Burden of First Osteoporotic Hip Fracture in Spain: A Prospective, 12-Month, Observational Study.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the burden of osteoporotic fractures beyond the hospitalization period covering up to the first year after the fracture. This was a prospective, 12-month, observational study including patients aged ≥65 years hospitalized due to a first low-trauma hip fracture, in six Spanish regions. Health resource utilization (HRU), quality of life (QoL) and autonomy were collected and total costs calculated. Four hundred and eighty seven patients (mean ± SD age 83 ± 7 years, 77 % women) were included. Twenty-two percent of patients reported a prior non-hip low-trauma fracture, 16 % were receiving osteoporotic treatment at baseline, and 3 % had densitometry performed (1.8 % T-score ≤-2.5). Sixteen percent of patients died (women 14 %; men 25 %; p = 0.0011) during the first year. Mean hospital stay was 11.8 ± 7.9 days and 95.1 % of patients underwent surgery. Other relevant HRUs were: outpatient visits in 78 % of patients (mean 9.2 ± 9.7); walking aids, 58.7 %; rehabilitation facilities, 35.5 % (28.7 ± 41.2 sessions); and formal and informal home care, 22.2 % (49.6 ± 72.2 days) and 53.4 % (77.1 ± 101.0 h), respectively. Mean direct cost was €9690 (95 % confidence interval: 9184-10,197) in women and €9019 (8079-9958) in men. Main cost drivers were: first hospitalization episode (women €7067 [73 %]; men €7196 [80 %]); outpatient visits (€1323 [14 %]; €997 [11 %]); and home care (€905 [9 %]; €767 [9 %]). QoL and autonomy showed a marked decrease during hospitalization, not entirely recovered at 12 months (p < 0.05 vs. baseline for EQ-5D, Harris hip score and modified Barthel index). In a Spanish setting, osteoporotic hip fractures incur a high societal and economic cost, mainly due to the first hospitalization HRU, but also due to subsequent outpatient visits and home care.

Gastroparesia y otros síntomas gastrointestinales en la enfermedad de Parkinson / Gastroparesis and other gastrointestinal symptoms in Parkinson’s disease

Diferentes síntomas gastrointestinales, como salivación excesiva, deterioro y otros trastornos de las piezas dentarias, disfagia, gastroparesia, reflujo gastroesofágico, estreñimiento, dificultades en la defecación o pérdida de peso, son frecuentes en todos los estadios evolutivos de la enfermedad de Parkinson y afectan al menos a un tercio de los pacientes. Estos síntomas reflejan la disfunción del sistema nervioso entérico, siendo el estómago uno de los órganos donde más precozmente se deposita la alfa-sinucleína. Otros factores, como la disfunción de estructuras del sistema nervioso central como el núcleo motor dorsal del nervio vago, factores hormonales o efectos secundarios derivados del consumo de fármacos antiparkinsonianos están implicados en su origen. El presente artículo revisa en detalle aspectos epidemiológicos, fisiopatológicos, clínicos y de manejo terapéutico de los diferentes síntomas gastrointestinales en la enfermedad de Parkinson (AU)

Different gastrointestinal symptoms, such as excessive salivation, deterioration and other disorders affecting the teeth, dysphagia, gastroparesis, gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, difficult defecation or loss of weight are frequent events in all the stages of the development of Parkinson’s disease and affect at least a third of the patients. These symptoms reflect the dysfunction of the enteric nervous system, and the stomach is one of the organs where alphasynuclein is first deposited. Other factors, such as the dysfunction of structures in the central nervous system like the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagal nerve, hormonal factors or secondary effects deriving from the consumption of antiparkinsonian drugs, are involved in its origin. The present article offers a detailed review of the epidemiological, pathophysiological, clinical and therapeutic management aspects of the different gastrointestinal symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (AU)

An atypical fracture in male patient with osteogenesis imperfecta.

