No evidence of mineralization abnormalities in iliac bone of premenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have increased risk for bone fractures which points towards impaired bone quality. METHODS: We measured bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) and osteocyte lacunae section (OLS) characteristics based on quantitative backscattered electron images of transiliac biopsy samples from n=26 premenopausal women with T2DM. Outcomes were compared to those from reference cohorts as well as between T2DM subgroups defined by clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Comparison to references did not reveal any differences in BMDD (all p>0.05) but a lowered OLS-density in cancellous bone in T2DM (-14.9%, p<0.001). Neither BMDD nor OLS-characteristics differed in T2DM subgroups defined by HbA1c (<7% versus >7%). The average degree of bone mineralization (CaMean) was higher (0.44 wt%Ca in T2DM, 0.30 wt%Ca in reference) and consistently the calcium concentration between the tetracycline double labels (CaYoung) was higher (0.76 wt%Ca, all p<0.001) in cancellous versus cortical bone. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that bone matrix mineralization was neither affected by the presence nor by the glycemic control of T2DM in our study cohort. The intra-individual differences between cancellous and cortical bone mineralization gave evidence for differences in the time course of the early mineralization process in these compartments in general.

Osteosarcopenia and trabecular bone score in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of osteosarcopenia and the association of osteosarcopenia with trabecular bone score (TBS) in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DMG) compared with a paired control group (CG). Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study with men and women ≥ 50 years recruited by convenience. Patients in both groups answered questionnaires and underwent evaluation of bone mineral density (BMD), handgrip strength (HGS), and TBS. The T2DMG also underwent a gait speed (GS) test. Sarcopenia was defined as low lean mass plus low HGS or GS according to the Foundation for the National Institute of Health Sarcopenia Project, and osteosarcopenia was deemed present when sarcopenia was associated with osteopenia, osteoporosis, or low-energy trauma fractures. Results: The T2DMG (n = 177) and CG (n = 146) had, respectively, mean ages of 65.1 ± 8.2 years and 68.8 ± 11.0 years and 114 (64.4%) and 80 (54.7%) women. T2DMG versus the CG had higher rates of osteosarcopenia (11.9% versus 2.14%, respectively, p = 0.010), sarcopenia (12.9% versus 5.4%, respectively, p < 0.030), and fractures (29.9% versus 18.5%, respectively, p = 0.019), and lower HGS values (24.4 ± 10.3 kg versus 30.9 ± 9.15 kg, respectively, p < 0.001), but comparable BMD values. Mean TBS values were 1.272 ± 0.11 and 1.320 ± 0.12, respectively (p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, age, greater waist circumference, fractures, and osteoporosis increased the risk of degraded TBS. Osteosarcopenia was associated with diabetes complications (p = 0.03), calcium and vitamin D supplementation (p = 0.01), and all components of osteosarcopenia diagnosis (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with the CG, the T2DMG had a higher prevalence of osteosarcopenia, sarcopenia, and fractures and lower bone quality assessed by TBS.

Osteosarcopenia and trabecular bone score in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of osteosarcopenia and the association of osteosarcopenia with trabecular bone score (TBS) in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DMG) compared with a paired control group (CG). METHODS: Cross-sectional study with men and women ≥ 50 years recruited by convenience. Patients in both groups answered questionnaires and underwent evaluation of bone mineral density (BMD), handgrip strength (HGS), and TBS. The T2DMG also underwent a gait speed (GS) test. Sarcopenia was defined as low lean mass plus low HGS or GS according to the Foundation for the National Institute of Health Sarcopenia Project, and osteosarcopenia was deemed present when sarcopenia was associated with osteopenia, osteoporosis, or low-energy trauma fractures. RESULTS: The T2DMG (n = 177) and CG (n = 146) had, respectively, mean ages of 65.1 ± 8.2 years and 68.8 ± 11.0 years and 114 (64.4%) and 80 (54.7%) women. T2DMG versus the CG had higher rates of osteosarcopenia (11.9% versus 2.14%, respectively, p = 0.010), sarcopenia (12.9% versus 5.4%, respectively, p < 0.030), and fractures (29.9% versus 18.5%, respectively, p = 0.019), and lower HGS values (24.4 ± 10.3 kg versus 30.9 ± 9.15 kg, respectively, p < 0.001), but comparable BMD values. Mean TBS values were 1.272 ± 0.11 and 1.320 ± 0.12, respectively (p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, age, greater waist circumference, fractures, and osteoporosis increased the risk of degraded TBS. Osteosarcopenia was associated with diabetes complications (p = 0.03), calcium and vitamin D supplementation (p = 0.01), and all components of osteosarcopenia diagnosis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with the CG, the T2DMG had a higher prevalence of osteosarcopenia, sarcopenia, and fractures and lower bone quality assessed by TBS.

