A common polymorphism rs1800247 in osteocalcin gene was associated with serum osteocalcin levels, bone mineral density, and fracture: the Shanghai Changfeng Study

We evaluated the relationship between a common polymorphism rs1800247 in osteocalcin gene and serum osteocalcin levels, bone mineral density and fracture in Chinese. This was a population-based cross-sectional study. We demonstrated that rs1800247 was associated with bone mineral density and fracture in men and serum osteocalcin levels in women.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between a common polymorphism rs1800247 in osteocalcin gene and serum total osteocalcin levels, bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture in Chinese middle-aged and elderly men and women.

METHODS

This was a population-based cross-sectional study included 5561 individuals aged 45 years or older. Information on fractures sustained after age of 45 were collected. BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The genotyping of rs1800247 was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy.

RESULTS

rs1800247 was associated with lumbar spine BMD and femoral neck BMD in the dominant model adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), serum total osteocalcin in men (both P = 0.04). Besides, rs1800247 was associated with fracture adjusted for age, BMI, serum total osteocalcin and total hip BMD in the additive and dominant models in men (P = 0.04 and 0.01). In the dominant model, the carriers of CC and TC genotypes was associated with a lower odds of fracture compared with the carriers of TT genotype (OR = 0.60, 95%CI 0.40-0.88, P = 0.01). In men, rs1800247 was not associated with serum total osteocalcin levels in additive, dominant or recessive models. However, rs1800247 was associated with serum total osteocalcin levels in all models adjusted for age, BMI, menopausal status and total hip BMD in women (all p < 0.001), with osteocalcin levels decreasing across TT, TC and CC genotypes. rs1800247 was not associated with BMD or fracture in all models in women.

CONCLUSIONS

A common polymorphism rs1800247 in osteocalcin gene may affect the risk of osteoporosis and fracture and serum total osteocalcin levels in Chinese, and there may be gender differences underlying these associations.

Does bisphosphonate-based anti-osteoporosis medication affect osteoporotic spinal fracture healing?

Effects of bisphosphonate on fracture healing were prospectively investigated for osteoporotic spinal fracture. Although there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes, the presence of intravertebral cleft was related to the medication use. These results suggest that suspension of bisphosphonate use should be considered during the fracture healing period.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this prospective study is to investigate whether bisphosphonate-based anti-osteoporosis medication affects fracture healing and clinical outcomes of conservatively treated osteoporotic spinal fractures (OSFs).

METHODS

A total of 105 patients who were diagnosed with acute OSFs were prospectively enrolled. According to their previous medication history, the patients were allocated into group I (n = 39, no history of bisphosphonate use) or group II (n = 66, history of bisphosphonate use). Clinical outcomes were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS), and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Radiographic parameters including changes in height loss and kyphotic angle at the index vertebra were measured, and radiographic findings suggesting impaired fracture healing such as the intravertebral cleft (IVC) sign and fracture instability were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify related factors.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the last VAS and ODI between groups. There were also no significant differences in the radiographic parameters. Although the IVC sign was seen more commonly in group II (30.3 %) than in group I (20.5 %), fracture instability combined with IVC was noted in the same number of cases. On multiple regression analysis, medication history showed no significant relationship with the clinical parameters. However, the presence of the IVC sign was related to medication history (odds ratio 4.8; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.02-22.69).

CONCLUSIONS

Bisphosphonate use does not significantly affect the clinical results during conservative treatment for OSFs. However, the occurrence of the IVC sign was related to medication history. Although further studies are needed to verify our findings, these results suggest that suspension of bisphosphonate use should be considered during the fracture healing period for acute OSFs.

