A meta-analysis of previous falls and subsequent fracture risk in cohort studies.

The relationship between self-reported falls and fracture risk was estimated in an international meta-analysis of individual-level data from 46 prospective cohorts. Previous falls were associated with an increased fracture risk in women and men and should be considered as an additional risk factor in the FRAX® algorithm. INTRODUCTION: Previous falls are a well-documented risk factor for subsequent fracture but have not yet been incorporated into the FRAX algorithm. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in an international meta-analysis, the association between previous falls and subsequent fracture risk and its relation to sex, age, duration of follow-up, and bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: The resource comprised 906,359 women and men (66.9% female) from 46 prospective cohorts. Previous falls were uniformly defined as any fall occurring during the previous year in 43 cohorts; the remaining three cohorts had a different question construct. The association between previous falls and fracture risk (any clinical fracture, osteoporotic fracture, major osteoporotic fracture, and hip fracture) was examined using an extension of the Poisson regression model in each cohort and each sex, followed by random-effects meta-analyses of the weighted beta coefficients. RESULTS: Falls in the past year were reported in 21.4% of individuals. During a follow-up of 9,102,207 person-years, 87,352 fractures occurred of which 19,509 were hip fractures. A previous fall was associated with a significantly increased risk of any clinical fracture both in women (hazard ratio (HR) 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33-1.51) and men (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.41-1.67). The HRs were of similar magnitude for osteoporotic, major osteoporotic fracture, and hip fracture. Sex significantly modified the association between previous fall and fracture risk, with predictive values being higher in men than in women (e.g., for major osteoporotic fracture, HR 1.53 (95% CI 1.27-1.84) in men vs. HR 1.32 (95% CI 1.20-1.45) in women, P for interaction = 0.013). The HRs associated with previous falls decreased with age in women and with duration of follow-up in men and women for most fracture outcomes. There was no evidence of an interaction between falls and BMD for fracture risk. Subsequent risk for a major osteoporotic fracture increased with each additional previous fall in women and men. CONCLUSIONS: A previous self-reported fall confers an increased risk of fracture that is largely independent of BMD. Previous falls should be considered as an additional risk factor in future iterations of FRAX to improve fracture risk prediction.

Light Microscopy and Proteomic Patterns of Ovulation in Cervical Mucus.

There is an increasing number of couples interested in identifying the fertile window for the purpose of conceiving. From what has been published so far, it can be concluded that there are no reliable methods to predict ovulation, and, therefore, to predict the fertile window. Proteins of the cervical mucus (CM) could behave as biomarkers to allow the early and precise identification of ovulation. CM samples were collected from the lumen of the cervical canal from women of reproductive age, on three different days of the same menstrual cycle. Samples were first analyzed and classified by light microscopy. High-resolution mass spectrometry and bioinformatic analysis were performed afterwards to determine the in vivo changes of CM protein composition. CM underwent cyclical changes in its biophysical composition, which were evidenced by changes in the crystallographic patterns observed under the light microscope. The proteomic analysis revealed changes in the protein composition of CM along the cycle. Twenty-five out of the forty-eight total proteins identified could become potential biomarkers of ovulation. The coordinated changes in the composition of the CM around the time of ovulation could be happening to specifically grant access to a foreign body, such as the sperm might be.

La esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) desde la Atención Primaria. Epidemiología y características clínico-asistenciales / Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from the perspective of Primary Care. Epidemiology and clinical-care characteristics

