Sequential management of postmenopausal health and osteoporosis: An update.

Increased life expectancy means that women are now in a hypoestrogenic state for approximately one-third of their lives. Overall health and specifically bone health during this period evolves in accordance with aging and successive exposure to various risk factors. In this review, we provide a summary of the approaches to the sequential management of osteoporosis within an integrative model of care to offer physicians a useful tool to facilitate therapeutic decision-making. Current evidence suggests that pharmacologic agents should be selected based on the risk of fractures, which does not always correlate with age. Due to their effect on bone turnover and on other hormone-regulated phenomena, such as hot flushes or breast cancer risk, we position hormone therapy and selective estrogen receptor modulators as an early postmenopause intervention for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. When the use of these agents is not possible, compelling evidence supports antiresorptive agents as first-line treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in many clinical scenarios, with digestive conditions, kidney function, readiness for compliance, or patient preferences playing a role in choosing between bisphosphonates or denosumab during this period. For patients at high risk of osteoporotic fracture, the "anabolic first" approach reduces that risk. The effect on bone health with these bone-forming agents or with denosumab should be consolidated with the subsequent use of antiresorptive agents. Regardless of the strategy, follow-up and treatment should be maintained indefinitely to help prevent fractures.

Calcifediol in the management of vitamin D deficiency-related skeletal and extraskeletal diseases: overview and clinical cases.

As well as being essential for musculoskeletal health, vitamin D is involved in numerous other physiological processes. Poor vitamin D status is linked to a wide range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, pulmonary disorders and upper respiratory tract infections. While optimal target concentrations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) for health maintenance or therapeutic purposes are still the subject of debate, there is reasonable agreement that serum 25(OH)D levels <50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL) constitute vitamin D deficiency and that severe deficiency states (serum 25(OH)D levels <25-30 nmol/L ≈ 10-12 ng/mL) should be avoided. Main strategies to maintain or improve vitamin D status are food supplementation and therapeutic use of medicinal forms of vitamin D. In this review, we examine evidence that implicates vitamin D deficiency in diverse conditions in the clinical settings of endocrinology, rheumatology, pneumology and reproductive health. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is the most frequently used vitamin D supplement worldwide, though calcifediol (25-hydroxyvitamin D3) has recently become more widely available. Calcifediol is one step closer than cholecalciferol in the metabolic pathway to biologically active vitamin D. Pharmacokinetic differences between these vitamin D metabolites confer putative advantages for calcifediol in certain clinical situations. The clinical use of calcifediol is explored more closely through case studies, which illustrate its adjunctive role in the treatment of several vitamin D deficiency-related skeletal and extraskeletal diseases.

First Ecuadorian statement consensus for the evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis management has become more relevant as the life expectancy increases. In Ecuador, approximately 19% of adults over 65 years of age have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. There is no national consensus for the management and prevention of the disease being this proposal the first Ecuadorian consensus. INTRODUCTION: In Ecuador, it is estimated that around 19% of adults over 65 years of age have osteoporosis. Due to the increase in life expectancy in the world population, the evaluation and management of osteoporosis has become more relevant. Currently, there is no national consensus for the management and prevention of the disease. The Ecuadorian Society of Rheumatology presented the project for the elaboration of the first Ecuadorian consensus for the management and prevention of osteoporosis. METHODS: A panel of experts in multiple areas and extensive experience was invited to participate. The consensus was carried out using the Delphi method. Six working dimensions were created: definition and epidemiology of osteoporosis, fracture risk prediction tools, non-pharmacological treatment, pharmacological treatment, calcium and vitamin D, and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. RESULTS: The first round was held in December 2021, followed by the second round in February 2022 and the third round in March 2022. The data was shared with the specialists at the end of each round. After three rounds of work, a consensus was reached for the management and prevention of osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: This is the first Ecuadorian consensus for the management and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Long-Term Treatment and Effect of Discontinuation of Calcifediol in Postmenopausal Women with Vitamin D Deficiency: A Randomized Trial.