Bone turnover biomarkers and risk of osteoporotic hip fracture in an Asian population

While epidemiologic studies suggest that bone turnover biomarkers may predict hip fracture risk, findings are inconsistent and Asian data are lacking. We conducted a matched case-control (1:1) study nested in the Singapore Chinese Health Study, a population-based prospective cohort of Chinese men and women (45-74years) recruited from 1993 to 1998 in Singapore. One hundred cases with incident hip fracture and 100 individually matched controls were randomly selected from 63,257 participants. Serum bone turnover biomarkers, namely bone alkaline phosphatase (bone ALP), osteocalcin (OC), procollagen type I N propeptide (PINP), N-terminal and C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX-I and CTX-I) were measured using immunoassays. Hip fracture cases had significantly higher serum levels of OC, PINP, CTX-I and NTX-I than controls (p<0.05). There was a dose-dependent positive relationship between OC, PINP, CTX-I and NTX-I and risk of hip fracture (all Ps for trend≤0.006), where the risk was significantly increased by 4.32-8.23 folds for the respective BTM [Quartile (Q) 4 vs. Q1]. The odds ratio [OR (95% CI)] at the highest quartile (Q4) was 6.63 (2.02-21.18) for PINP and 4.92 (1.67-14.51) for CTX-I. The joint effect of PINP and CTX-I showed a 7-fold increase in risk (OR: 7.36; 95% CI: 2.53-21.41) comparing participants with higher levels of PINP (Q4) and CTX-I (Q3-Q4) to those with low levels of PINP (Q1-Q3) and CTX-I (Q1-Q2). Our data demonstrated that higher serum levels of bone turnover biomarkers were associated with increased risk of hip fracture in an Asian population.

Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures as Part of Systemic Disease

Our understanding of the genetic control of skeletogenesis and bone remodeling is expanding, and normally, bone resorption and bone formation are well balanced through regulation by hormones, growth factors, and cytokines. Osteoporosis is considered a systemic disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue. Consequent increased bone fragility results in higher fracture risk. The most common osteoporotic fractures are located in the spine, and they form a significant health issue. A large variety of systemic diseases are associated with risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, illustrating its multifactorial etiology. Prevalences of these conditions vary from common to extremely rare, and incidence peaks differ according to etiology. This review appreciates different aspects of osteoporotic vertebral fractures as part of systemic disease, including genetic, immunologic, inflammatory, metabolic, and endocrine pathways. It seems impossible to be all-comprehensive on this topic; nevertheless, we hope to provide a reasonably thorough overview. Plenty remains to be elucidated in this field, identifying even more associated diseases and further exposing pathophysiological mechanisms underlying osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Bone status in glucocorticoid-treated men and women

We recorded the results of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and microarchitecture of the bone measured by trabecular bone score (TBS) in 416 glucocorticoid-treated men and women aged 40 years and older with or without fracture to 1104 controls. TBS better discriminated those with fracture compared to aBMD. These differences were the greatest in men.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to evaluate glucocorticoid (GC)-induced effects on areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone microarchitectural texture measured by trabecular bone score (TBS).

METHODS

TBS and aBMD were evaluated at L1-L4 postero-anterior (PA) spine by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 1520 men and women aged 40 years and over. Four hundred sixteen subjects who received GCs (≥5 mg/day, for ≥3 months) were matched with 1104 sex-, age-, and BMI-matched control subjects. Clinical data, osteoporotic fractures (OPF), and dietary habits were documented in the medical report.

RESULTS

GC-treated patients were characterized by a significant decrease of TBS (1.267 vs. 1.298, p < 0.001) compared with control-matched subjects while no change in BMD was observed at any sites. These decreases were even more pronounced when fracture status was taken into account (1.222 vs. 1.298, p < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) for TBS was 1.44 (1.095-1.89) for OPF, whereas no association was found for BMD at any sites (all p > 0.3). A similar effect on microarchitecture measured by TBS was seen by the presence of fracture as by the use of glucocorticoids. An influence on TBS by sex was also noted with a decrease in TBS of greater magnitude in men.

CONCLUSIONS

GC-treated individuals have a significant deterioration of bone microarchitectural texture as assessed by TBS which is more marked in those with OPF and in men. TBS seems to be more sensitive than aBMD for GC-related fracture detection and should be a good surrogate indicator of bone health in such secondary osteoporosis.

FRAX predicts incident falls in elderly men: findings from MrOs Sweden

Falls and fractures share several common risk factors. Although past falls is not included as an input variable in the FRAX calculator, we demonstrate that FRAX probability predicts risk of incident falls in the MrOs Sweden cohort.

