for the use of DXA in body composition evaluation, including indications, interpretation, and applications, to serve as a guiding tool in clinical practice and research for health care professionals in Brazil.

Reasons to avoid vitamin D deficiency during COVID-19 pandemic.

The effects of vitamin D on the musculoskeletal system are well established. Its deficiency causes osteomalacia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and an increased risk for fractures and falls. However, clinical and experimental evidence points to extra-skeletal actions of vitamin D, including on immune and respiratory systems. Thus, during this COVID-19 pandemic, a possible deleterious role of vitamin D deficiency has been questioned. This paper aims to present a brief review of the literature and discuss, based on evidence, the role of vitamin D in the lung function and in the prevention of respiratory infections. Relevant articles were searched in the databases MEDLINE/PubMed and SciELO/LILACS. The mechanisms of vitamin D action in the immune system response will be discussed. Clinical data from systematic reviews and meta-analyses show benefits in the prevention of respiratory infections and improvement of pulmonary function when vitamin D-deficient patients are supplemented. At the time of writing this paper, no published data on vitamin D supplementation for patients with COVID-19 have been found. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended during this period of social isolation to avoid any deficiency, especially in the context of bone outcomes, aiming to achieve normal values of 25(OH)D. The prevention of respiratory infections and improvement of pulmonary function are additional benefits observed when vitamin D deficiency is treated. Thus far, any protective effect of vitamin D specifically against severe COVID-19 remains unclear. We also emphasize avoiding bolus or extremely high doses of vitamin D, which can increase the risk of intoxication without evidence of benefits.

New technology REMS for bone evaluation compared to DXA in adult women for the osteoporosis diagnosis: a real-life experience.

Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal disorder in postmenopausal women. REMS represents a potential technology for osteoporosis diagnosis in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) technology in diagnosing osteoporosis in comparison with dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) on a population of Brazilian women. METHODS: A population of women age ranged between 30 and 80 was recruited at DXA Service of São Paulo School-Hospital, Brazil. They underwent REMS and DXA scans at the axial sites. The REMS accuracy for the osteoporosis diagnosis was evaluated in comparison with DXA on both sites. The intra-operator and inter-operator coefficient of variation (CV) was also calculated. RESULTS: A total of 343 patients were enrolled in the study. Erroneous scans due to poor quality acquisitions with both methods or to other technical reasons were excluded; 227 lumbar spine exams and 238 hip exams were acceptable for comparison analysis. The comparison between REMS and DXA outcomes showed that the average difference in BMD (expressed as bias±1.96 SD) was -0.026±0.179g/cm2 for the spine and -0.027±0.156g/cm2 for the femoral neck. When accepted 0.3 tolerance on T-score, there were no cases diagnosed as osteoporosis by DXA that were defined as normal by REMS. The REMS intra-operator CV was 0.51% for the lumbar spine and 1.08% for the femoral neck. The REMS inter-operator CV was 1.43% for the lumbar spine and 1.93% for the femoral neck. CONCLUSION: The REMS approach had high accuracy for the diagnosis of osteoporosis in comparison with DXA in adult women. According to our results, this new technology has shown to be a promising alternative for populations without access to DXA densitometry.

Prevention and treatment of oral adverse effects of antiresorptive medications for osteoporosis - A position paper of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM), Brazilian Society of Stomatology and Oral Pathology (Sobep), and Brazilian Association for Bone Evaluation and Osteometabolism (Abrasso).