Bone Marrow Adiposity in Premenopausal Women With Type 2 Diabetes With Observations on Peri-Trabecular Adipocytes.

CONTEXT: No study has yet evaluated the relationships among bone marrow adiposity (BMA), bone histomorphometry (BH), and glycemic control in premenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the effect of glycemic control on BMA, correlate the parameters of BH with BMA, and correlate BMA with the use of hypoglycemic agents and with bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated 26 premenopausal women with T2DM who were divided into groups with HbA1c < 7% (good control [GC], n = 10) and HbA1c > 7% (poor control [PC], n = 16). BMA parameters (adipocyte number [Ad.N], total adipocyte perimeter [Ad.Pm], total adipocyte area [Ad.Ar], percentage adipocyte volume per marrow volume [Ad.V/Ma.V]) and peri-trabecular adipocyte number divided by bone surface (Ad.N/BS) were evaluated. BH static (bone volume fraction [BV/TV], osteoid thickness [O.Th], osteoid surface/bone surface [OS/BS]) and dynamic parameters and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 were measured. BMA data were compared between the GC and PC groups. Correlations were performed. RESULTS: Ad.N, Ad.Pm, and Ad.Ar were higher in PC (all, P = 0.04). HbA1c correlated positively with Ad.N/BS (P < 0.01) and Ad.N/BS correlated negatively with O.Th (P < 0.01) and OS/BS (P = 0.02). Positive and negative correlations were observed between insulin and metformin use, respectively, with all adipocyte parameters except Ad.N/BS (P < 0.05). Structural parameters were negatively correlated with the BMA. BMD of the femoral neck (r = -549, P < 0.01) and total femur (r = -0.502, P < 0.01) were negatively correlated with Ad.V/Ma.V. CONCLUSION: Poor glycemic control is associated with hyperplasia and hypertrophy of BMAs and with lower BV/TV. Ad.N/BS, a new BMA parameter, is correlated with HbA1c and negatively with O.Th. The use of insulin seems to stimulate the expansion of BMA while that of metformin has the opposite effect. These findings suggest that the increase in BMA may play a role in the T2DM bone disease; on the other hand, good glycemic control might help prevent it.

Estimations of body fat by anthropometry or bioelectrical impedance differ from those by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in prefrail community-dwelling older women.