Vitamin D plays a major role in bone health and probably also in multiple extraskeletal acute and chronic diseases. Although supplementation with calcifediol, a vitamin D metabolite, has demonstrated efficacy and safety in short-term clinical trials, its effects after long-term monthly administration have been studied less extensively. This report describes the results of a 1-year, phase III-IV, double-blind, randomized, controlled, parallel, multicenter superiority clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of monthly calcifediol 0.266 mg versus cholecalciferol 25,000 IU (0.625 mg) in postmenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL). A total of 303 women were randomized and 298 evaluated. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to calcifediol 0.266 mg/month for 12 months (Group A1), calcifediol 0.266 mg/month for 4 months followed by placebo for 8 months (Group A2), and cholecalciferol 25,000 IU/month (0.625 mg/month) for 12 months (Group B). By month 4, stable 25(OH)D levels were documented with both calcifediol and cholecalciferol (intention-to-treat population): 26.8 ± 8.5 ng/mL (Group A1) and 23.1 ± 5.4 ng/mL (Group B). By month 12, 25(OH)D levels were 23.9 ± 8.0 ng/mL (Group A1) and 22.4 ± 5.5 ng/mL (Group B). When calcifediol treatment was withdrawn in Group A2, 25(OH)D levels decreased to baseline levels (28.5 ± 8.7 ng/mL at month 4 versus 14.4 ± 6.0 ng/mL at month 12). No relevant treatment-related safety issues were reported in any of the groups. The results confirm that long-term treatment with monthly calcifediol in vitamin D-deficient patients is effective and safe. The withdrawal of treatment leads to a pronounced decrease of 25(OH)D levels. Calcifediol presented a faster onset of action compared to monthly cholecalciferol. Long-term treatment produces stable and sustained 25(OH)D concentrations with no associated safety concerns. © 2023 Faes Farma SA. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Calcifediol (25OHD) Deficiency and Its Treatment in Women's Health and Fertility.

Currently, there is abundant scientific evidence showing that the vitamin D endocrine system (VDES) is a highly complex endocrine system with multiple actions in different regions of the body. The unequivocal presence of vitamin D receptors in different tissues related to fertility, and to specific aspects of women's health such as pregnancy, undoubtedly implies functions of this steroid hormone in both male and female fertility and establishes relationships with different outcomes of human gestation. In order to review the role of the VDES in human fertility, we evaluated the relationships established between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcifediol) deficiency and in vitro fertilization, as well as aspects related to ovarian reserve and fertility, and commonly diagnosed endocrinopathies such as polycystic ovary disease. Likewise, we briefly reviewed the relationships between calcifediol deficiency and uterine fibroids, as well as the role that treatment may have in improving human fertility. Finally, the best scientific evidence available on the consequences of calcifediol deficiency during pregnancy is reviewed in relation to those aspects that have accumulated the most scientific literature to date, such as the relationship with the weight of the newborn at the time of delivery, the appearance of preeclampsia, and the risk of developing gestational diabetes and its final consequences for the pregnancy. To date, there is no definitive consensus on the necessary dose for treatment of calcifediol deficiency in the therapeutic management of infertility or during pregnancy. Large prospective clinical intervention studies are needed to clarify the benefits associated with this supplementation and the optimal dose to use in each situation. Although most intervention studies to date have been conducted with cholecalciferol, due to its much longer history of use in daily care, the use of calcifediol to alleviate 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency seems safe, even during pregnancy. The unequivocal presence of vitamin D receptors in very different tissues related to human fertility, both male and female, as well as in structures typical of pregnancy, allows us to investigate the crucial role that this steroid hormone has in specific aspects of women's health, such as pregnancy and the ability to conceive. Well-designed clinical studies are needed to elucidate the necessary dose and the best form of treatment to resolve the very common calcifediol deficiency in women of reproductive age.