INTRODUCTION

Although not included in the FRAX® algorithm, it is possible that increased falls risk is partly dependent on other risk factors that are incorporated into FRAX. The aim of the present study was to determine whether fracture probability generated by FRAX might also predict risk of incident falls and the extent that a falls history would add value to FRAX.

METHODS

We studied the relationship between FRAX probabilities and risk of falls in 1836 elderly men recruited to the MrOS study, a population-based prospective cohort of men from Sweden. Baseline data included falls history, clinical risk factors, bone mineral density (BMD) at femoral neck, and calculated FRAX probabilities. Incident falls were captured during an average of 1.8 years of follow-up. An extension of Poisson regression was used to investigate the relationship between FRAX, other risk variables, and the time-to-event hazard function of falls. All associations were adjusted for age and time since baseline.

RESULTS

At enrolment, 15.5 % of the men had fallen during the preceding 12 months (past falls) and 39 % experienced one or more falls during follow-up (incident falls). The risk of incident falls increased with increasing FRAX probabilities at baseline (hazard ratio (HR) per standard deviation (SD), 1.16; 95 % confidence interval (95%CI), 1.06 to 1.26). The association between incident falls and FRAX probability remained after adjustment for past falls (HR per SD, 1.12; 95%CI, 1.03 to 1.22). High compared with low baseline FRAX score (>15 vs <15 % probability of major osteoporotic fracture) was strongly predictive of increased falls risk (HR, 1.64; 95%CI, 1.36 to 1.97) and remained stable with time. Whereas past falls were a significant predictor of incident falls (HR, 2.75; 95%CI, 2.32 to 3.25), even after adjustment for FRAX, the hazard ratio decreased markedly with increasing follow-up time.

CONCLUSIONS

Although falls are not included as an input variable, FRAX captures a component of risk for future falls and outperforms falls history with an extended follow-up time.

Main differences in osteoporotic fracture models: which should I use?

Osteoporosis is a global public health problem currently affecting more than 200 million people worldwide. Major research efforts are being made to improve the outcomes for patients with osteoporosis. However, the treatment of fractures associated with osteoporosis remains unsatisfactory. Animal models continue to be an important tool for establishing strategies to treat osteoporotic fractures, and various methods of inducing osteoporosis have been used. Investigators must select a model that best reflects the clinical problem being studied, and the underlying pathophysiology of the osteoporosis in the target patient group. In particular a model for Type I post-menopausal osteoporosis should mimic a fall in oestrogen and rise in osteoclast activity observed with this condition, whereas a model for type II 'senile' osteoporosis should mimic the fall in osteoblast activity. Unfortunately, there is no single all-encompassing model that precisely imitates the underlying osteoporosis or the fracture patterns seen in humans. As such the choice of species and model must be individualised to the scientific question being addressed. This article summarises general considerations when choosing an osteoporotic fracture model and outlines existing models of osteoporosis. The most appropriate model in a range of osteoporotic fracture research scenarios are subsequently considered.

Fracture prediction from repeat BMD measurements in clinical practice

We investigated whether repeat BMD measurements in clinical populations are useful for fracture risk assessment. We report that repeat BMD measurements are a robust predictor of fracture in clinical populations; this is not affected by preceding BMD change or recent osteoporosis therapy.

INTRODUCTION

In clinical practice, many patients selectively undergo repeat bone mineral density (BMD) measurements. We investigated whether repeat BMD measurements in clinical populations are useful for fracture risk assessment and whether this is affected by preceding change in BMD or recent osteoporosis therapy.

METHODS

We identified women and men aged ≥ 50 years who had a BMD measurement during 1990-2009 from a large clinical BMD database for Manitoba, Canada (n = 50,215). Patient subgroups aged ≥ 50 years at baseline with repeat BMD measures were identified. Data were linked to an administrative data repository, from which osteoporosis therapy, fracture outcomes, and covariates were extracted. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we assessed covariate-adjusted risk for major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and hip fracture according to BMD (total hip, lumbar spine, femoral neck) at different time points.