So-called atypical fractures have been related to prolonged treatment with bisphosphonates. Although there remain unanswered questions with respect to their etiology and physiopathology, it does appear to be a causal relationship. There are many references in the literature about this problem in patients in whom these drugs have been used to treat osteoporosis, but few reports in patients who have received this therapy for the management of osteogenesis imperfecta. The Authors describe a case of a young male patient with osteogenesis imperfecta with a number of historical fractures, and who received treatment with these drugs, initially parenterally and subsequently orally, presenting as a complication of the treatment, an atypical diaphyseal femoral fracture. The characteristics of the fracture are consistent with the updated diagnostic criteria of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. The clinical case, its treatment, both surgically and metabolically with teriparatide, and its development over a year, are analysed. The case is notable for, on the one hand, the significance of the presence of this type of fracture in a young patient with this disease, and on the other, because of the administration of teriparatide outside its established clinical indications, with twin objectives: to improve the bone structure of the patient's underlying disease, and to counteract the harmful effects which bisphosphonates may have on this bone.

Complications of hip fractures: A review.

Nowadays, fracture surgery represents a big part of the orthopedic surgeon workload, and usually has associated major clinical and social cost implications. These fractures have several complications. Some of these are medical, and other related to the surgical treatment itself. Medical complications may affect around 20% of patients with hip fracture. Cognitive and neurological alterations, cardiopulmonary affections (alone or combined), venous thromboembolism, gastrointestinal tract bleeding, urinary tract complications, perioperative anemia, electrolytic and metabolic disorders, and pressure scars are the most important medical complications after hip surgery in terms of frequency, increase of length of stay and perioperative mortality. Complications arising from hip fracture surgery are fairly common, and vary depending on whether the fracture is intracapsular or extracapsular. The main problems in intracapsular fractures are biological: vascularization of the femoral head, and lack of periosteum -a major contributor to fracture healing- in the femoral neck. In extracapsular fractures, by contrast, the problem is mechanical, and relates to load-bearing. Early surgical fixation, the role of anti-thromboembolic and anti-infective prophylaxis, good pain control at the perioperative, detection and management of delirium, correct urinary tract management, avoidance of malnutrition, vitamin D supplementation, osteoporosis treatment and advancement of early mobilization to improve functional recovery and falls prevention are basic recommendations for an optimal maintenance of hip fractured patients.

Manejo de las complicaciones relacionadas con la infusión intraduodenal de levodopa/carbidopa en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson / Management of complications related to intraduodenal infusion of levodopa/carbidopa in patients with Parkinson’s disease

La infusión continua de levodopa/carbidopa intraduodenal es un tratamiento eficaz que mejora las complicaciones motoras y la calidad de vida de los pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson avanzada. Sin embargo, no está exento de complicaciones. Éstas pueden presentarse en el postoperatorio de la cirugía (gastrostomía) o a largo plazo durante el seguimiento, y pueden estar relacionadas con la medicación (levodopa/carbidopa), el estoma, la gastrostomía o el dispositivo (bomba, sonda enteral, piezas del sistema FREKA). El objetivo de la presente revisión es describir el manejo de las complicaciones que pueden presentar los pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson avanzada tratados con infusión continua de levodopa/carbidopa intraduodenal (AU)

Continuous infusion of intraduodenal levodopa/carbidopa is an effective treatment that improves the motor complications and the quality of life of patients in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease. However, it is not free of complications. These may present in the post-operative period following surgery (gastrostomy) or in the long-term during the follow-up period and can be related with the medication (levodopa/carbidopa), the stoma, the gastrostomy or the device (pump, enteral tube, parts of the FREKA system). The aim of this review is to report on the management of the complications that can be observed in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease treated with continuous infusion of intraduodenal levodopa/carbidopa (AU)

[Management of complications related to intraduodenal infusion of levodopa/carbidopa in patients with Parkinson's disease]. / Manejo de las complicaciones relacionadas con la infusion intraduodenal de levodopa/carbidopa en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson.

Continuous infusion of intraduodenal levodopa/carbidopa is an effective treatment that improves the motor complications and the quality of life of patients in the advanced stages of Parkinson's disease. However, it is not free of complications. These may present in the post-operative period following surgery (gastrostomy) or in the long-term during the follow-up period and can be related with the medication (levodopa/carbidopa), the stoma, the gastrostomy or the device (pump, enteral tube, parts of the FREKA system). The aim of this review is to report on the management of the complications that can be observed in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease treated with continuous infusion of intraduodenal levodopa/carbidopa.

