Beneficial effects of exercise, testosterone, vitamin D, calcium and protein in older men-A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Due to increasing older populations worldwide, injuries, disabilities and deaths caused by falls among the elderly represent a growing human and societal problem. We aimed to improve health among men of at least 70 years of age with low-normal to low testosterone and mobility problems by using testosterone undecanoate (TU) injections, progressive strength training, and oral supplements of vitamin D, calcium and protein. METHODS: This was a single-centre, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with 148 older men with a median age of 77 (73-81) years, testosterone levels at median 8 (5-9) nmol/L (full range from 1.1 to 12.9 nmol/L) and mobility problems, recruited at University Hospital of Copenhagen, Herlev Hospital, Denmark. Participants were randomized into four arms for 20 weeks: (1) TU therapy (n = 37); (2) progressive resistance training with supplements of calcium, vitamin D and protein (n = 36); (3) both interventions combined (n = 36); or (4) no intervention (n = 39). The main outcome measure was the 30-s chair stand test, due to test performance correlating with the risk of serious fall injuries and lower extremity muscle strength. Outcome measurements were performed at baseline and after 20 weeks. RESULTS: After the intervention, the combination group receiving progressive resistance training, TU and supplements achieved a median score of 13 (11-15) compared to the control group at 10 (0-14) in the 30-s chair stand test (P = 0.003). This median improvement of 3.0 was clinically important. Compared to the control group, participants in the combination group also increased quality of life (P < 0.05) and reduced both tiredness (P < 0.05) and leg fat (P < 0.05) and had higher variability in the RR interval (P < 0.01). The group receiving TU reduced gynoid and leg fat compared to the control group (both P < 0.05). Blood tests improved for several variables, especially in the combination group. There was no statistically significant increase in adverse effects from either the supplements or training. CONCLUSIONS: In men ≥70 years old with low-normal to low testosterone and mobility problems, supplements of testosterone, calcium, vitamin D and protein combined with progressive resistance training improved 30-s chair stand test performance, muscle strength and quality of life. Both tiredness and leg fat were reduced, and RR interval variability was increased. Significant adverse effects were not observed.

Use of compression therapy for cellulitis.

INTRODUCTION: Cellulitis is a common infection, especially among the elderly, and compression therapy is often recommended to reduce acute oedema and pain. A previous study showed that compression therapy led to a lower incidence of recurrent cellulitis in lower extremities in patients with chronic oedema. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics of patients with cellulitis. METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive study reviewing medical records and medicine registrations in patients ≥ 18 years with cellulitis. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were hospitalised with cellulitis; 13 were excluded. The median age was 75 years (range: 33-103 years), 64% > 70 years. The median admission time was five days (range: 1-24 days). Median antibiotic treatment duration was 11 days (range: 4-56 days). A total of 45% were current or former smokers, 40% were overweight, 48% had preexisting chronic oedema of the affected area, 90% had become infected in the lower extremities and 19% were readmitted within six months. A total of 51% had a new antibiotic treatment prescribed after being discharged, and 66% received compression therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Cellulitis frequently affects older patients, especially smokers, people with overweight and chronic lymphoedema. In all, 66% were treated with compression therapy that did not have a clear effect on their readmission rate, probably because the patients receiving compression therapy had a more severe infection complicated by severe oedema and a higher risk of reinfection. An increased focus on the use of compression therapy in conjunction with health preventive interventions may have a positive impact on the relapse rate. FUNDING: None. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not relevant.

Comment: Reply to letter to the editor regarding the article "Anti-osteoporotic treatment after hip fracture remains alarmingly low".

This is a reply to the letter to the editor regarding the article "Anti-osteoporotic treatment after hip fracture remains alarmingly low" Dan Med J 2022;69(10):A01220010.

Anti-osteoporotic treatment after hip fracture remains alarmingly low.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures typically affect postmenopausal women, and osteoporotic fractures significantly increase disability, morbidity and mortality. Several anti-osteoporotic agents are available and have been shown to effectively reduce the incidence of low-energy osteoporotic fractures. However, the post-osteoporotic fracture treatment rate remains low. The purpose of the present study was to follow up on patients with a recent hip fracture with primary focus on anti-osteoporotic treatment and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). METHODS: We included patients ≥ 65 years of age admitted to a department of orthopaedic surgery in Denmark from 1 June 2019 to 30 May 2020. RESULTS: In this period, 570 patients ≥ 65 years were treated for a hip fracture. A total of 16.7% of the patients received anti-osteoporotic treatment at follow-up and 6.5% initiated anti-osteoporotic treatment or had a relevant change in anti-osteoporotic treatment. Only 9.8% had a DXA after their fracture; and among this group, 48% received anti-osteoporotic treatment. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with a recent low-energy hip fracture did not receive a DXA, did not have a relevant follow-up or received any anti-osteoporotic treatment. The problem is global and needs to be addressed. Starting treatment with anti-osteoporotic medicine before discharge from the orthopaedic department and referring the patient to a DXA at the same time may be part of the solution. FUNDING: none. TRAIL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

Validity of the urinary dipstick test in the diagnosis of urinary tract infections in adults.