RESULTS

Prevalence of osteoporosis therapy increased from 18 % at baseline to 55 % by the fourth measurement. Total hip BMD was predictive of MOF at each time point. In the patient subgroup with two repeat BMD measurements (n = 13,481), MOF prediction with the first and second measurements was similar: adjusted-hazard ratio (HR) per SD 1.45 (95 % CI 1.34-1.56) vs. 1.64 (95 % CI 1.48-1.81), respectively. No differences were seen when the second measurement results were stratified by preceding change in BMD or osteoporosis therapy (both p-interactions >0.2). Similar results were seen for hip fracture prediction and when spine and femoral neck BMD were analyzed.

CONCLUSION

Repeat BMD measurements are a robust predictor of fracture in clinical populations; this is not affected by preceding BMD change or recent osteoporosis therapy.

Hip fractures, preceding distal radius fractures and screening for osteoporosis: should we be screening earlier? A minimum 10-year retrospective cohort study at a single centre

Both men and women who sustain a fracture of the distal forearm run an increased risk of sustaining a subsequent hip fracture. Our study implies that these patients may not necessarily constitute a group in which osteoporosis screening is warranted.

INTRODUCTION

People who sustain a distal radius fracture run an increased risk of sustaining a subsequent hip fracture. However, many institutions only screen for osteoporosis at the time of a hip fracture. We aimed to determine the true incidence of preceding distal radius fractures in an Asian population of patients with a hip fracture aged 60 years or older and whether screening for osteoporosis earlier would be beneficial.

METHODS

We reviewed 22 parameters of 572 patients aged 60 years or older admitted after sustaining a hip fracture over a 3-year period. This included the occurrence or absence of a distal radius fracture in the 10 years preceding their hip fracture.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (5 %) had a fracture of the distal radius in the preceding decade. Univariate analyses suggested that hip fracture patients who had preceding distal radius fractures were older, female, have lower mean haemoglobin levels, and right-sided hip fractures. Of these factors, only age was found to have significant predictive value in a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

A number of institutions have started to screen for osteoporosis when a patient presents with a fracture of the distal radius because these patients may have an increased risk of a subsequent hip fracture. Our study implies that this may not be warranted. Implementing such a screening service from both cost and resource utilization point of view must be studied prospectively and in greater detail considering earlier screening may only be beneficial to a very small percentage of patients.

The Vertebral Fracture Cascade: Etiology and Clinical Implications

A vertebral fracture is a marker of bone fragility and is associated with a downward spiral of recurrent fractures known as the vertebral fracture cascade. Etiology of this unfortunate cascade includes bone and muscle loss from immobility, changes in spinal mechanics causing increased loading on adjacent vertebrae, and the development of an increased thoracic kyphosis (hyperkyphosis [HK]). Degenerative disc disease, common in osteoporotic patients, can also cause HK. HK of any etiology has been associated with decreased thoracic extensor muscle strength, unstable gait, increased body sway, decreased physical and pulmonary functions, chronic pain, and increased spinal loads contributing to the vertebral fracture cascade. Preventing this downward spiral requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes early identification, consideration of pharmacologic treatment, early mobilization of the fracture patient, appropriate exercise, and back protection. Exercise should include weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening activities, but caution is needed to avoid undue stress on the back. Physical therapy can be particularly helpful by teaching the patient how to safely perform daily activities and can assist the patient in establishing a safe exercise program that avoids flexion but promotes back extension and weight-bearing activities. Hopefully, these measures will decrease pain, prevent falls, improve posture, prevent additional bone and muscle loss, and potentially abort the devastating downward spiral of the vertebral fracture cascade.

How do bisphosphonates affect fracture healing?

Bisphosphonates (BPs) have been in use for many years for the treatment of osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, Paget's disease, as well as a variety of other diseases in which there is reduced bone mineral density. Given that bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption, an important stage of fracture healing; this class of compounds has been widely studied in preclinical models regarding their influence on fracture healing. In animal models, bisphosphonate treatment is associated with a larger fracture callus, coincident with a delay in remodeling from primary woven bone to lamellar bone, but there is no delay in formation of the fracture callus. In humans, de novo use of bisphosphonate therapy after fracture does not appear to have a significant effect on fracture healing. Rarely, patients with long term use of Bisphosphonates may develop an atypical fracture and delay in fracture healing has been observed. In summary, bisphosphonates appear safe for use in the setting of acute fracture management in the upper and lower extremity in humans. While much remains unknown about the effects on healing of long-term bisphosphonates, use prior to "typical" fracture, in the special case of atypical fracture, evidence suggests that bisphosphonates negatively influence healing.