Antiresorptive therapy is the main form of prevention of osteoporotic or fragility fractures. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a relatively rare but severe adverse reaction to antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs. Physicians and dentists caring for patients taking these drugs and requiring invasive procedures face a difficult decision because of the potential risk of MRONJ. The aim of this study was to discuss the risk factors for the development of MRONJ and prevention of this complication in patients with osteoporosis taking antiresorptive drugs and requiring invasive dental treatment. For this goal, a task force with representatives from three professional associations was appointed to review the pertinent literature and discuss systemic and local risk factors, prevention of MRONJ in patients with osteoporosis, and management of established MRONJ. Although scarce evidence links the use of antiresorptive agents in the context of osteoporosis to the development of MRONJ, these agents are considered a risk factor for this complication. Despite the rare reports of MRONJ in patients with osteoporosis, the severity of symptoms and impact of MRONJ in the patients' quality of life make it imperative for health care professionals to consider this complication when planning invasive dental procedures.

Challenges and opportunities for quality densitometry in Latin America.

Latin America and the Caribbean region account for 8% of the world's total population. Experts from 18 countries were invited to contribute to this article to provide the best available data on the number, types, and quality of densitometry, DXA experts, the local/national incidence and prevalence of osteoporosis and fragility fractures, and other uses and information on the challenges and opportunities for quality densitometry with examples of local initiatives. Osteoporosis is the primary reason for densitometry in our region, which is not a priority for public health in most countries. Access and quality are major challenges, and there is a clear trend to concentrate on densitometry services in the largest cities. Urgent action is needed to face the rapidly increasing burden of osteoporosis in our region, including robust and up to date epidemiology, access to health professionals, and quality densitometry. Health professionals require better access to training, courses, and other activities at a more local or regional level.

Reference values of 25-hydroxyvitamin D revisited: a position statement from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) and the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine (SBPC).

Hypovitaminosis D is a common condition with a negative impact on health. This statement, prepared by experts from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism and the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine, includes methodological aspects and limitations of the measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] for identification of vitamin D status, and identifies individuals at increased risk for deficiency of this vitamin in whom 25(OH)D measurement is recommended. For the general population, 25(OH)D levels between 20 and 60 ng/mL are considered normal, while individuals with levels below 20 ng/mL are considered to be vitamin D deficient. This statement identifies potential benefits of maintaining 25(OH)D levels > 30 ng/mL in specific conditions, including patients aged > 65 years or pregnant, those with recurrent falls, fragility fractures, osteoporosis, secondary hyperparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease, or cancer, and individuals using drugs with the potential to affect the vitamin D metabolism. This statement also calls attention to the risk of vitamin D intoxication, a life-threatening condition that occurs at 25(OH)D levels above 100 ng/mL.

Predictors of Poor Bone Microarchitecture Assessed by Trabecular Bone Score in Postsurgical Hypoparathyroidism.

CONTEXT: The effects of PTH deprivation on bone are still unclear. Our objective was to report the characteristics of patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (PsH) at a specialized outpatient service and correlate their trabecular bone score (TBS) values to clinical, densitometric, and laboratory findings. A secondary objective was to evaluate the fracture rates and look for associations between these events and the collected data. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were enrolled, of whom 70 (85.4%) were female and 17 (20.7%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The median body mass index (BMI) was 27.7 kg/m2 and the median age was 59 years. Of 68 dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans obtained, osteopenia and osteoporosis were present in 32.4% and 2.9%, respectively. In all, 62 lumbar scans were analyzed by using TBS. The mean TBS value (±SD) was 1.386 ± 0.140, and 32.2% of the results were <1.310. TBS values correlated negatively with BMI (mainly > 30 kg/m2), age (mainly > 60 years), and glycemia, whereas abnormal TBS correlated with osteopenia, T2DM, low-impact fracture, and menopause. Six female patients had low-impact fractures, which were associated with a lower TBS (1.178 ± 0.065 vs. 1.404 ± 0.130 in the group without fractures; P < 0.001), older age, higher BMI, impaired renal function, abnormal glycemia, and osteopenia. CONCLUSION: The findings suggests that known risk factors for bone loss compromise the bone microarchitecture of individuals with PsH, regardless of DXA results. Menopausal women with PsH and older patients with PsH who have osteopenia, a higher BMI, or T2DM may be candidates for a more detailed assessment by using, for example, TBS.