This study aimed to compare different methods to assess body fat (BF). We hypothesized that bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) or anthropometry may be used to estimate BF in prefrail older women, equivalently to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The cross-sectional study included 72 prefrail community-dwelling older women (71.13 ± 4.65 years old; body mass index [BMI] 28.89 ± 4.23 kg/m2). The BF percentage (%BF) was estimated using anthropometry with the Durnin & Womersley (D&W) and Petroski's predictive equations, BIA with 2 Baumgartner predictive equations (BIA 1 and BIA 2), and DXA. All methods differed significantly from DXA according to assessments using repeated measures ANOVA and pairwise comparisons. The mean %BF varied between 39.99 ± 3.42% (D&W) and 43.93 ±â€¯5.06% (DXA). Multiple regression analysis with age and BMI as covariates showed positive correlations (R2 = 0.91) in models with D&W equation and BMI, and with BIA 2 and BMI; however, BMI explained more of the model (71%) than the equations. Furthermore, Bland-Altman test revealed a proportional bias for D&W and for BIA 2, with underestimation of BF varying across different %BF values. Petroski's skinfold equation showed a positive correlation on linear regression (R2 = 0.74) and no proportional bias; however, Bland-Altman analysis revealed high limits of agreement (-13.6 to -0.05), thus compromising clinical application. To conclude, compared with DXA, all the equations tested showed a high disagreement and wide limits of agreement, restricting their use in clinical practice to estimate the BF in prefrail older women.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of X-linked hypophosphatemia in Paraná, southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of XLH in Paraná, a state in southern Brazil, and report the clinical features and complications of the disease. METHODS: We invited all endocrinologists (n = 205), nephrologists (n = 221), orthopedic surgeons (n = 1020), and pediatricians (n = 1000) in Paraná to fill out an electronic survey with information on patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), and searched the records of the state's health department for all calcitriol prescriptions in 2018. RESULTS: In all, 244 (10%) specialists responded to the email, of whom 18 (7.4%) reported to be taking care of patients with XLH and answered the online survey. A total of 57 patients with XLH were identified (prevalence 5 per million inhabitants). The median age at diagnosis was 22 years, and 42.2% were children and adolescents. Fifteen patients had genetic testing showing a PHEX mutation. Overall, 91.2% had bone deformities, 30.8% had a history of fragility fractures, and 22.4% had renal complications. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a prevalence of XLH of 5 cases per million inhabitants in the state of Paraná, a rate lower than the one reported in other countries. Manifestations of renal calcification and bone fragility were frequent among the patients. This is the first epidemiological study evaluating the prevalence and clinical presentation of XLH in Latin America.

Multivariate quasi-beta regression models for continuous bounded data.

We propose a multivariate regression model to deal with multiple continuous bounded data. The proposed model is based on second-moment assumptions, only. We adopted the quasi-score and Pearson estimating functions for estimation of the regression and dispersion parameters, respectively. Thus, the proposed approach does not require a multivariate probability distribution for the variable response vector. The multivariate quasi-beta regression model can easily handle multiple continuous bounded outcomes taking into account the correlation between the response variables. Furthermore, the model allows us to analyze continuous bounded data on the interval [0, 1], including zeros and/or ones. Simulation studies were conducted to investigate the behavior of the NORmal To Anything (NORTA) algorithm and to check the properties of the estimating function estimators to deal with multiple correlated response variables generated from marginal beta distributions. The model was motivated by a data set concerning the body fat percentage, which was measured at five regions of the body and represent the response variables. We analyze each response variable separately and compare it with the fit of the multivariate proposed model. The multivariate quasi-beta regression model provides better fit than its univariate counterparts, as well as allows us to measure the correlation between response variables. Finally, we adapted diagnostic tools to the proposed model. In the supplementary material, we provide the data set and R code.

Bone Histomorphometry in Young Patients With Type 2 Diabetes is Affected by Disease Control and Chronic Complications.

CONTEXT: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of fractures. No study has evaluated the correlation of bone histomorphometry (BH) parameters with glycemic control and presence of chronic complications (CCs) in premenopausal women with T2DM. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate BH and correlate them with the degree of glycemic control and presence of CCs. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PATIENTS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary medical center. Twenty-six premenopausal women with T2DM were divided into groups with glycated hemoglobin HbA1c < 7% (good control, GC; n = 10) and HbA1c > 7% (poor control, PC; n = 16), and further subdivided into groups with (n = 9) and without (n = 17) CCs. BH parameters (bone volume [bone volume per total volume, BV/TV], trabecular thickness [Tb.Th], trabecular number [Tb.N], trabecular separation [Tb.Sp], osteoid thickness [O.Th], osteoid surface [osteoid surface per bone surface, OS/BS]), mineralizing surface [MS/BS], bone formation rate [BFR]), mineral apposition rate [MAR]) as well as serum pentosidine (PEN) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 were measured. The BH data were compared among the groups and with a BH control group (control group, CG, n = 15) matched by age, sex, and race. RESULTS: BV/TV was increased in GC (P < .001) and PC (P = .05) groups and O.th (P = .03) was smaller in the PC group than in the CG. A comparison of the groups with and without CCs with the CG showed in the group with CCs, O.Th was smaller(P = .01) and BV/TV similar to the CG (P = .11). HbA1c correlated negatively with O.Th (P = .02) and OS/BS (P = .01). There was no correlation of BH to PEN and IGF-1. CONCLUSION: BH in premenopausal patients with T2DM is affected by disease control and chronic complications.