Effects of switching weekly alendronate or risedronate to monthly minodronate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a 12-month prospective study

Switching weekly ALN or RIS to monthly MIN in patients with RA, of whom two-thirds were treated with low-dose PSL, significantly decreased bone turnover markers and increased BMD at 12 months, suggesting that monthly MIN may be an effective alternative treatment option of oral bisphosphonate treatment.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this prospective, observational study was to evaluate the effects of switching weekly alendronate (ALN 35 mg) or risedronate (RIS 17.5 mg) to monthly minodronate (MIN 50 mg) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Patient characteristics were as follows: n = 172; 155 postmenopausal women, age 65.5 (44–87) years; T-score of lumbar spine (LS), −1.4; total hip (TH), −1.8; femoral neck (FN), −2.1; dose and rate of oral prednisolone (2.3 mg/day), 69.1 %; prior duration of ALN or RIS, 46.6 months; were allocated, based on their preference, to either the (1) continue group (n = 88), (2) switch-from-ALN group (n = 44), or (3) switch-from-RIS group (n = 40).

RESULTS

After 12 months, increase in BMD was significantly greater in group 3 compared to group 1: LS (4.1 vs 1.2 %; P < 0.001), TH (1.9 vs −0.7 %; P < 0.01), and FN (2.7 vs −0.5 %; P < 0.05); and in group 2 compared to group 1: LS (3.2 vs 1.2 %; P < 0.05) and TH (1.5 vs −0.7 %; P < 0.01). The decrease in bone turnover markers was significantly greater in group 3 compared to group 1: TRACP-5b (−37.3 vs 2.5 %; P < 0.001), PINP (−24.7 vs −6.2 %; P < 0.05), and ucOC (−39.2 vs 13.0 %; P < 0.05); and in group 2 compared to group 1: TRACP-5b (−12.5 vs 2.5 %; P < 0.05) at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Switching weekly ALN or RIS to monthly MIN in patients with RA may be an effective alternative treatment option of oral bisphosphonate treatment.

Evaluation of a simplified hip structure analysis method for the prediction of incident hip fracture events

Many attempts have been made to improve the predictive ability of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) which integrates bone mass and area. The addition of an extra variable derived from the hip dual-energy X-ray (DXA) image TR_σ, which describes distribution of mass within the scanned area of the trochanter, improved prediction of 15-year hip fracture probability in elderly women.

INTRODUCTION

Two-dimensional DXA imaging of the proximal femur to produce an aBMD is a clinically useful predictor of future fracture risk. Further analysis of the DXA image to produce an eight-variable hip structure analysis (Beck HSA) has been developed to improve understanding of structural factors determining hip bone strength at each of three proximal femur sites, the narrow femoral neck (NN), intertrochanter (TR) and shaft (S). Recently, data on four measurements derived from the currently used eight Beck HSA variables were used to capture population variation in bone structure at each site. These include two previously used variables, the localised aBMD and the sub-periosteal width (W) applying to 5-mm sections (at each sites), and two new variables, standard deviation of normalised mineral-mass projection profile distribution (σ), and displacement between centre-of-mineral mass and geometric centre-of-mineral mass of projection profile (δ).

METHODS

Using a cohort of 1159 women, mean baseline age 75, who sustained 139 hip fractures over 15 years, we determined whether these measures significantly improved 15-year hip fracture prediction compared to current approach utilising age and total hip aBMD. To describe the most parsimonious model for hip fracture risk prediction, the 12 base measures (4 from each site), total hip aBMD and age were evaluated in stepwise logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The final model included TR_σ, total hip aBMD and age and provided improved utility for hip fracture prediction compared to total hip aBMD and age alone (C-statistic 0.73 vs. 0.69, P = 0.009 and net reclassification improvement 0.164, P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of TR_σ to total hip aBMD and age substantially improved prediction of 15-year hip fracture risk in this cohort of elderly women.

