Frecuencia de fracturas en una población cerrada de Atención Primaria de la Salud (APS) del Distrito Centro de la ciudad de Rosario / Frequency of fractures in a closed Primary Health Care population in the Downtown District of Rosario, Argentina

Con el propósito de determinar la prevalencia de fracturas osteoporóticas en una población cerrada de Atención Primaria de la Salud (APS) correspondiente al Distrito Centro de la ciudad de Rosario, se realizó este estudio observacional transversal. Los datos se obtuvieron de las fichas clínicas de los pacientes correspondientes a los registrosdel consultorio de APS. Se determinó la prevalencia de las fracturas del esqueleto periférico y axial estratificadas poredad y sexo, y se exploró la asociación entre índice de masa corporal y fracturas en esta población y según sexo. Seobtuvo información de 898 pacientes; 662 mujeres (73,7%) y 236 varones (26,3%); la relación mujer/varón fuede 2,8/1. La edad promedio fue de 75 años, y similar en ambos sexos. Los varones habían perdido 4,3±2,9 cm detalla con respecto a su talla histórica (rango: 0-17 cm), y las mujeres 5,7±3,7 cm (rango: 0-19 cm)...

In order to determine the prevalence of osteoporotic fractures in a closed population of Primary Health Care (PHC)corresponding to the Downtown District of the city of Rosario, this cross-sectional observational study was performed. Data were obtained from patients’ clinical records corresponding to PHC office records. The prevalence of axial andperipheral skeletal fractures was determined and the association between fractures and age, sex and body mass index (BMI)was explored. Information was obtained from 898 patients; 662 women (73.7%) and 236 men (26.3%); The male/female ratio was 2.8/1. Mean age was 75 years, and similar in both sexes. Males had lost 4.3±2.9 cm in height withrespect to their historical height (range: 0-17 cm), and females 5.7±3.7 cm (range: 0-19 cm)...

Incidencia de fracturas de cadera en los seis distritos de Rosario / Incidence of hip fracture in the six districts of Rosario city, Argentina

Las tasas de incidencia de fracturas de cadera varían entre países vecinos de un mismo continente, entre distintas regiones de un mismo país, y aún entre distintos barrios de una misma ciudad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar si existían diferencias en las tasas de incidencia de fractura de cadera en los 6 distritos en que se divide la ciudad de Rosario (provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina), con una población de alrededor de un millón de habitantes, y establecer si hay factores ambientales (indicadores sanitarios) o socioeconómicos que pudieran explicar las diferencias. Se realizó un estudio de diseño ecológico. Se calcularon las tasas de incidencia globales, específicas por sexo y grupos etarios, así como las tasas truncadas y ajustadas en cada distrito municipal de Rosario. Los indicadores sociosanitarios estudiados fueron: tasas de mortalidad, necesidades básicas insatisfechas (NBI), habitantes/vivienda, habitantes/hectárea, madres menores de 20 años, nacidos de bajo peso, asentamientos precarios, espacios libres. Se aplicó un análisis multivariado considerando las tasas como variable dependiente y los indicadores sociosanitarios, sexo y grupos de edad como variables independientes, utilizando la regresión de Poisson y calculando el riesgo relativo (razón de tasas). Como resultados de este estudio, concluimos que la incidencia de fractura de cadera no difiere entre los distritos poblacionales de Rosario, y no se individualizaron grupos poblacionales que (de acuerdo a su lugar de residencia, con condiciones sanitarias y socioeconómicas características) presenten un riesgo especial para este tipo de complicación de la osteoporosis.

The incidence rates of hip fractures vary between neighboring countries in the same continent, between different regions of the same country, and even among different neighborhoods in the same city. The aim of this study was to determine whether there were differences in the incidence rates of hip fracture in the 6 districts in which the city of Rosario (province of Santa Fe, Argentina: population 1 million) is divided. We also tried to ascertain whether there are environmental (health indicators) or socioeconomic factors that could explain the differences. The study had an ecological design. Globalincidence rates specific for sex and age groups, and the truncated rates were calculated and adjusted in each municipal district of Rosario. The social health indicators studied were mortality, unmet basic needs, housing, inhabitants/hectare, mothers under age 20, low birth weight, settlements, open spaces. Multivariate analysis considering rates as the dependent variable and social and health indicators, gender and age as independent variables, using Poisson regression and calculating the relative risk (rate ratio) was applied. As results of this study, we conclude that the incidence of hip fracture does not differ between population districts of Rosario, and that no population groups were identified presenting an increased risk for this complication of osteoporosis, based on their place of residence, health conditions or socioeconomic characteristics.