Biomarkers in Ovarian Pathology: From Screening to Diagnosis. Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer has a low incidence, but high mortality due to a habitual diagnosis in advanced cancer stages. Currently, used biomarkers have good sensitivity, but low specificity. AIM: To determine the usefulness of the biomarkers and algorithms used up to now in the screening, diagnosis, response to treatments and identification of recurrence in patients with ovarian masses. METHODOLOGY: Systematic search of publications in English in the Medline-PubMed database with the terms: "biomarkers", "tumour", "tumour biomarkers", "marker", "tumour marker", "ovarian cancer", "ovarian", "Neoplasms", "cancer", CA-125 Antigen; Human Epididymis-specific Protein E4; Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI); Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA); Ovarian Neoplasms. Original articles, clinical trials, reviews, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, published between January 2000 and November 2020, were selected to determine the usefulness (among others) of CA 125 and HE4 antigen in ovarian cancer. RESULTS: Finally, 39 transcendental publications were selected to write this article to determine the usefulness of tumour markers and algorithms in ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The usefulness of the tumour markers antigen CA125 and antigen HE4 individually or as a basis for decision-making algorithms has low specificity; however, there is little evidence that confirms their usefulness as markers in ovarian cancer screening.

Rol de la homocisteína y vitamina B en el metabolismo óseo / Role of homocysteine and vitamin B in bone metabolism

RESUMEN Se han propuesto varios estudios que sugieren que el grupo de vitaminas B posee un rol en la fisiología ósea. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sobre la interacción de este con la homocisteína y la relación de ambos con el metabolismo óseo y la osteoporosis. Algunos estudios han sugerido que los niveles de vitamina B, sobre todo las vitaminas B12 y B9, se han asociado a una baja densitometría ósea y a un aumentado riesgo a fractura, y que estos, a su vez, intervienen en el metabolismo de la homocisteína, por lo que su déficit puede ocasionar un estado de hiperhomocisteinemia. Publicaciones recientes proponen que la hiperhomocisteinemia se encuentra asociada a desmineralización ósea, baja calidad de masa ósea y aumento de biomarcadores de recambio óseo, dado que influye en la actividad osteoclástica y en los enlaces cruzados de colágeno. Por lo tanto, la hiperhomocisteinemia puede ser un factor que reduce la densidad y la calidad ósea. Se necesita más información para determinar el papel que tiene cada vitamina directamente en la salud ósea, o si estas solo influyen a través de las concentraciones séricas de homocisteína.

ABSTRACT Several studies have suggested a role for B-vitamins in bone physiology. A systematic review is presented on the interaction of B-vitamins with homocysteine and the relationship of both in bone metabolism and osteoporosis. The levels of vitamin-B, particularly B12 and B9, have been associated with a low bone mineral density and an increased risk of fracture. At the same time, its deficit affects the metabolism of homocysteine, which can then result in a high serum homocysteine. Recent findings have proposed that high serum homocysteine is linked to bone demineralisation, low quality of bone mass, and an increase in bone turnover biomarkers, given the influence over the osteoclastic activity and the cross-linking of collagen molecules. Therefore, high serum homocysteine could be a factor that reduces bone density and quality. More information is needed to determine whether there is a direct role of each vitamin in bone health, or if they are just influenced by homocysteine serum concentrations.

Vacunas terapéuticas del virus del papiloma humano: revisión de la evidencia actual / Therapeutic vaccines of the human papilloma virus: current evidence review