TITLE: Manejo de las complicaciones relacionadas con la infusion intraduodenal de levodopa/carbidopa en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson.La infusion continua de levodopa/carbidopa intraduodenal es un tratamiento eficaz que mejora las complicaciones motoras y la calidad de vida de los pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson avanzada. Sin embargo, no esta exento de complicaciones. Estas pueden presentarse en el postoperatorio de la cirugia (gastrostomia) o a largo plazo durante el seguimiento, y pueden estar relacionadas con la medicacion (levodopa/carbidopa), el estoma, la gastrostomia o el dispositivo (bomba, sonda enteral, piezas del sistema FREKA). El objetivo de la presente revision es describir el manejo de las complicaciones que pueden presentar los pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson avanzada tratados con infusion continua de levodopa/carbidopa intraduodenal.

Documento de consenso: Recomendaciones para el manejo de la enfermedad ósea metabólica en pacientes con virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / Consensus statement: Recommendations for the management of metabolic bone disease in human immunodeficiency virus patients

OBJETIVO: Proporcionar unas recomendaciones prácticas para el manejo de la enfermedad metabólica ósea en pacientes con virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH).Participantes Miembros de diferentes sociedades científicas relacionadas con el metabolismo óseo y con la enfermedad VIH: Grupo de Estudio de Sida (GeSIDA), Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (SEEN), Sociedad Española de Investigación Ósea y del Metabolismo Mineral (SEIOMM) y Sociedad Española de Fractura Osteoporótica (SEFRAOS).Métodos Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en PubMed de la evidencia disponible para cada aspecto, y se revisaron artículos escritos en inglés y en castellano con fecha de inclusión hasta 28 de mayo de 2013. Las recomendaciones se formularon según el sistema GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) para establecer tanto la fuerza de las recomendaciones como el grado de evidencia. Los autores trabajaron por grupos en la formulación de cada apartado de las recomendaciones y posteriormente el documento global se discutió en una reunión conjunta. Todos los autores revisaron el documento escrito final y lo consensuaron. Conclusiones El documento establece unas recomendaciones prácticas basadas en la evidencia acerca de la evaluación y el tratamiento de la enfermedad metabólica ósea en pacientes con VIH

OBJECTIVE: To provide practical recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of metabolic bone disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. PARTICIPANTS: Members of scientific societies related to bone metabolism and HIV: Grupo de Estudio de Sida (GeSIDA), Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (SEEN), Sociedad Española de Investigación Ósea y del Metabolismo Mineral (SEIOMM), and Sociedad Española de Fractura Osteoporótica (SEFRAOS).METHODS: A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, and papers in English and Spanish with a publication date before 28 May 2013 were included. Recommendations were formulated according to GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) setting both their strength and the quality of supporting evidence. Working groups were established for each major part, and the final resulting document was later discussed in a face-to-face meeting. All the authors reviewed the final written document and agreed with its content. CONCLUSIONS: The document provides evidence-based practical recommendations on the detection and treatment of bone disease in HIV-infected patients

Postural control and low back pain in elite athletes comparison of static balance in elite athletes with and without low back pain.

Although current research findings suggest that postural control or static balance is impaired in subjects with low back pain, few studies have specifically addressed the effect of low back pain on static balance in elite athletes. Forty-four athletes belonging to Chilean national teams took part in this study; 20 had low back pain and the remaining 24 were healthy controls. Displacement of the centre of pressure was analyzed by computerized platform posturography, using a standardized protocol; subjects were required to stand upright on both feet, with eyes first open then closed. The results showed that, athletes with low back pain used significantly more energy (p< 0.0182) and had a greater displacement of the centre of pressure (p< 0.005) with open eyes to control posture than healthy athletes. It may be concluded that static balance is impaired in elite athletes with low back pain and that analysis of two-footed stance provides a sensitive assessment of static balance in athletes.

[Consensus statement: recommendations for the management of metabolic bone disease in human immunodeficiency virus patients]. / Documento de consenso: Recomendaciones para el manejo de la enfermedad ósea metabólica en pacientes con virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana.