La ELA es una enfermedad poco frecuente en atención primaria (AP), representa un desafío para el médico de familia especialmente en atención domiciliaria. Objetivo: Conocer la incidencia y prevalencia de la ELA en un área de gestión de AP, las características clínicas y la utilización de recursos sanitarios. Diseño: Estudio observacional. Emplazamiento: Dirección de AP Costa de Ponent, Región Sanitaria Metropolitana Sur, Barcelona, Cataluña, España. Participantes: Pacientes con ELA ≥18 años diagnosticados hasta el 01/03/2017. Mediciones principales: Edad, sexo, características: forma de inicio (espinal, bulbar, otras), intervalo entre inicio de síntomas y diagnóstico, portadores gastrostomía percutánea, ventilación no invasiva o invasiva. Identificación en AP como paciente crónico complejo o con necesidades paliativas. Inclusión en programas de atención domiciliaria (PAD). Modelo de atención hospitalario. Resultados: Ochenta y un pacientes, edad media 65,6 años (±11,7), varones 49,4%. Forma de inicio: espinal 69%, bulbar 21%, otras 4%. Intervalo entre inicio de síntomas y diagnóstico 12 meses. Identificados como paciente crónico complejo o con necesidades paliativas 13,6%, incluidos en PAD 29 pacientes (35,8%). Atendidos en modelo hospitalario integral 79 pacientes (97,5%). Prevalencia 6,1/100.000 habitantes en 2017. Incidencia anual entre 1,2 casos/100.000 habitantes/año en 2012 y 3,5 casos/100.000 habitantes/año en 2016. Conclusiones: Utilizar gastrostomía percutánea en la ELA favorece la identificación como paciente crónico complejo o con necesidades paliativas e inclusión en PAD. Utilizar ventilación no invasiva favorece la inclusión en PAD. Los datos de incidencia y prevalencia de ELA son superiores a los descritos previamente en la misma área. Es necesaria la identificación precoz de estos pacientes en los modelos de atención a la cronicidad en equipos de AP.(AU)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare disease in primary care (PC), it represents a challenge for the family doctor, especially in home care. Objective: To know the incidence and prevalence of ALS in an area of ??PA management, the clinical characteristics and use of health resources. Design: Observational study. Location: PC-Direction Costa de Ponent, South Metropolitan Health Region, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Participants: Patients with ALS ≥18 years diagnosed until 03/01/2017. Main measurements: Age, sex, characteristics: form of appearance (spinal, bulbar, others), interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis, percutaneous gastrostomy carriers, ventilation non-invasive or invasive. Identification in PC as a Complex Chronic Patient or with palliative needs (CCP). Inclusion in home care programs (PAD). Model of attention hospitable. Results: 81 patients, mean age 65.6 years (± 11.7), men 49.4%. Shape of onset: spinal 69%, bulbar 21%, another 4%. Interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis 12 months. Identified as a CCP 13.6%, 29 patients (35.8%) included in PAD. Attended in comprehensive hospital model 79 patients (97.5%). Prevalence 6.1/100,000 inhabitants in 2017. Annual incidence between 1.2 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year in 2012 and 3.5 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year in 2016. Conclusions: The use of percutaneous gastrostomy in ALS favors the identification as CCP or with palliative needs and inclusion in PAD. The use of non-invasive ventilation favors inclusion in PAD. The incidence and prevalence data for ALS are higher than those described above in the same area. Early identification is necessary of these patients in the chronic care models in PC teams.(AU)

[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from the perspective of Primary Care. Epidemiology and clinical-care characteristics]. / La esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) desde la Atención Primaria. Epidemiología y características clínico-asistenciales.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare disease in primary care (PC), it represents a challenge for the family doctor, especially in home care. OBJECTIVE: To know the incidence and prevalence of ALS in an area of ??PA management, the clinical characteristics and use of health resources. DESIGN: Observational study. LOCATION: PC-Direction Costa de Ponent, South Metropolitan Health Region, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with ALS ≥18 years diagnosed until 03/01/2017. Main measurements Age, sex, characteristics: form of appearance (spinal, bulbar, others), interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis, percutaneous gastrostomy carriers, ventilation non-invasive or invasive. Identification in PC as a Complex Chronic Patient or with palliative needs (CCP). Inclusion in home care programs (PAD). Model of attention hospitable. RESULTS: 81 patients, mean age 65.6 years (± 11.7), men 49.4%. Shape of onset: spinal 69%, bulbar 21%, another 4%. Interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis 12 months. Identified as a CCP 13.6%, 29 patients (35.8%) included in PAD. Attended in comprehensive hospital model 79 patients (97.5%). Prevalence 6.1/100,000 inhabitants in 2017. Annual incidence between 1.2 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year in 2012 and 3.5 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year in 2016. CONCLUSIONS: The use of percutaneous gastrostomy in ALS favors the identification as CCP or with palliative needs and inclusion in PAD. The use of non-invasive ventilation favors inclusion in PAD. The incidence and prevalence data for ALS are higher than those described above in the same area. Early identification is necessary of these patients in the chronic care models in PC teams.