Incidencia de fracturas de cadera en los seis distritos de Rosario / Incidence of hip fracture in the six districts of Rosario city, Argentina

Las tasas de incidencia de fracturas de cadera varían entre países vecinos de un mismo continente, entre distintas regiones de un mismo país, y aún entre distintos barrios de una misma ciudad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar si existían diferencias en las tasas de incidencia de fractura de cadera en los 6 distritos en que se divide la ciudad de Rosario (provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina), con una población de alrededor de un millón de habitantes, y establecer si hay factores ambientales (indicadores sanitarios) o socioeconómicos que pudieran explicar las diferencias. Se realizó un estudio de diseño ecológico. Se calcularon las tasas de incidencia globales, específicas por sexo y grupos etarios, así como las tasas truncadas y ajustadas en cada distrito municipal de Rosario. Los indicadores sociosanitarios estudiados fueron: tasas de mortalidad, necesidades básicas insatisfechas (NBI), habitantes/vivienda, habitantes/hectárea, madres menores de 20 años, nacidos de bajo peso, asentamientos precarios, espacios libres. Se aplicó un análisis multivariado considerando las tasas como variable dependiente y los indicadores sociosanitarios, sexo y grupos de edad como variables independientes, utilizando la regresión de Poisson y calculando el riesgo relativo (razón de tasas). Como resultados de este estudio, concluimos que la incidencia de fractura de cadera no difiere entre los distritos poblacionales de Rosario, y no se individualizaron grupos poblacionales que (de acuerdo a su lugar de residencia, con condiciones sanitarias y socioeconómicas características) presenten un riesgo especial para este tipo de complicación de la osteoporosis. (AU)

The incidence rates of hip fractures vary between neighboring countries in the same continent, between different regions of the same country, and even among different neighborhoods in the same city. The aim of this study was to determine whether there were differences in the incidence rates of hip fracture in the 6 districts in which the city of Rosario (province of Santa Fe, Argentina: population 1 million) is divided. We also tried to ascertain whether there are environmental (health indicators) or socioeconomic factors that could explain the differences. The study had an ecological design. Globalincidence rates specific for sex and age groups, and the truncated rates were calculated and adjusted in each municipal district of Rosario. The social health indicators studied were mortality, unmet basic needs, housing, inhabitants/hectare, mothers under age 20, low birth weight, settlements, open spaces. Multivariate analysis considering rates as the dependent variable and social and health indicators, gender and age as independent variables, using Poisson regression and calculating the relative risk (rate ratio) was applied. As results of this study, we conclude that the incidence of hip fracture does not differ between population districts of Rosario, and that no population groups were identified presenting an increased risk for this complication of osteoporosis, based on their place of residence, health conditions or socioeconomic characteristics. (AU)

Vulnerability of healthy vertebrae in patients with and without previous vertebral fracture.

Vertebral deformities are associated with a marked increase in morbidity, mortality, and burden in terms of sanitary expenditures. Patients with vertebral fractures have a negative impact in their health, less quality of life, and loss of functional capacity and independence. The purpose of this study was to explore the vulnerability of healthy vertebrae in patients who have sustained already a compression fracture and in patients who do not have prevalent fractures in the thoracic spine; and to explore the association of the deformity in healthy vertebrae with different variables, such as bone mineral density (BMD), body mass index, age, loss of height, presence of clinical kyphosis, history of other osteoporotic fractures, and falls occurring during the last year. Clinical data and complementary studies from 175 postmenopausal outpatients were analyzed. These women (age: 69.7±11.1 years) had not received any treatment for osteoporosis. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the thoracic spine and bone densitometry of the hip were obtained; morphometry was performed in 1575 thoracic vertebrae from T4 to T12. The angle of wedging of each vertebral body was calculated using a trigonometric formula. Then, the sum of wedge angles of vertebral bodies (SWA) was determined, and Cobb angle was measured. In patients with vertebral fractures, after excluding the angles of fractured vertebral bodies, the mean wedge angle of the remaining vertebrae (MWAhealthy) was calculated. The same procedure was followed in patients without vertebral fractures. MWAhealthy was considered as an indicator of the structural vulnerability of non-fractured vertebrae. Patients with prevalent fractures had lower BMD, wider Cobb angle, and higher sum of wedge angles than patients without vertebral fractures. The proportion of patients with accentuation of clinical kyphosis was higher in the group with prevalent vertebral fractures. A highly significant difference was found in the MWAhealthy, which was higher in patients with prevalent fractures (4.1±1.3° vs. 3.0±1.1°; p<0.001). Patients showing vertebral fractures had 7.1±4.2 cm height loss in average, significantly superior than that found among non-fractured women (3.6±3.2 cm; p<0.01). In multivariate analysis, the increase of MWAhealthy was associated with advancing age (p<0.02), lower femoral neck BMD (p<0.005), presence of clinical kyphosis (p<0.01) and vertebral fractures (p<0.02). This study presents evidence that a series of factors independently influence the increase in wedging deformity of vertebral bodies that are not fractured yet. These factors could contribute to an increased vulnerability of the vertebrae, making them more susceptible to fracture.