Sarcopenia in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of pre-sarcopenia and sarcopenia and their relationship with clinical variables, physical activity, quality of life, and diet in patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study in patients with HFrEF and matched controls. Clinical, laboratory analysis, dual-emission X-ray densitometry, handgrip strength, and physical activity level questionnaire assessments were performed. Echocardiography, quality of life, gait speed, and 24-hour nutritional recall questionnaire were also analyzed. Pre-sarcopenia and sarcopenia were defined according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People with the cut-off points of the Foundation for the National Institute of Health. RESULTS: 79 patients and 143 controls were enrolled. Pre-sarcopenia was found in 30.4%, and sarcopenia in 10.1% of the patients. Pre-sarcopenic patients were older and shorter, and had more fractures, higher calcemia, and creatinine (P < 0.05). Sarcopenic patients were older and had higher creatinine and TSH (P < 0.05). After multiple logistic regression analysis, only age was associated with pre-sarcopenia (OR: 1.046; CI 1.004-1.095; P = 0.04) and SP (OR: 1.119; CI 1.039-1.229; P = 0.008). Women with HFrEF presented higher lean mass than controls (P < 0.001), but were weaker (P < 0.001), while men presented lower lean mass (P < 0.001). Low gait speed was associated with right ventricular dysfunction (P = 0.016) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Pre-sarcopenia and sarcopenia were associated with aging. Despite having higher lean mass, women with HFrEF were weaker. Low gait speed was associated with biventricular systolic dysfunction.

Association between undercarboxylated osteocalcin, bone mineral density, and metabolic parameters in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: Osteocalcin has been associated with several effects on energy and glucose metabolism. However, the physiological role of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (U-osc; the hormonally active isoform of osteocalcin) is still controversial. To correlate the serum levels of U-osc with bone mineral density (BMD) values and metabolic parameters in postmenopausal women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 105 postmenopausal women (age 56.5 ± 6.1 years, body mass index [BMI] 28.2 ± 4.9 kg/m2) grouped based on the presence of three or less, four, or five criteria of metabolic syndrome according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The subjects underwent dualenergy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for the assessment of body composition and BMD and blood tests for the measurement of U-osc and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) levels. RESULTS: The mean U-osc level was 3.1 ± 3.4 ng/mL (median 2.3 ng/mL, range 0.0-18.4 ng/mL) and the mean BSAP level was 12.9 ± 4.0 ng/mL (median 12.1 ng/mL, range 73-24.4 ng/mL). There were no associations between U-osc and BSAP levels with serum metabolic parameters. Lower fasting glucose levels were observed in participants with increased values of U-osc/femoral BMD ratio (3.61 ± 4 ng/mL versus 10.2 ± 1.6 ng/mL, p = 0.036). When the participants were stratified into tertiles according to the U-osc/ femoral BMD and U-osc/lumbar BMD ratios, lower fasting glucose levels correlated with increased ratios (p = 0.029 and p = 0.042, respectively). CONCLUSION: Based on the ratio of U-osc to BMD, our study demonstrated an association between U-osc and glucose metabolism. However, no association was observed between U-osc and metabolic parameters.The U-osc/BMD ratio is an innovative way to correct the U-osc value for bone mass.

Association between undercarboxylated osteocalcin, bone mineral density, and metabolic parameters in postmenopausal women

ABSTRACT Objective: Osteocalcin has been associated with several effects on energy and glucose metabolism. However, the physiological role of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (U-osc; the hormonally active isoform of osteocalcin) is still controversial. To correlate the serum levels of U-osc with bone mineral density (BMD) values and metabolic parameters in postmenopausal women. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional study including 105 postmenopausal women (age 56.5 ± 6.1 years, body mass index [BMI] 28.2 ± 4.9 kg/m2) grouped based on the presence of three or less, four, or five criteria of metabolic syndrome according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The subjects underwent dualenergy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for the assessment of body composition and BMD and blood tests for the measurement of U-osc and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) levels. Results: The mean U-osc level was 3.1 ± 3.4 ng/mL (median 2.3 ng/mL, range 0.0-18.4 ng/mL) and the mean BSAP level was 12.9 ± 4.0 ng/mL (median 12.1 ng/mL, range 73-24.4 ng/mL). There were no associations between U-osc and BSAP levels with serum metabolic parameters. Lower fasting glucose levels were observed in participants with increased values of U-osc/femoral BMD ratio (3.61 ± 4 ng/mL versus 10.2 ± 1.6 ng/mL, p = 0.036). When the participants were stratified into tertiles according to the U-osc/ femoral BMD and U-osc/lumbar BMD ratios, lower fasting glucose levels correlated with increased ratios (p = 0.029 and p = 0.042, respectively). Conclusion: Based on the ratio of U-osc to BMD, our study demonstrated an association between U-osc and glucose metabolism. However, no association was observed between U-osc and metabolic parameters.The U-osc/BMD ratio is an innovative way to correct the U-osc value for bone mass.