High Effectiveness of a 14-Day Concomitant Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Treatment in Primary Care. An Observational Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The current cure rates with triple therapy combining a proton-pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and clarithromycin are unacceptably low. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of a 14-day concomitant therapy as an empirical first-line treatment for curing Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in primary care. METHODS: Patients from six primary care centers in Catalonia -Spain- were included consecutively. Hp status pre and post treatment was assessed according to local clinical practice protocol. A 14-day concomitant therapy (amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg and metronidazole 500 mg plus omeprazole 20 mg, all drugs administered twice daily) was prescribed. Adherence to therapy and adverse events were assessed by personal interview. RESULTS: 112 patients were enrolled. Mean age was 46.7 ± 16.1 years. Main indication for treatment was non-investigated dyspepsia (83%). Hp eradication was achieved in 100 of the 112 patients. Eradication rates were 89.3% (95% CI: 81.7-94.1) by intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and 91.7% (95% CI; 84.6-95.9) per protocol (PP). No major side effects were reported; 104 (92.8%) patients complete the treatment. Forty-seven patients (42%) complained of mild side effects (metallic taste, nausea). Low adherence to treatment (p = 0.004) and significant adverse events (p = 0.004) were the variables associated with treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS: In primary care, a 14-day concomitant therapy is highly effective and well tolerated.

La aplicación de la calibración FRIDEX de la herramienta FRAX(R) para determinar el riesgo absoluto de fractura osteoporótica en mujeres españolas / The application of the FRIDEX calibration of the FRAX tool to determine the absolute risk of osteoporotic fracture among Spanish women

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Effectiveness of the Epley manoeuvre in posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a randomised clinical trial in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on the effectiveness of the Epley manoeuvre in primary care is scarce. AIM: To evaluate effectiveness at 1 week, 1 month, and 1 year of a single Epley manoeuvre versus a sham manoeuvre in primary care. DESIGN AND SETTING: Multicentre, double-blind randomised controlled trial in two primary care practices in Spain from November 2012 to January 2015. METHOD: Patients were ≥18 years diagnosed with subjective or objective posterior benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (vertigo only, or vertigo and nystagmus after a Dix-Hallpike test [DHT]). The intervention group received the Epley manoeuvre, and the control group received a sham manoeuvre. Betahistine was prescribed following the same regimen in both groups. The main outcome measures were the DHT result classified as negative (neither vertigo nor nystagmus) or positive. Positive results were further divided into a positive result for both vertigo and nystagmus (positive DHT with nystagmus), and a positive result for vertigo only (positive DHT without nystagmus); self-reported resolution of vertigo; and self-reported severity of vertigo evaluated on a 10-point Likert scale (10 = worst imaginable vertigo). RESULTS: In total, 134 patients were randomised to either the intervention group (n = 66) or the sham group (n = 68). The intervention group showed better results in the unadjusted analyses at 1 week, with a lower rate of positive DHT with nystagmus (P = 0.022). A positive baseline DHT with nystagmus was associated with a reduction in vertigo severity (marginal effect for 10-point Likert-like question -1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -2.95 to -0.51) and better positive DHT rates in the intervention group (adjusted odds ratio 0.09, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.92) in the multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: A single Epley manoeuvre performed in primary care is an effective treatment for reversing a positive DHT and reducing vertigo severity in patients with baseline nystagmus in the DHT.

Proteomic Markers in Cervical Mucus.

BACKGROUND: Cervical Mucus (CM) is a viscous fluid produced by the secretory cells of the cervical crypts. The CM undergoes modifications throughout the cycle that make it have different biochemical and biophysical characteristics, becoming a crucial element for the identification of ovulation. Since CM is rich in secreted proteins, it may represent moreover a source of biomarkers for female reproductive tract diseases. OBJECTIVE: This review is an attempt to collect relevant knowledge about the physicochemical properties and functions of the cervical mucus, including its important role as a clinical marker of female fertility, and draws attention to CM as a source of potential proteomic biomarkers. FINDINGS: All the assessed studies evidenced that the observation of the CM allows the identification of the days with the highest probability of pregnancy. CM proteome changes throughout the menstrual cycle have been revealed. Few proteomic studies on the constitutive protein composition of CM of fertile women have been conducted to date. In the CM of patients affected by endometriosis have been identified some proteins that could represent potential biomarkers of the disease. CONCLUSION: There is still limited knowledge about the physicochemical properties and functions of the CM and how these undergo to changes during menstrual cycle. CM is a reliable predictor of fertility. Further characterization of CM proteins would contribute to a better understanding of the key role they have on fertility, reproduction and biological regulation. CM may represent moreover a source of biomarkers for gynecological diseases.