Resumen: OBJETIVO: Evaluar la inmunogenicidad de los distintos tipos de vacunas terapéuticas y de su efecto en las lesiones causadas por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH) después de su aplicación. Además, analizar los estudios de seguridad y las perspectivas de las vacunas terapéuticas contra el VPH. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio retrospectivo efectuado mediante la búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática en la base de datos PubMed, sin restricción de fecha de publicación. Criterio de inclusión: ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (metanálisis y revisiones sistemáticas). Criterios de exclusión: ensayos clínicos en fase preclínica del desarrollo y publicaciones en idiomas distintos al inglés o español. RESULTADOS: Se seleccionaron 30 artículos publicados entre 2000 y 2020. Entre ellos, 5 ensayos clínicos aleatorizados con vacunas terapéuticas que ya han finalizado o aún están en estudio. Las 25 publicaciones restantes incluyen: metanálisis y revisiones sistemáticas de aspectos seleccionados con objetivos primarios y secundarios. CONCLUSIONES: Las vacunas terapéuticas contra VPH se encuentran en fase experimental; hasta ahora se han conseguido resultados prometedores con algunas de ellas. Si bien existen distintos tipos de vacunas terapéuticas, los mejores resultados se han conseguido con las basadas en ADN. Las vacunas VGX-3100 y TS, en fase III, han demostrado diferencias significativas en el aclaramiento viral y la regresión de las lesiones de alto grado en pacientes vacunadas. Una vacuna terapéutica efectiva tendría una repercusión inmediata en la morbilidad y mortalidad por lesiones asociadas al virus.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the immunogenicity of different types of therapeutic vaccines and their effect on human papillomavirus (HPV) lesions after application. In addition, to analyze the safety studies and prospects of therapeutic HPV vaccines. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective study based on a systematic literature search of the PubMed database, with no publication date restrictions. Inclusion criteria: randomized clinical trials (meta-analyses and systematic reviews). Exclusion criteria: clinical trials in the pre-clinical phase of development and publications in languages other than English or Spanish. RESULTS: 30 articles published between 2000 and 2020 were selected. Among them, 5 randomized clinical trials with therapeutic vaccines that have already been completed or are still under study. The remaining 25 publications include: meta-analyses and systematic reviews of selected aspects with primary and secondary objectives. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic HPV vaccines are in the experimental phase; so far promising results have been achieved with some of them. Although different types of therapeutic vaccines exist, the best results have been achieved with DNA-based vaccines. The VGX-3100 and TS vaccines, in phase III, have demonstrated significant differences in viral clearance and regression of high-grade lesions in vaccinated patients. An effective therapeutic vaccine would have an immediate impact on morbidity and mortality from virus-associated lesions.

Vacaciones terapéuticas en osteoporosis: estrategia en el tratamiento a largo plazo con bifosfonatos / Therapeutic holidays in osteoporosis: long-term strategy of treatment with bisphosphonates

Los bifosfonatos (BF) orales son fármacos ampliamente utilizados en el tratamiento de la osteoporosis y se sitúan como primera línea de tratamiento para la osteoporosis en la mayoría de las guías clínicas. Son fármacos eficaces que reducen la aparición de fracturas e incluso disminuyen la mortalidad. Debido a su gran afinidad por el tejido óseo, los BF han demostrado que, incluso cuando se interrumpe su administración, siguen ofreciendo un efecto protector sobre la densidad mineral ósea e incluso sobre la aparición de nuevas fracturas. Sin embargo, su uso prolongado durante años se ha relacionado con la aparición de algunas complicaciones, como la osteonecrosis mandibular o las fracturas atípicas de fémur, que han cuestionado la duración del tratamiento con estos fármacos y abierto la posibilidad de realizar interrupciones, definitivas o temporales, reconocidas como «vacaciones terapéuticas». Así, en pacientes tratados con BF durante un período de 3 a 5 años con riesgo bajo de fractura, se aconseja retirar el fármaco y reiniciarlo cuando vuelva a presentar indicación de tratamiento. En cambio, en pacientes con riesgo moderado, se aconseja realizar vacaciones terapéuticas y reevaluar a los 2-3 años para reiniciar el tratamiento. Por el contrario, en aquellos pacientes con riesgo elevado de fractura no debería retirarse el tratamiento (AU)

Oral bisphosphonates (BF) are drugs widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis and placed as first-line treatment for osteoporosis in most clinical guidelines. BF are effective drugs that reduce the incidence of fractures and even reduce mortality. Because of their great affinity for bone, BF have shown that even when they are discontinued still offer a latent protective effect on bone mineral density, maintaining their anti-fracture effect. However, prolonged use for years has been linked to the gradual emergence of complications such as osteonecrosis of the jaw or atypical femur fractures, which have raised questions as when to hold and when to make a final or temporary break, recognized as periods of rest or 'therapeutic holidays' of these drugs. Thus, in patients treated with BF for a period of 3-5 years with a low risk of fracture, the drug should be discontinued and restarted when there is an indication for treatment. In contrast, in patients with moderate risk, therapeutic holidays are advised, while reassessing after 2-3 years for restarting purposes. Finally, in patients with high risk of fracture, treatment with BF should not be withdra (AU)

[Therapeutic holidays in osteoporosis: Long-term strategy of treatment with bisphosphonates]. / Vacaciones terapéuticas en osteoporosis: estrategia en el tratamiento a largo plazo con bifosfonatos.