INTRODUCTION: Utility of dipstick analysis must be investigated in patients admitted to the emergency department. The aim of this study was to evaluate if urine dipstick analysis can be used to detect significant bacteriuria. The cross-sectional study was performed in the Emergency Department of Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev Hospital, Denmark. METHODS: We recorded urine dipstick analysis of 500 adult patients admitted to the Emergency Department. Dipstick results were compared with urinary culture. RESULTS: Sensitivity for leukocyte esterase (LE) was 80.9%, but specificity was 58%. The sensitivity of nitrite was 46.5%, and specificity was 90%. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of LE for women were 54.5% and 75.9%; for men, 50.0% and 91.6%. PPV and NPV for nitrite in women were 85.9% and 66.8%; for men, 62.9% and 88.7%. Positive LE and positive nitrite had a PPV of 90.2% for women and 70.4% for men. Negative LE and negative nitrite had an NPV of 80.9% for women and 93.3% for men. CONCLUSIONS: No single parameter or combination of parameters on the urine dipstick analysis can be used reliably to predict positive urine culture in women. The most accurate predictor of negative urine culture in men is the combination of negative nitrites and negative LE. To minimize unnecessary use of antibiotics, treatment can be delayed in female patients with positive urine dipstick until urine culture results are available. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

Clinical presentation and mortality in hospitalized patients aged 80+ years with COVID-19-A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has great health implications in older patients, including high mortality. In general, older patients often have atypical symptom presentations during acute illness due to a high level of comorbidity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presentation of symptoms at hospital admissions in older patients with COVID-19 and evaluate its impact on disease outcome. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients ≥80 years of age with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2, who were admitted to one of three medical departments in Denmark from March 1st to June 1st, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients (47% male) with a mean age of 85 years were included. The most common symptoms at admission were fever (74%), cough (62%), and shortness of breath (54%). Furthermore, atypical symptoms like confusion (29%), difficulty walking (13%), and falls (8%) were also present. In-hospital and 30-day mortality were 31% (n = 32) and 41% (n = 42), respectively. Mortality was highest in patients with confusion (50% vs 38%) or falls (63% vs 39%), and nursing home residency prior to hospital admission was associated with higher mortality (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1-6.7). CONCLUSIONS: Older patients with SARS-Cov-2 displayed classical symptoms of COVID-19 but also geriatric frailty symptoms such as confusion and walking impairments. Additionally, both in-hospital and 30-day mortality was very high. Our study highlights the need for preventive efforts to keep older people from getting COVID-19 and increased awareness of frailty among those with COVID-19.

Compression bandaging does not compromise peripheral microcirculation in patients with cellulitis of the lower leg.

Cellulitis ranks among the most frequent infections, and antibiotic treatment is the accepted mainstay of therapy. There is disagreement on the guidelines for the use of compression bandaging as supplementary treatment, and the evidence within the field is scarce. To determine whether compression bandaging impairs microcirculation in patients with cellulitis of the lower leg, thereby having a negative impact on the supply of oxygen, nutritional components, and antibiotics. Adult patients were prospectively enrolled for compression bandaging in addition to antibiotic treatment. The peripheral blood flow rate was measured before and after application of the compression bandage and on the following day. For this, we applied the heat-washout method, which has previously been shown to provide an accurate estimate of peripheral microcirculation. Comparing the blood flow rate before and after application of the compression bandage showed no significant change and therefore no alteration in microcirculation (p = 0.61). Compression bandaging of the lower leg does not impair microcirculation in patients with cellulitis. This strongly indicates that compression bandaging can play a positive role as supportive treatment in addition to standard antibiotic therapy.