OBJECTIVE: To provide practical recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of metabolic bone disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. PARTICIPANTS: Members of scientific societies related to bone metabolism and HIV: Grupo de Estudio de Sida (GeSIDA), Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (SEEN), Sociedad Española de Investigación Ósea y del Metabolismo Mineral (SEIOMM), and Sociedad Española de Fractura Osteoporótica (SEFRAOS). METHODS: A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, and papers in English and Spanish with a publication date before 28 May 2013 were included. Recommendations were formulated according to GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) setting both their strength and the quality of supporting evidence. Working groups were established for each major part, and the final resulting document was later discussed in a face-to-face meeting. All the authors reviewed the final written document and agreed with its content. CONCLUSIONS: The document provides evidence-based practical recommendations on the detection and treatment of bone disease in HIV-infected patients.

Bilateral insufficiency fracture of the femoral neck in a male patient with anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa is a risk factor for secondary osteoporosis. Anorexia nervosa-related metabolic disturbances lead to disminished bone resistance and increased risk of fractures. We report a case of bilateral femoral neck fracture as the first symptom of anorexia nervosa in a male patient.

Effects of delayed hip fracture surgery on mortality and morbidity in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: The effects of delaying hip fracture surgery on mortality and morbidity in elderly patients are not completely understood. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We examined the effects of delays in surgical treatment of hip fracture on mortality, postoperative complications, length of stay in hospital, and functional recovery, in elderly patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied two groups of patients with hip fractures. The first group was studied retrospectively (n = 109); these patients had been exposed to an average delay in receiving surgical treatment of more than 1 week owing to a fire at our hospital. Patients in the second group (n = 79), which we studied prospectively, were operated on within 48 hours of experiencing the fracture or as soon as their medical condition permitted. Rates of mortality and complications were registered for each group. RESULTS: We found a larger number of complications in the group with a delay in surgical treatment (pressure ulcer, urinary infection, deep vein thrombosis, and postoperative length of stay), but there were no differences in mortality or functional recovery at 3 months and 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: A 1-week delay in the surgical treatment of elderly patients with hip fractures did not increase the mortality rate or prolong the period of recovery but did increase the incidence of postoperative complications. Our experience suggests elderly patients with hip fractures should be operated on as soon as their medical condition permits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Prevención secundaria en fracturas osteoporóticas. Resultados del proyecto GIOS / Secondary prevention in osteoporotic fractures. The GIOS project

Fundamento y objetivo: El propósito de este trabajo es presentar y evaluar el resultado de un programa de prevención secundaria de fracturas osteoporóticas en 70 hospitales españoles. El proyecto se puso en marcha para mejorar el tratamiento de dichas fracturas, con la introducción de un programa que recopila datos epidemiológicos de pacientes con fracturas osteoporóticas.Pacientes y método: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo entre marzo de 2003 y marzo de 2006 que recogió una muestra consecutiva de 24.534 pacientes con fractura por fragilidad ósea atendidos en 70 hospitales. Se excluyeron las fracturas por osteoporosis secundaria. El proyecto consistió en instalar el programa en los hospitales con el objeto de recopilar datos epidemiológicos de estos pacientes. Basados en la información obtenida y en las evidencias científicas publicadas, el programa genera automáticamente unas recomendaciones terapéuticas de prevención farmacológicas y no farmacológicas que son incluidas en el informe de alta.Resultados: El número de pacientes con fractura osteoporótica incluidos en el programa fue 24.534. De estos pacientes, sólo el 22,7% estában recibiendo tratamiento para la osteoporosis. La utilización del programa hizo posible que 19.033 pacientes (77,6%) recibieran tratamiento al alta, pero sólo 15.153 pacientes (61,8%) recibieron un tratamiento correcto. Conclusiones: El proyecto GIOS ha demostrado ser efectivo para incrementar la identificación de fracturas por fragilidad y mejorar el porcentaje de medidas de prevención secundaria, farmacológicas y no farmacológicas, en pacientes con estas fracturas (AU)

Background and objective: The aim of this report is to describe and evaluate the results of a secondary prevention program in osteoporotic fractures in 70 Spanish hospitals. This project was started to improve the treatment of these fractures, with the inhospital implementation of software collecting epidemiological data on patients with osteoporotic fractures. Patients and methods: A prospective case study was conducted between March 2003 and March 2006 involving a consecutive sample of 24,534 patients with established fragility fracture seen in 70 hospitals. The study exclusion criterion was secondary osteoporotic fracture. The project consists of implementing software in hospitals, designed to collect such epidemiological data among these patients. Based on this information and on the published scientific evidence, the software automatically generates drug therapy recommendations and non pharmacologic measures of prevention to be included in the discharge report.Results: The number of patients with osteoporotic fractures included in the program totalled 24,534 subjects. Of these patients, only 22.7% were receiving treatment for osteoporosis. Implementation of the program made it possible to discharge 19,033 patients (77.6%) with prescribed treatment, but in only 15,153 patients (61.8%) the treatment was correct. Conclusions: The GIOS project has proved effective in increasing the identification of fragility fractures and improve the percentage of secondary prevention measures, both pharmacological and non pharmacological, for patients with these fractures (AU)