Oral bisphosphonates (BF) are drugs widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis and placed as first-line treatment for osteoporosis in most clinical guidelines. BF are effective drugs that reduce the incidence of fractures and even reduce mortality. Because of their great affinity for bone, BF have shown that even when they are discontinued still offer a latent protective effect on bone mineral density, maintaining their anti-fracture effect. However, prolonged use for years has been linked to the gradual emergence of complications such as osteonecrosis of the jaw or atypical femur fractures, which have raised questions as when to hold and when to make a final or temporary break, recognized as periods of rest or "therapeutic holidays" of these drugs. Thus, in patients treated with BF for a period of 3-5 years with a low risk of fracture, the drug should be discontinued and restarted when there is an indication for treatment. In contrast, in patients with moderate risk, therapeutic holidays are advised, while reassessing after 2-3 years for restarting purposes. Finally, in patients with high risk of fracture, treatment with BF should not be withdrawn.

The new LNG-releasing IUS: a new opportunity to reduce the burden of unintended pregnancy.

Unintended pregnancies still remain a worldwide public health problem. They have received much attention in adolescents given the strong impact they have on their present and future lives. Young women wishing to delay maternity are also especially vulnerable to unintended pregnancies. Studies have revealed a pattern of use of contraceptive methods that is likely to increase this risk. Methods of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), among which copper and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices (IUD and IUS) are the most common, have been widely recommended to avoid unintended pregnancy at any age. Despite this, the use of these devices is very limited. Several barriers to their wide spread use have been identified, which specially affect a higher use by nulliparous women. A new levonorgestrel-releasing IUS containing only 13.5mg of levonorgestrel (IUS12) recently marketed as Jaydess® in Europe, has a smaller size, provides a shorter duration of action, and a lower hormonal content compared to Mirena®, along with a similar efficacy and safety profile, may offer a long-term option that better addresses the needs of nulliparous women. Evidence on the risk of unintended pregnancies in young women--with a special emphasis in Europe, barriers associated with a lower-than-desirable use of LARC methods--especially intrauterine devices (IUD and IUS), and the potential benefits of the new IUS12 including changes in bleeding pattern, safety and user satisfaction--especially with respect to nulliparous and adolescents--are reviewed here. Evidence supports that IUS12 may offer a LARC option that better addresses the needs of these women.

Disability-adjusted-life-years losses in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: a burden of illness study.

BACKGROUND: To estimate the disability-adjusted life years (DALY) in a nationwide representative sample of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The effects of drug-based therapy and risk factors for osteoporotic bone fractures on DALY losses were also explored. METHODS: DALY were estimated based on participant's clinical characteristics and Health-Related Quality-of-Life (HRQoL) data obtained from a cross-sectional, epidemiological one-visit study (the GINERISK study). The study enrolled postmenopausal women (at least 12-months after their last menstrual period) with osteoporosis, above 18-years old, who attended Spanish outpatient Gynaecology clinics. HRQoL was assessed using the generic SF-12v2 questionnaire, which was used to derive disutility values. Mortality rates were extracted from the Spanish national statistics database. Factors explored to be associated with DALY losses were examined using ANOVA, ANCOVA and MANCOVA models. RESULTS: DALY could be computed in 2,782 (67%) out of 4,157 postmenopausal women, with a mean (95% CI) age of 61.0 (60.7-61.2) years. Overall individual undiscounted DALY per woman were 6.1 (5.9-6.2), resulting to be significantly higher in women with severe osteoporosis with prior bone fracture; 7.8 (7.2-8.4) compared to osteoporotic women [5.8 (5.6-6.0)] or postmenopausal women with a BMD > -2.5 T-score that received a drug-based therapy [6.2 (5.8-6.5)]; F = 27.0 (P < 0.01). Models explaining the variation in the levels of health based on the use of a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) or possession of risk factors for osteoporotic BF were found (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DALY losses were considerable amongst postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Not having a prior bone fracture, being older, using a SERM and having less osteoporotic risk factors were all linked to less DALY losses.