Evaluación de competencias en comunicación clínica en estudiantes de medicina con paciente simulado / Evaluation of clinical communication skills in medical students with simulated patients

Background: Communication skills are not learnt innately. It is therefore necessary to both train and evaluate medical students in this area. Aim: To evaluate communication skills of fourth-year medical students with the use of a simulated patient (SP). Material and Methods: Four clinical scenarios (CS) for clinical interviews with simulated patients were designed: chronic and acute diseases, difficult and functional patients. Each student performed the four CS, and his communication skills were evaluated using our own questionnaire as agreed with the SP. The questionnaire included items on verbal and nonverbal communication, warmth, respect, specificity, assertiveness and empathy (rated from 0 to 10). The response variable was the arithmetic mean of the scores on each item. All students received a detailed evaluation report. Results: Sixty one students (32 men) performing 244 interviews, were evaluated. The overall mean score was 7.87 (4.62 to 9.03). The highest scores were for respect and specificity (7.57 and 7.15 respectively). The lowest were for empathy and nonverbal communication (6.44 and 6.84 respectively). The CS evaluations were 7.87 (chronic disease), 7.02 (difficult patient), 6.46 (acute disease) and 6.14 (functional pathology). Women had higher overall scores compared to men (7.26 and 6.51 respectively; p < 0.01) and a significantly higher score in all communication variables (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The overall assessment in clinical communication with SP is satisfactory although there is room for improvement, especially in empathy and nonverbal communication. Women had significantly higher scores than men.

Osteoporosis y el modelo FRIDEX: cómo y cuándo intervenir farmacológicamente en la prevención primaria de fracturas / Osteoporosis and the FRIDEX model: When and how to make a pharmacological intervention in the primary prevention of fractures

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Rationale of the Spanish FRAX model in decision-making for predicting osteoporotic fractures: an update of FRIDEX cohort of Spanish women.

BACKGROUND: The FRAX® tool estimates the risk of a fragility fracture among the population and many countries have been evaluating its performance among their populations since its creation in 2007. The purpose of this study is to update the first FRIDEX cohort analysis comparing FRAX with the bone mineral density (BMD) model, and its predictive abilities. METHODS: The discriminatory ability of the FRAX was assessed using the 'area under curve' of the receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC). Predictive ability was assessed by comparing estimated risk fractures with incidence fractures after a 10-year follow up period. RESULTS: One thousand three hundred eight women ≥ 40 and ≤ 90 years followed up during a 10-year period. The AUC for major osteoporotic fractures using FRAX without DXA was 0.686 (95 % CI 0.630-0.742) and using FN T-score of DXA 0.714 (95 % CI 0.661-0.767). Using only the traditional parameters of DXA (FN T-score), the AUC was 0.706 (95 % CI 0.652-0.760). The AUC for hip osteoporotic fracture was 0.883 (95 % CI 0.827-0.938), 0.857 (95 % CI 0.773-0.941), and 0.814 (95 % CI 0.712-0.916) respectively. For major osteoporotic fractures, the overall predictive value using the ratio Observed fractures/Expected fractures calculated with FRAX without T-score of DXA was 2.29 and for hip fractures 2.28 and with the inclusion of the T-score 2.01 and 1.83 respectively. However, for hip fracture in women < 65 years was 1.53 and 1.24 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The FRAX tool has been found to show a good discriminatory capacity for detecting women at high risk of fragility fracture, and is better for hip fracture than major fracture. The test of sensibility shows that it is, at least, not inferior than when using BMD model alone. The predictive capacity of FRAX tool needs some adjustment. This capacity is better for hip fracture prediction and better for women < 65 years. Further studies in Catalonia and other regions of Spain are needed to fine tune the FRAX tool's predictive capability.

Prevalencia de la esteatosis hepática no alcohólica en población con hipertransaminasemia y grado de adecuación del diagnóstico registrado en atención primaria / Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a population with elevated transaminases and level of accuracy of the diagnosis in Primary Care