[Secondary prevention in osteoporotic fractures. The GIOS project]. / Prevención secundaria en fracturas osteoporóticas. Resultados del proyecto GIOS.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report is to describe and evaluate the results of a secondary prevention program in osteoporotic fractures in 70 Spanish hospitals. This project was started to improve the treatment of these fractures, with the inhospital implementation of software collecting epidemiological data on patients with osteoporotic fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective case study was conducted between March 2003 and March 2006 involving a consecutive sample of 24,534 patients with established fragility fracture seen in 70 hospitals. The study exclusion criterion was secondary osteoporotic fracture. The project consists of implementing software in hospitals, designed to collect such epidemiological data among these patients. Based on this information and on the published scientific evidence, the software automatically generates drug therapy recommendations and non pharmacologic measures of prevention to be included in the discharge report. RESULTS: The number of patients with osteoporotic fractures included in the program totalled 24,534 subjects. Of these patients, only 22.7% were receiving treatment for osteoporosis. Implementation of the program made it possible to discharge 19,033 patients (77.6%) with prescribed treatment, but in only 15,153 patients (61.8%) the treatment was correct. CONCLUSIONS: The GIOS project has proved effective in increasing the identification of fragility fractures and improve the percentage of secondary prevention measures, both pharmacological and non pharmacological, for patients with these fractures.

Interventions to improve inpatient osteoporosis management following first osteoporotic fracture: the PREVENT project.

OBJECTIVES: To establish a protocol for the treatment of fragility fractures in the hospital setting based on treatment of osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An intervention protocol was implemented in patients with fragility fractures based on (1) indicating the diagnosis of osteoporotic fracture in the summary of discharge; (2) "lifestyle recommendations"; and (3) therapy for osteoporosis. Thirty-one hospitals were involved and they were informed of the importance of protocol compliance. In the first phase, a retrospective study was conducted to establish the number of low-energy fractures treated and the percentage of them that had complied with the protocol (n = 887). Then, prospectively, the same data were collected for the patients managed for 1 year (n = 6,826) in three sections of 4-month intervals. RESULTS: The percentage of compliance increased from 8.2 to 57.2% in the first point, from 12.6 to 42.4% in the second, and from 10.3 to 43.2% in the third. CONCLUSION: The implementation of programs to improve osteoporosis treatment is very useful for ensuring adherence in the management of osteoporosis following admission due to fragility fracture.

Latissimus dorsi transfer for the treatment of massive tears of the rotator cuff.

The objective of this paper was to determine the outcome of the transfer of the latissimus dorsi tendon in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. Eighteen patients of mean age 54 years (range 37-72 years) with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears were studied. The mean follow-up was 28 months (range 12-58 months). The postoperative Constant score was higher by an average of 21.15 points compared to the preoperative score (P=0.002); 88.8% of patients reported significant pain relief and improved mobility, particularly on external rotation. Postoperative resting antero-posterior radiography in neutral rotation revealed a mean 3.2-mm depression of the humeral head, due to the tenodesis effect of tendon transfer, thus, increasing the deltoid lever arm. These clinical results suggest that latissimus dorsi transfer is a useful surgical technique for treating massive irreparable postero-superior tears of the rotator cuff in young and/or active patients, providing significant pain relief and improved shoulder strength.

Evaluation of the treatment of hallux rigidus by percutaneous surgery.