[Myths and realities of the long-term reversible contraceptives]. / Mitos y realidades de los anticonceptivos reversibles de larga duración.

BACKGROUND: For a woman uses contraception acceptance not only required but also the possibility of minimal or no side effects, comfort and tranquility of their safety. There are women who find it inconvenient not taking the pill daily, but for many other yes, what follows that notwithstanding their safety, do not suit the need of women. IUDs have reached high fees clinical efficacy and safety for use in any group of women, including gilts. METHODOLOGY: A search for original articles and systematic reviews published in the last ten years in the PubMed database, specifically study reversible long-term hormonal contraception was made. They were included in the various search engines, the words: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception, intrauterine contraceptive method, contraceptive implants and intrauterine, myths About IUDs, and others. We selected the highest level of evidence and documents were analyzed and 76 of these myths and realities were located around the long-term contraception. CONCLUSIONS: There are too many myths accepted as paradigms and perceptions about IUDs, especially about its indication to nulliparous women, who do not stand by the scientific evidence. The clinical efficacy of intrauterine contraception in nulliparous women is equal in multiparous; though probably more painful insertion in the former, but not harder.

2013 Up-date of the consensus statement of the Spanish Menopause Society on postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a major female health problem that increases morbidity, mortality and healthcare system costs. Considering that gynecologists are the primary health practitioners involved in the treatment of women with osteoporosis in our country, a panel of experts from the Spanish Menopause Society met to establish a set of criteria and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease based on the best available evidence and according to the model proposed by the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system to elaborate clinical practice guidelines and to classify the quality of the evidence and the strength of the recommendations. These recommendations should be a reference to gynecologist and other health professionals involved in the treatment of postmenopausal women.

Clinical profile of Spanish postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of osteoporosis and risk factors for endometrial pathology, breast cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE: GINERISK was designed to assess the clinical profile of Spanish postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of osteoporosis and to establish the presence of other risk factors. METHODS: In this Spanish cross-sectional, epidemiological, observational study, gynecologists sequentially invited postmenopausal women with osteoporosis under their care to complete a predefined questionnaire during a routine visit. Risk factors for bone fractures, endometrial pathology, breast cancer, and cardiovascular disease were assessed. RESULTS: In addition to being postmenopausal and having diagnosed osteoporosis, 49.8% (2,070/4,157) of eligible participants had one or more risk factors for bone fractures, 96.8% (4,023/4,157) had one or more risk factors for breast cancer, and 83.4% (3,469/4,157) had one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, 20.1% (n = 835) of the women presented with high cardiovascular risk, 16.6% (n = 692) were at high risk for bone fractures, and 14.5% (n = 423) were at high risk for developing breast cancer in the next 5 years, whereas only 9.2% (n = 301) of participants were identified as having high endometrial risk. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the increased risk of bone fractures, women with osteoporosis are also at risk for endometrial pathology, breast cancer, and cardiovascular disease. These risks should be evaluated and taken into consideration when choosing an osteoporosis treatment for postmenopausal women.

Frequency of FRAX risk factors in osteopenic postmenopausal women with and without history of fragility fracture.