Therapist-Assisted Progressive Resistance Training, Protein Supplements, and Testosterone Injections in Frail Older Men with Testosterone Deficiency: Protocol for a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Fall accidents are a major cause of mortality among the elderly and the leading cause of traumatic brain injury. After a fall, many elderly people never completely recover and need help in coping with everyday life. Due to the increasing older population in the world, injuries, disabilities, and deaths caused by falls are a growing worldwide problem. Muscle weakness leads to greatly increased risk of falling, decreased quality of life, and decline in functional capacity. Muscle mass and muscle power decrease about 40% from age 20 to 80 years, and the level of testosterone decreases with age and leads to impaired muscle mass. In addition, 20% of men older than 60 years-and 50% older than 80 years-have low levels of testosterone. Treatments after a fall are significant financial burdens on health and social care, and it is important to find treatments that can enhance function in the elderly people. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether testosterone and progressive resistance training alone or combined can improve muscle strength and reduce the risk of falls in older men. Additionally, we will examine whether such treatments can improve quality of life, functional capacity, including sexual function, and counteract depression. METHODS: This is a randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in which frail older men with testosterone deficiency are treated with testosterone supplemental therapy and therapist-assisted progressive resistance training for 20 weeks, with the possibility to continue treatment for 1 year. Four study arms of 48 participants each are provided based on factorial assignment to testosterone supplemental therapy and progressive resistance training. The 4 groups are as follows: controls given placebo injections without physical exercise for 20 weeks, testosterone-alone group given testosterone injections without physical exercise for 20 weeks, training-alone group given placebo injections for 20 weeks combined with 16 weeks of progressive strength training, and combination group given testosterone injections for 20 weeks combined with 16 weeks of progressive strength training. Performance in the 30-second chair stand test to measure improvement of general strength, balance, and power in lower extremities is the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints comprising tests of cognition, muscle strength, and quality of life are applied before and after the training. RESULTS: Funding was provided in October 2016. Results are expected to be available in 2020. Sample size was calculated to 152 participants divided into 4 equal-sized groups. Due to age, difficulty in transport, and the time-consuming intervention, up to 25% dropouts are expected; thus, we aim to include at least 192 participants. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation will evaluate the efficacy of testosterone supplemental therapy alone or combined with progressive resistance training. Additionally, improvements in quality of life and cognition are explored. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02873559; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02873559 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6x0BhU2p3).

Evaluating Outcomes for Older Patients with Parkinson's Disease or Dementia with Lewy Bodies who have been Hospitalised for Hip Fracture Surgery: Potential Impact of Drug Administration.

INTRODUCTION: People with Parkinson's disease (PD) are at risk of falling and have an increased risk of complications and prolonged recovery during hospitalisation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of complications and recovery related to a hip fracture in patients with PD. METHODS: All patients with PD or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and a hip fracture who were admitted from January 2013 through June 2014 (18 months) to the Department of Orthopaedics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark were evaluated. Data regarding duration of admission, complications, timing of administration of anti-PD medication, and level of mobility at discharge were obtained from files of patients with PD or DLB and compared with data from a comparable group of patients who were admitted with a hip fracture and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). RESULTS: A total of 31 patients with PD or DLB (PD/DLB group) and 45 patients with COPD (COPD group) were registered during the timeframe investigated. The patients in the PD/DLB group were significantly (p < 0.05) younger than those in the COPD group (77.7 vs. 80.7 years, respectively) and had lower co-morbidity scores (0.9 vs 2.6, respectively). There were no significant differences in length of stay, delirium, or number of infections between the groups. Two thirds of patients with PD were not able to walk unassisted at discharge. Less than 50% of anti-PD medication was given within ±1 h of the scheduled time. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients with PD/DLB are significantly younger and have significantly lower degrees of co-morbidity than patients with COPD, their course and recovery after surgery are equivalent to those of patients with COPD. Patients with PD/DLB are at high risk of developing complications during hospital admission for hip fracture.

[Electrocardiography with R test is effective for diagnosis of arrhythmia in patients who fall]. / Elektrokardiografi med R-test er effektiv i arytmidiagnostikken ved fald.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the use of R tests (event recorders) in geriatric patients examined at the Falls Clinic from March 2007 to September 2008, and to establish whether the use of R tests is relevant, is of clinical importance, results in overtreatment etc. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 207 patients (62 men, and 145 women) were included. Their mean age was 82.8 years. All underwent R-test examination for 5-7 days. The R-test is programmed to store a certain number of arrhythmias and it also records a few seconds before and after the arrhythmia occurs. Furthermore, a pulse trend curve covering the entire period is recorded. A total of 20 minutes of arrhythmias may be stored, and battery capacity is at least eight days. The R-test is easily removed and put back in place as needed. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients had a normal heart rhythm that did not explain their falls or lightheadedness. 34% needed adjustment of antiarrhythmics. 16.4% needed to see a cardiologist, 8.8% of these due to atrioventricular or sinoatrial block, 14.2% due to tachy-brady syndrome, 11.8% due to ventricular arrhythmias. Five patients were referred to a cardiology department for telemetry, four of these were provided with a pacemaker, another two patients were offered a pacemaker but rejected, six patients died. CONCLUSION: R-test examination for a period of 5-7 days is of great importance to the examination of geriatric fall patients, as 34% of patients needed adjustment of antiarrhythmics, and 16.7% needed to see a cardiologist. The R-test is easy to use and is well-tolerated by patients. The registration period needs to have a duration of at least 5-7 days when the purpose is to reveal seldom occurring, but invalidating arrhythmias in the elderly.