[Association between hip fractures and risk factors for osteoporosis. Multivariate analysis]. / Factores de riesgo para osteoporosis y fracturas de cadera. Análisis multivariado.

In this observational, case-control study, 376 inpatients were evaluated in order to determine the association of risk factors (RF) and hip fracture; 151 patients had osteoporotic hip fracture (cases); the remaining were controls. Data were obtained from medical charts, and through a standardized questionnaire about RF. Mean age of the sample (+/- SD) was 80.6 +/- 8.1 years, without statistically significant difference between cases and controls; the female:male ratio was 3:1 in both groups. Fractured women were older than men (82.5 +/- 8.1 vs. 79.7 +/- 7.2 years, respectively; p < 0.01). Physical activity, intake of alcohol and tobacco, and sun exposure were low in all patients. Falls among cases happened predominantly at home (p < 0.001). Among female cases, time spent in household duties was a RF (p = 0.007), which was absent in males. In multivariate analysis, the following RF were significantly more frequent: Cognitive impairment (p = 0.001), and previous falls (p < 0.0001); whereas the following protective factors were significantly different from controls: Calcium intake during youth (p < 0.0001), current calcium intake (p < 0.0001), and mechanical aid for walking (p < 0.0001). Evaluation of RF and protective factors may contribute to diminish the probability of hip fracture, through a modification of personal habits, and measures to prevent falls among elderly adults. Present information can help to develop local and national population-based strategies to diminish the burden of hip fractures for the health system.

Factores de riesgo para osteoporosis y fracturas de cadera: Análisis multivariado / Association between hip fractures and risk factors for osteoporosis: multivariate analysis

En este trabajo se analizó la asociación entre factores de riesgo (FR) y fracturas de cadera, se evaluó la influencia de FR relacionados con baja masa ósea o con traumatismos, y se exploró la existencia de factores protectores (FP). Se estudiaron datos de 376 pacientes hospitalizados, de los cuales 151 presentaban fracturas de cadera osteoporóticas (casos; el resto fueron controles), a partir de historias clínicas y un cuestionario sobre FR para osteoporosis. La edad promedio fue 80.6 más o menos 8.1 años, similar en casos y controles; la relación mujer/varón fue de 3:1 en ambos grupos. Las mujeres fracturadas eran mayores que los varones fracturados (82.5 más o menos 8.1 versus 79.7 más o menos 7.2 años; p menor que 0.01). La actividad física, el consumo de alcohol y tabaco, y la exposición solar de los pacientes fueron bajos. La proporción de pacientes con limitación funcional fue mayor en casos, sin diferencia significativa. La mayoría de caídas de los casos se produjo en domicilio (p menor que 0.001). En mujeres la actividad doméstica constituyó un FR (p = 0.007) no observado en varones. Las variables significativas en el análisis multivariado fueron los siguientes FR: deterioro cognitivo (p = 0.001) y antecedentes de caídas previas (p menor que 0.0001). Los FP fueron: ingesta cálcica en la juventud y actual, y asistencia mecánica para deambular (todos, p menor que 0.0001). La evaluación de FR y FP podría contribuir a disminuir la probabilidad de fracturas de cadera, modificando hábitos personales y previniendo las caídas en adultos mayores. Los datos podrían servir para elaborar estrategias locales y nacionales de prevención.

In this observational, case-control study, 376 inpatients were evaluated in order to determine the association of risk factors (RF) and hip fracture; 151 patients had osteoporotic hip fracture (cases); the remaining were controls. Data were obtained from medical charts, and through a standardized questionnaire about RF. Mean age of the sample (more or less SD) was 80.6 more or less 8.1 years, without statistically significant difference between cases and controls; the female:male ratio was 3:1 in both groups. Fractured women were older than men (82.5 more or less 8.1 vs. 79.7 more or less 7.2 years, respectively; p less than 0.01). Physical activity, intake of alcohol and tobacco, and sun exposure were low in all patients. Falls among cases happened predominantly at home (p less than 0.001). Among female cases, time spent in household duties was a RF (p = 0.007), which was absent in males. In multivariate analysis, the following RF were significantly more frequent: Cognitive impairment (p = 0.001), and previous falls (p less than 0.0001); whereas the following protective factors were significantly different from controls: Calcium intake during youth (p less than 0.0001), current calcium intake (p less than 0.0001), and mechanical aid for walking (p less than 0.0001). Evaluation of RF and protective factors may contribute to diminish the probability of hip fracture, through a modification of personal habits, and measures to prevent falls among elderly adults. Present information can help to develop local and national population-based strategies to diminish the burden of hip fractures for the health system.