OBJECTIVE: Fractures associated with bone fragility represent a major public health concern. Although the risk of bone fracture is higher among patients with osteoporosis, the number of fractures is usually higher among patients with osteopenia due to its higher prevalence. METHODS: This is an observational case series study that compares the frequencies of nonskeletal risk factors for osteoporotic fractures in osteopenic postmenopausal women with previous clinical fragility fractures (FFs) and osteopenic postmenopausal women without previous FF. Risk factors included in the FRAX algorithm and other selected risk factors, including asymptomatic vertebral fractures, were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 735 (50.3% with prior FF and 49.7% without prior FF) postmenopausal women were evaluated (median age, 60 y; mean bone mineral density [BMD] femoral neck T score of -1.67). The frequency of the following risk factors was significantly higher among women with FF-FRAX algorithm: age, use of corticosteroids, and BMD femoral neck T score; other factors: Hispanic ethnicity, falls during the last year, and BMD lumbar T score. In addition, the frequency of previously undetected asymptomatic vertebral fractures was four times higher among women with a history of FF. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study support the need to assess the presence of asymptomatic vertebral fractures and BMD T scores in osteopenic postmenopausal women. The risk evaluation of this subpopulation can be accomplished by using some of the risk factors included in the FRAX algorithm combined with other conventional risk factors.

Reduction of urinary levels of N-telopeptide correlates with treatment compliance in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis receiving alendronate.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with the effectiveness of treatment with alendronate (ALN) quantified by a reduction in urinary excretion of N-telopeptide (NTx). METHODS: The study is an observational, prospective, multicenter trial, with a 6-month follow-up. Postmenopausal osteoporotic women (densitometric criteria), who initiated treatment with ALN (70 mg/weekly) without previous treatment with antiresorptive agents (12 month) and calcitonin (6 month), were included. The assessment of NTx levels (nmol bone collagen equivalents/mmol creatinine) in the urine was performed at baseline and after completion of follow-up. A logistic regression model included "achieving a reduction in urinary NTx of at least 30% (minimal clinically significant change [MCSC])" as a dichotomous dependent variable and the following as independent variables: baseline urinary NTx levels, treatment compliance, years since diagnosis of menopause, ALN treatment duration, and treatment with calcium and vitamin D. Treatment compliance was assessed as the percentage of days of medication prescribed as a function of the time between the beginning and end of treatment. Good compliance was defined as a percentage between 80% and 120%. RESULTS: The variables that reached statistical significance were baseline urinary NTx values (odds ratio, 1.052; 95% CI, 1.025-1.079) and compliance (odds ratio, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.5-10.1). Therefore, the women with good treatment compliance were almost 4 times more likely to achieve an MCSC in NTx levels, and the raise in one unit of urinary NTx baseline values increased by 5% of the probability of achieving MCSC. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with ALN (70 mg/week) in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis effectively reduces the urinary excretion of the bone turnover biomarker NTx. The probability of achieving a clinically significant reduction is greater in those women with higher baseline levels of NTx and in women who comply with treatment.

[Fibromyalgia and menopause. Association or coincidence?]. / Fibromialgia y climaterio: asociación o coincidencia?

Fibromyalgia constitutes today, in the western world, an important problem of health that affects fundamentally in women from 45 years. The studies on the influence of the hormones on the symptomatology of the patients with fibromyalgia have not managed to establish a link of causal union between the hormonal climacteric decline and the development of the painful syndrome. Nevertheless, there are studies that relate the pain, the anxiety and the depression to the level of sexual steroids. It is our aim to check these associations. We will have to expect to the development of the intracrinology and, possibly, to know more the relationship between sexual steroids and neurotransmitters to be able to know the exact relation between fibromyalgia and menopause.

Terapia hormonal renacida: algunos interrogantes / Hormone therapy reborn: some unterrogantes

La transición menopáusica es un período de capital importancia en la vida de la mujer para determinar cuál será su salud en los años siguientes de la madurez y la senilidad. La terapia hormonal ha pasado de ser la panacea en el mantenimiento de la eterna juventud a ser abandonada casi por completo por los proveedores de salud en general. Los reanálisis de los grandes ensayos clínicos sobre terapia hormonal de la menopausia nos proporcionan la oportunidad de reflexionar sobre el carácter integral que debe presidir nuestra asistencia médica en este período de la historia vital de la mujer...