La esteatosis hepática no alcohólica (EHNA) es la causa más frecuente de elevación de transaminasas en el adulto. OBJETIVOS: Determinar la prevalencia de EHNA en pacientes con hipertransaminasemia mantenida, y conocer el grado de adecuación del diagnóstico registrado en Atención Primaria (AP). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: 1) Estudio descriptivo transversal con muestra aleatoria de pacientes con elevación de la enzima alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) mantenida (ALT > 32 durante ≥ 6 meses), descartadas otras causas de hepatopatía, siguiendo criterios clínicos, analíticos y ecográficos en AP, y 2) descriptivo transversal sobre todos los casos con diagnóstico de EHNA registrado (K76 - CIE10) con análisis de adecuación diagnóstica según criterios estándar. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 290 pacientes, 76 fueron diagnosticados de EHNA (26,1%), 44 mujeres (57,9%). El análisis multivariado ajustado por edad y sexo mostró asociación entre EHNA y sexo masculino (OR: 0,5; IC 95%: 0,3-0,9), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR: 2,42; IC 95%: 1,2-4,9) e hipertensión arterial (HTA) (OR: 3,07; IC 95%: 1,6-5,6). De los 209 con registro diagnóstico de EHNA: 51 (24,4%) cumplían criterios de EHNA. El resto carecían de registros suficientes. Destacan: 53,1% carecían de hipertransaminasemia mantenida; 48% de serologías víricas; 11% de ecografía abdominal compatible y 53,1% de registro del consumo de alcohol. CONCLUSIONES: La EHNA severa es frecuente entre los pacientes con hipertransaminasemia mantenida. La DM y la HTA incrementan significativamente el riesgo de EHNA. El diagnóstico de EHNA se registra sin considerar todos los criterios de EHNA y se hace mayoritariamente por ecografía. Se deberían unificar criterios diagnósticos en el registro de la EHNA

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of elevated transaminases in adults. AIM: Determine the prevalence of NASH in patients with sustained hypertransaminasemia, and Know the adequacy of the registered in Primary Care (AP) diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1) Cross-sectional study with a random sample of patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) held (ALT> 32 for ≥6 months), ruling out other causes of liver disease, according to clinical, laboratory and ultrasound scan criteria in AP and 2) cross-sectional description of all cases diagnosed with NASH recorded (K76 - ICD10) with diagnostic adequacy analysis according to standard criteria. RESULTS: 290 patients were analyzed: 76 were diagnosed as NASH (26.1%), 44 women (57.9%). Multivariate analysis adjusted for age and sex showed no association between NASH and male gender (OR: 0.5; CI95%: 0.3-0.9), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR: 2.42; CI95%: 1.2-4.9) and hypertension blood pressure (HBP) (OR: 3.07; CI 95% 1.6-5.6). Of the 209 diagnosed with NASH record: 51 (24.4%) met the criteria for NASH. The rest had insufficient records. Highlights: 53.1% lacked sustained hypertransaminasemia; 48% of viral serology; 11% supported and 53.1% abdominal ultrasound registration of alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: Severe NASH is frequent among patients with sustained hypertransaminasemia. The DM and hypertension significantly increase the risk of NASH. The diagnosis of NASH is recorded without considering all criteria and mainly NASH made by ultrasonography. They should unify diagnostic criteria in the register of NASH (AU)

[Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a population with elevated transaminases and level of accuracy of the diagnosis in Primary Care]. / Prevalencia de la esteatosis hepática no alcohólica en población con hipertransaminasemia y grado de adecuación del diagnóstico registrado en atención primaria.

UNLABELLED: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of elevated transaminases in adults. AIM: Determine the prevalence of NASH in patients with sustained hypertransaminasemia, and Know the adequacy of the registered in Primary Care (AP) diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1) Cross-sectional study with a random sample of patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) held (ALT> 32 for ≥6 months), ruling out other causes of liver disease, according to clinical, laboratory and ultrasound scan criteria in AP and 2) cross-sectional description of all cases diagnosed with NASH recorded (K76 - ICD10) with diagnostic adequacy analysis according to standard criteria. RESULTS: 290 patients were analyzed: 76 were diagnosed as NASH (26.1%), 44 women (57.9%). Multivariate analysis adjusted for age and sex showed no association between NASH and male gender (OR: 0.5; CI95%: 0.3-0.9), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR: 2.42; CI95%: 1.2-4.9) and hypertension blood pressure (HBP) (OR: 3.07; CI 95% 1.6-5.6). Of the 209 diagnosed with NASH record: 51 (24.4%) met the criteria for NASH. The rest had insufficient records. HIGHLIGHTS: 53.1% lacked sustained hypertransaminasemia; 48% of viral serology; 11% supported and 53.1% abdominal ultrasound registration of alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: Severe NASH is frequent among patients with sustained hypertransaminasemia. The DM and hypertension significantly increase the risk of NASH. The diagnosis of NASH is recorded without considering all criteria and mainly NASH made by ultrasonography. They should unify diagnostic criteria in the register of NASH.