This longitudinal prospective study of 22 patients (26 feet) aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous surgery in the treatment of hallux rigidus, and to assess patient satisfaction with the result of this surgical approach. Pain levels (VAS), quality of life (SF-12) and clinical stage (AOFAS) were scored prior to surgery and 18 months after surgery. Pain relief was noted in all cases, with mean pain scores falling from 7.44 before surgery to 1.69. Perception of quality of life also improved, while AOFAS scores rose from 58.45 to 92.36. These results suggest that percutaneous treatment of hallux rigidus, consisting in capsular release, resection of bony spurs and dorsal wedge osteotomy of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, is effective in terms of both clinical outcome and patient satisfaction, as the scores for both measures were noted to be higher than reported using conventional techniques.

Predictors for blood transfusion following total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomised study.

A prospective randomised study was conducted on 121 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, to identify factors predicting the need for postoperative transfusion. Patients were additionally distributed into two groups, one of which received local adrenaline into the surgical field before wound closure, while the other served as control. A statistically significant correlation was noted between preoperative haemoglobin level, haematocrit and erythrocyte count and the need for transfusion; haemoglobin level emerged as the main predictor. No correlation was observed with patients' age, sex, body mass index, blood pressure or number of comorbidities. Local administration of adrenaline into the surgical field did not result in any reduction in blood loss, nor did it modify transfusion requirements.

Knee arthrodesis with the Vari-Wall nail for treatment of infected total knee arthroplasty.

We reviewed 20 patients who had undergone one-stage (7 cases) or two-stage (13 cases) knee arthrodesis using the Vari-Wall intramedullary nail, as a salvage operation following infection of a total knee arthroplasty. The procedure was followed by systemic antibiotic administration and early rehabilitation. Intraoperative microbiological cultures were taken. The average period of follow-up was 20 months. Solid union was achieved in 80%; mean time to fusion was 9 months. There was no recurrence of infection. The average limb length discrepancy was 2.45 cm. A walking aid was needed by 95% of the patients. The complication rate was 30% including 4 pseudarthroses, one intraoperative fracture and one peroneal nerve palsy. The Vari-Wall intramedullary nail is a good option when an arthrodesis is indicated for salvage of an infected total knee arthroplasty. It can be performed in one or two stages depending on several factors such as microbiologic culture results. It achieved good pain relief and acceptable functional results in this study.

Composição corporal de pacientes acamados por fraturas do quadril / Body composition in bed-ridden adult patients by hip fracture

As fraturas do quadril são a maior causa de hospitalização da terceira idade, e constituem um considerável encargo econômico e social. A taxa de mortalidade atual após um ano de fratura é acima de 33 por cento, e o risco de morte é maior do quarto ao sexto mês após a fratura. O objetivo deste estudo foi de avaliar alterações na composição corporal de pacientes idosos, durante sua hospitalização por fraturas fêmur proximal, através de métodos antropométricos e análise dos valores fisiológicos de gasto energético. Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo utilizando-se 45 pacientes consecutivos com diagnóstico de fratura do quadril. Em todos os casos, foram obtidas medidas diretas e avaliações antropométricas indiretas baseadas em estimativas, nas primeiras 24 horas e repetidas após uma semana de admissão hospitalar. Após uma semana de internação houve diminuição da média do perímetro do braço (0,73 cm, p=0.0052) e da espessura da prega tricipital (1.41 mm, p=0.0181), sem haver modificação das outras variáveis estudadas. A avaliação antropométrica como um meio de se fazer um mapa da composição corporal, em conjunto com as estimativas indiretas sugeridas neste estudo, podem ajudar a determinar o estado nutricional e necessidades calóricas de pacientes idosos.

Hip fractures are a major cause of hospitalization among the elderly, and constitute a considerable social and economic burden. The current mortality rate one year after hip fracture is over 33 percent, the risk of death is greatest 4 to 6 months after fracture. The objective of this study was to use anthropometric methods and physiological energy-expenditure values to assess changes in body composition during hospitalization, in elderly patients admitted for fractures of the proximal femur. A prospective study was performed using a consecutive sequence of 45 patients with diagnosed hip fracture. In all cases, direct measurements and indirect estimate-based anthropometric evaluation were performed in the first 24 hours following admission, and again one week after admission. By one week after admission, there was a decrease in mean arm girth (0.73 cm, p=0.0052) and in triceps fold thickness (1.41 mm, p=0.0181), but not in the other variables tested. Anthropometric evaluation as a means of charting body composition, in conjunction with the indirect estimates suggested here, may help to determine nutritional status and calorie requirements in elderly patients.