Construction of two instruments for the presumptive detection of post-menopausal women with low spinal bone mass by means of clinical risk factors.

The objective of this investigation was the design of two instruments based on clinical risk factors for the presumptive detection of post-menopausal women with spinal BMD<2.5 S.D. below average (LBMD). We investigated the association of 20 risk factors (RF) with LBMD in a series of 131 women. According to current densitometric criteria, subjects were classified as normals (N=33); osteopenics (N=53) and osteoporotics (N=45). Normals and osteopenics were taken as a single group because only 'nulliparity' and 'personal fractures' exhibited significant differences between these groups. A logistic regression attempting to identify which factors were associated with osteopenia showed a poor fit (pseudo R(2)=0.289). Univariate unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odd ratios (ORs) and their 95% CI for all RF. Those with associated P-values <0.100 were included in a multivariate logistic regression analysis to obtain the odds ratios (OR) adjusted by the effects of the others. The variables with not significant beta coefficients were eliminated, producing a reduced model. BMI (<25 kg/m(2)), calcium intake (<1.2g/day), menopause (>10 years), and the simultaneous occurrence of kyphosis and personal fractures showed significant association with low bone mass at the lumbar spine and their effect was additive. Fitting of the data to the model was assessed with the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (P=0.926) The area under the ROC curve is 0.833 (95% CI=0.757-0.909). The following equation calculates the probability of having low spinal bone mass: The sensitivity, specificity and area under the ROC curve were defined. The point of maximum specificity and sensitivity derived from the ROC curve, has a probability of 0.409. With such a cut-off point, the equation has a sensitivity of 73%, specificity 79%, positive predictive value 65% and negative predictive value 85%. The second instrument associates very low lumbar bone mass with the number of risk factors accumulated per patient. At baseline, all subjects had four RFs: they were, women, white, post-menopausal, and with no previous exposure to estrogens. With six additional RFs the presumptive diagnosis of LBMD has a specificity of 99%, positive predicting value 94% and false positives 6.5%. The area under the curve in a ROC graph was 0.826 (95% CI=0.747-0.914). Comparing present instruments with others in the literature, it is concluded that each population require its own algorithm for the presumptive detection of subjects with low bone mass. The algorithm should be reassessed periodically if the characteristics of the population or its social-economic conditions change.

Incidence of hip fractures in the city of Rosario, Argentina.

In order to determine the incidence of hip fractures (HFx) in the city of Rosario, Argentina, (population, about 900,000), all HFx admitted to 26 medical centers from August 2001 to July 2002 were surveyed. Exclusion criteria were pathological fractures, violent trauma, and fractures in patients living outside urban limits. Demographical data were obtained from the 2001 national census, and the 1991 national census with projections made by the city's statistics department. In the study period, there were 763 HFx in persons aged 50 or older (608 in women and 155 in men). The annual incidence among inhabitants over the age of 50 years was 290 per 100,000 (405 for women, and 137 for men; female/male ratio: 2.96). In the population aged 65 or older, the global incidence was 646 per 100,000 (847 for women, and 343 for men; ratio: 2.47). The mean age (+/-SD) of fractured patients was 79.5+/-9.2 years; median age was 81 years (range: 50-104). Fractured men were younger (76.2+/-9.8 years vs 80.7+/-8.3 years; p <0.0001) and leaner (body mass index [BMI], 24.5+/-3.0 kg/m(2) vs 26.0+/-2.8 kg/m(2); p <0.0001) than fractured women. Most fractured patients either had normal BMI (35%) or were overweight (BMI, 25.1-30.0 kg/m(2); 47.5%). The incidence of fractures increased exponentially with advancing age. Relative risks of HFx (females/males) were calculated for each decade of life; the risk in individuals below the age of 69 was the same in both sexes; in those aged 70 or more the risk was significantly higher among women. Parental origin of fractured patients was mainly Spanish or Italian, reflecting the city's ethnic composition. Most fractures (72.5%) occurred in houses; 20% in apartments, and 7.5% in nursing homes. HFx were trochanteric in 54.4% of cases. Female patients with trochanteric fractures were older than those with cervical ones (80.0+/-9.4 years vs 78.2+/-11.4 years; p <0.01); their weights and BMIs did not differ significantly. The majority of HFx were treated surgically (91.8%); in-hospital mortality was 1.4%. In conclusion, incidence rates of HFx were somewhat higher in Rosario than those found in two other cities of central Argentina one decade earlier.