Self-report of psychological symptoms in hypoparathyroidism patients on conventional therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by parathyroid hormone deficiency and hypocalcemia. It has been demonstrated that these patients may also present psychiatric symptoms and decrease of quality of life. The aims of this study were to evaluate the presence of psychopathological symptoms in a cohort of patients with hypoparathyroidism and compare to a control group. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients were submitted to a cross-sectional Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) questionnaire that evaluates psychopathological symptoms by means of the Global Severity Index (GSI), Positive Symptoms Total (PST) and Positive Symptom Distress Index (PSDI). A score based in the positive symptoms was calculated (T-score). The test group was composed of patients with hypoparathyroidism, and control by thyroidectomized patients without hypoparathyroidism. A correlation between the presence of psychological symptoms and clinical features was analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 57 patients with a mean age of 51.1 ± 16.4 years; 20 as a control and 37, test group. There were no differences between groups regarding gender, mean age and age at diagnose. Hypoparathyroidism patients presented higher GSI index than the control group (p = 0.038). Mean T-score of the test group was as elevated as 58.2 ± 5.3 (reference range < 55). No correlation of the number of psychological symptoms to clinical and laboratorial parameters was observed. CONCLUSION: Patients with hypoparathyroidism attending our outpatient clinics presented an increase in the number of self-report of psychological symptoms when compared with a control group. However, no correlation with hypocalcemia and clinical parameters was observed. Future studies are necessary to evaluated if the absence of PTH play a role on it.

Self-report of psychological symptoms in hypoparathyroidism patients on conventional therapy

ABSTRACT Objective: Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by parathyroid hormone deficiency and hypocalcemia. It has been demonstrated that these patients may also present psychiatric symptoms and decrease of quality of life. The aims of this study were to evaluate the presence of psychopathological symptoms in a cohort of patients with hypoparathyroidism and compare to a control group. Subjects and methods: Patients were submitted to a cross-sectional Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) questionnaire that evaluates psychopathological symptoms by means of the Global Severity Index (GSI), Positive Symptoms Total (PST) and Positive Symptom Distress Index (PSDI). A score based in the positive symptoms was calculated (T-score). The test group was composed of patients with hypoparathyroidism, and control by thyroidectomized patients without hypoparathyroidism. A correlation between the presence of psychological symptoms and clinical features was analyzed. Results: The study included 57 patients with a mean age of 51.1 ± 16.4 years; 20 as a control and 37, test group. There were no differences between groups regarding gender, mean age and age at diagnose. Hypoparathyroidism patients presented higher GSI index than the control group (p = 0.038). Mean T-score of the test group was as elevated as 58.2 ± 5.3 (reference range < 55). No correlation of the number of psychological symptoms to clinical and laboratorial parameters was observed. Conclusion: Patients with hypoparathyroidism attending our outpatient clinics presented an increase in the number of self-report of psychological symptoms when compared with a control group. However, no correlation with hypocalcemia and clinical parameters was observed. Future studies are necessary to evaluated if the absence of PTH play a role on it.