Incidencia de la fractura de fémur en España (1997-2010) / Incidence of hip fracture in Spain (1997-2010)

Fundamento y objetivo: Analizar las diferencias en la incidencia de fractura de fémur en mayores de 65 años en las 17 comunidades autónomas (CC. AA.) del estado español en el período de 1997-2010. Material y métodos: Estudio ecológico, observacional y retrospectivo que incluye a las personas ≥ 65 años que han presentado una fractura del tercio proximal de fémur en España durante 14 años. Estos registros provienen del conjunto mínimo básico de datos de los pacientes atendidos en el conjunto de hospitales de España. Resultados: Se analizan 534.043 fracturas de fémur en personas ≥ 65 años (414.518 en mujeres y 119.525 en varones). En ≥ 75 años ocurrieron el 85,4% (86,7% en mujeres; 80,7% en varones). La tasa ajustada/100.000/año fue de 722,6 en mujeres y 284,8 en varones. Por encima de la media en mujeres hay 7 CC. AA., y destacan: Cataluña, Comunidad Valenciana y Castilla-La Mancha. Por debajo de la media hay 6 CC. AA., y destacan: Canarias y Galicia. La diferencia entre CC. AA. con mayor y menor tasa de fractura ajustada por población es un 44% menor en mujeres (Canarias frente a Castilla-La Mancha) y un 50% menor en varones (Galicia frente a Cataluña). Conclusiones: La incidencia de fractura de fémur en España en ≥ 65 años muestra una importante variabilidad entre CC. AA. y, por tanto, entre zonas geográficas. Excepto en Canarias, esta variabilidad es difícil de explicar solo por factores como la edad de la población, la exposición solar o el gradiente norte-sur. Son necesarios estudios que analicen las causas de estas importantes diferencias entre CC. AA. Españolas (AU)

Background and objective: To analyse differences in the incidence of hip fracture in people older than 65 years in the 17 autonomous communities (AA. CC.) (regions) of the Spanish state in the 1997-2010 period. Material and methods: Ecological, observational and retrospective study that includes people ≥ 65 year old who have suffered a hip fracture in Spain over 14 years. These records are taken from the minimum basic data set of patients treated in all hospitals of Spain. Results: The analysis include 534,043 hip fractures in ≥ 65 year olds (414,518 women and 119,525 men). A percentage of 85.4 of hip fractures occurred in people ≥ 75 years (86.7% women; 80.7% men). The adjusted hip fracture rate/100,000/year was 722.6 in women and 284.8 in men. AA. CC. with women above the average of the country were 7, including Catalonia, Comunidad Valenciana and Castilla-La Mancha. Six AA. CC. had patients below the average, including Canary Islands and Galicia. In AA. CC. with highest and lowest adjusted hip fracture rate/100,000/year, the difference was 44% lower in women (Canary vs. Castilla-La Mancha) and 50% lower in men (Galicia vs. Catalonia). Conclusions: The analysis of the incidence of hip fracture in Spain in people ≥ 65 year old shows a significant variability between AA. CC. Except in Canary Islands, this variability is difficult to explain only by factors such as population age, sun exposure or north-south gradient. Additional studies are needed to analyse the causes of these important differences between Spanish AA. CC (AU)

[Incidence of hip fracture in Spain (1997-2010)]. / Incidencia de la fractura de fémur en España (1997-2010).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To analyse differences in the incidence of hip fracture in people older than 65 years in the 17 autonomous communities (AA. CC.) (regions) of the Spanish state in the 1997-2010 period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ecological, observational and retrospective study that includes people≥65 year old who have suffered a hip fracture in Spain over 14 years. These records are taken from the minimum basic data set of patients treated in all hospitals of Spain. RESULTS: The analysis include 534,043 hip fractures in≥65 year olds (414,518 women and 119,525 men). A percentage of 85.4 of hip fractures occurred in people≥75 years (86.7% women; 80.7% men). The adjusted hip fracture rate/100,000/year was 722.6 in women and 284.8 in men. AA. CC. with women above the average of the country were 7, including Catalonia, Comunidad Valenciana and Castilla-La Mancha. Six AA. CC. had patients below the average, including Canary Islands and Galicia. In AA. CC. with highest and lowest adjusted hip fracture rate/100,000/year, the difference was 44% lower in women (Canary vs. Castilla-La Mancha) and 50% lower in men (Galicia vs. Catalonia). CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the incidence of hip fracture in Spain in people≥65 year old shows a significant variability between AA. CC. Except in Canary Islands, this variability is difficult to explain only by factors such as population age, sun exposure or north-south gradient. Additional studies are needed to analyse the causes of these important differences between Spanish AA. CC.