Consensus - reference ranges of vitamin D [25(OH)D] from the Brazilian medical societies. Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine (SBPC/ML) and Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) / Posicionamento oficial da Sociedade Brasileira de Patologia Clínica/Medicina Laboratorial (SBPC/ML) e da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia (SBEM) sobre intervalos de referência da vitamina D [25(OH)D]

ABSTRACT Introduction: Vitamin D is considered a pre-hormone and plays a crucial role in calcium homeostasis and, consequently, in bone health. The best source of vitamin D is the skin in response to sunlight. Only small amounts of this vitamin are found in some foods (especially fatty fish), which makes availability of vitamin D in the diet limited. Brazilian population studies show that the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in our country is high. Objective: To define the reference intervals for vitamin D [25(OH)D]. Discussion: Consensus of specialists - literature review. Conclusion: The standardization of reference intervals is fundamental for the correct diagnosis and treatment of hypovitaminosis D.

RESUMO Introdução: A vitamina D é considerada um pré-hormônio e apresenta papel crucial na homeostase do cálcio e, consequentemente, na saúde óssea. A maior fonte de vitamina D é a pele, em resposta à luz solar. Apenas pequenas quantidades dessa vitamina são encontradas em alguns alimentos (especialmente peixes gordurosos), o que faz com que a disponibilidade da vitamina D na dieta seja limitada. Estudos populacionais brasileiros demonstram que a prevalência da hipovitaminose D no nosso país é elevada. Objetivo: Definição dos intervalos de referência para vitamina D [25(OH)D]. Discussão: Consenso de especialistas - revisão da literatura. Conclusão: A padronização dos intervalos de referência é fundamental para o correto diagnóstico e tratamento da hipovitaminose D.

Brazilian guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is the leading cause of fractures in the population older than 50 years. This silent disease affects primarily postmenopausal women and the elderly, and the morbidity and mortality rates are high. The main goal of treating osteoporosis is the prevention of fractures. The identification of populations at risk through early diagnosis and treatment is essential. The last Brazilian guideline for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was elaborated in 2002. Since then, new strategies for diagnosis and risk stratification have been developed, and drugs with novel action mechanisms have been added to the therapeutic arsenal. The Osteoporosis and Osteometabolic Diseases Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology, in conjunction with the Brazilian Medical Association and other Societies, has developed this update of the guidelines for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis according to the best scientific evidence available. This update is intended for professionals in many medical and health specialties involved in the treatment of osteoporosis, for physicians in general and for health-related organizations.

Brazilian guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis / Diretrizes brasileiras para o diagnóstico e tratamento da osteoporose em mulheres na pós-menopausa

Abstract Osteoporosis is the leading cause of fractures in the population older than 50 years. This silent disease affects primarily postmenopausal women and the elderly, and the morbidity and mortality rates are high. The main goal of treating osteoporosis is the prevention of fractures. The identification of populations at risk through early diagnosis and treatment is essential. The last Brazilian guideline for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was elaborated in 2002. Since then, new strategies for diagnosis and risk stratification have been developed, and drugs with novel action mechanisms have been added to the therapeutic arsenal. The Osteoporosis and Osteometabolic Diseases Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology, in conjunction with the Brazilian Medical Association and other Societies, has developed this update of the guidelines for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis according to the best scientific evidence available. This update is intended for professionals in many medical and health specialties involved in the treatment of osteoporosis, for physicians in general and for health-related organizations.

Resumo A osteoporose é a principal causa de fraturas na população acima de 50 anos. É uma doença silenciosa que afeta especialmente as mulheres na pós-menopausa e idosos e tem elevada taxa de morbimortalidade. O principal objetivo do tratamento da osteoporose é a prevenção das fraturas. A identificação dessa população de risco através do diagnóstico e tratamento precoces é de fundamental importância. A última diretriz brasileira para tratamento da osteoporose em mulheres na pós-menopausa foi elaborada em 2002. Desde então foram desenvolvidas novas estratégias de diagnóstico da osteoporose, bem como fármacos com novos mecanismos de ação foram adicionados ao arsenal terapêutico. A Comissão de Osteoporose e Doenças Osteometabólicas da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia em conjunto com a Associação Médica Brasileira e sociedades afins desenvolveu esta atualização da diretriz do tratamento da osteoporose em mulheres na pós-menopausa de acordo com as melhores evidências científicas disponíveis. Esta atualização é destinada aos profissionais das várias especialidades médicas e da área da saúde envolvidos no tratamento da osteoporose, médicos em geral e organizações relacionadas à saúde.

Hypoparathyroidism and pseudohypoparathyroidism: etiology, laboratory features and complications.

OBJECTIVES: To identify a clinical profile and laboratory findings of a cohort of hypoparathyroidism patients and determine the prevalence and predictors for renal abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from medical records of five different visits were obtained, focusing on therapeutic doses of calcium and vitamin D, on laboratory tests and renal ultrasonography (USG). RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were identified, 42 females and 13 males; mean age of 44.5 and average time of the disease of 11.2 years. The most frequent etiology was post-surgical. Levels of serum calcium and creatinine increased between the first and last visits (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively); and serum levels of phosphate decreased during the same period (p < 0.001). Out of the 55 patients, 40 had USG, and 10 (25%) presented with kidney calcifications. There was no significant difference in the amount of calcium and vitamin D doses among patients with kidney calcifications and others. No correlation between serum and urinary levels of calcium and the presence of calcification was found. Urinary calcium excretion in 24h was significantly higher in patients with kidney calcification (3.3 mg/kg/d) than in those without calcification (1.8 mg/kg/d) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The reduction of hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia suggest an effectiveness of the treatment, and the increase in serum creatinine demonstrates an impairment of renal function during follow-up. Kidney calcifications were prevalent in this cohort, and higher urinary calcium excretion, even if still within the normal range, was associated with development of calcification. These findings suggest that lower rates of urinary calcium excretion should be aimed for in the management of hypoparathyroidism.

Hypoparathyroidism and pseudohypoparathyroidism: etiology, laboratory features and complications

ABSTRACT Objectives To identify a clinical profile and laboratory findings of a cohort of hypoparathyroidism patients and determine the prevalence and predictors for renal abnormalities. Materials and methods Data from medical records of five different visits were obtained, focusing on therapeutic doses of calcium and vitamin D, on laboratory tests and renal ultrasonography (USG). Results Fifty-five patients were identified, 42 females and 13 males; mean age of 44.5 and average time of the disease of 11.2 years. The most frequent etiology was post-surgical. Levels of serum calcium and creatinine increased between the first and last visits (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively); and serum levels of phosphate decreased during the same period (p < 0.001). Out of the 55 patients, 40 had USG, and 10 (25%) presented with kidney calcifications. There was no significant difference in the amount of calcium and vitamin D doses among patients with kidney calcifications and others. No correlation between serum and urinary levels of calcium and the presence of calcification was found. Urinary calcium excretion in 24h was significantly higher in patients with kidney calcification (3.3 mg/kg/d) than in those without calcification (1.8 mg/kg/d) (p < 0.05). Conclusions The reduction of hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia suggest an effectiveness of the treatment, and the increase in serum creatinine demonstrates an impairment of renal function during follow-up. Kidney calcifications were prevalent in this cohort, and higher urinary calcium excretion, even if still within the normal range, was associated with development of calcification. These findings suggest that lower rates of urinary calcium excretion should be aimed for in the management of hypoparathyroidism.

[Clinical heterogeneity of atypical fractures during prolonged use of bisphosphonates--risk factors and bone turnover markers]. / Heterogeneidade na apresentação clínica de fraturas atípicas após uso prolongado de bisfosfonatos--fatores de risco e marcadores de remodelação óssea.

We describe four cases of atypical femoral fractures treated at the Department of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná (SEMPR) which, although characteristic of this type of fracture, presented clinical peculiarities that should be considered and serve as a warning in these patients, such as: late diagnosis with maintenance of bisphosphonates; absence of co-morbidities with excellent result; failure of fracture healing; use of anabolic medication after the fracture and the use of bone turnover markers at the follow up.

Recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology (SBEM) for the diagnosis and treatment of hypovitaminosis D.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to present an update on the diagnosis and treatment of hypovitaminosis D, based on the most recent scientific evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Department of Bone and Mineral Metabolism of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology (SBEM) was invited to generate a document following the rules of the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB) Guidelines Program. Data search was performed using PubMed, Lilacs and SciELO and the evidence was classified in recommendation levels, according to the scientific strength and study type. CONCLUSION: A scientific update regarding hypovitaminosis D was presented to serve as the basis for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition in Brazil.