The utility of lumbar spine trabecular bone score and femoral neck bone mineral density for identifying asymptomatic vertebral fractures in well-compensated type 2 diabetic patients

The objective of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of trabecular bone score (TBS) and bone mineral density (BMD) for identifying vertebral fractures (VFx) in well-compensated type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients. TBS and femoral neck BMD below certain cutoffs may be useful for identifying VFx in well-compensated T2D patients.

INTRODUCTION

In T2D, the prevalence of VFx is increased, especially in poorly compensated and complicated diabetic patients. The possibility of predicting the fracture risk in T2D patients by measuring BMD and TBS, an indirect parameter of bone quality, is under debate. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the usefulness of TBS and BMD for identifying VFx in well-compensated T2D patients.

METHODS

Ninety-nine T2D postmenopausal women in good metabolic control (glycosylated haemoglobin 6.8 ± 0.7 %) and 107 control subjects without T2D were evaluated. In all subjects, we evaluated the following: the BMD at the lumbar spine (LS) and the femoral neck (FN); the TBS by dual X-ray absorptiometry; and VFx by radiography. In T2D subjects, the presence of diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy was evaluated.

RESULTS

T2D subjects had increased VFx prevalence (34.3 %) as compared to controls (18.7 %) (p = 0.01). T2D subjects presented higher BMD (LS -0.8 ± 1.44, FN -1.06 ± 1.08), as compared to controls (LS -1.39 ± 1.28, p = 0.002; FN -1.45 ± 0.91, p = 0.006, respectively). TBS was not different between diabetics and controls. In fractured T2D patients, LS-BMD, FN-BMD, and TBS were reduced (-1.2 ± 1.44; -1.44 ± 1.04; 1.072 ± 0.15) and the prevalence of retinopathy (15.4 %) was increased than in nonfractured T2D subjects (-0.59 ± 1.4, p = 0.035; -0.87 ± 1.05, p = 0.005; 1.159 ± 0.15, p = 0.006; 1.8 %, p = 0.04, respectively). The combination of TBS ≤1.130 and FN-BMD less than -1.0 had the best diagnostic accuracy for detecting T2D fractured patients (SP 73.8 %, SN 63.6 %, NPV 78.9 %, PPV 56.8 %).

CONCLUSIONS

TBS and FN-BMD below certain cutoffs may be useful for identifying VFx in well-compensated T2D patients.

Cost-effectiveness of a fracture liaison service--a real-world evaluation after 6 years of service provision

The cost-effectiveness of a less intensive fracture liaison service is unknown. We evaluated a fracture liaison service that had been educating and referring patients for secondary prevention of osteoporotic fractures for 6 years. Our results suggest that a less intensive fracture liaison service, with moderate effectiveness, can still be worthwhile.

INTRODUCTION

Fragility fractures are common among older patients; the risk of re-fracture is high but could be reduced with treatments; different versions of fracture liaison service have emerged to reduce recurrent osteoporotic fractures. But the cost-effectiveness of a less intensive model is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of the Ontario Fracture Clinic Screening program, a fracture liaison service that had been educating and referring fragility fracture patients across Ontario, Canada to receive bone mineral density testing and osteoporosis treatments since 2007.

METHODS

We developed a Markov model to assess the cost-effectiveness of the program over the patients' remaining lifetime, using rates of bone mineral density testing and osteoporosis treatment and cost of intervention from the program, and supplemented it with the published literature. The analysis took the perspective of a third-party health-care payer. Costs and benefits were discounted at 5 % per year. Sensitivity analyses assessed the effects of different assumptions on the results.

RESULTS

The program improved quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) by 4.3 years and led to increased costs of CAD $83,000 for every 1000 patients screened, at a cost of $19,132 per QALY gained. The enhanced model, the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Fast Track program that includes ordering bone mineral density testing, was even more cost-effective ($5720 per QALY gained).

CONCLUSIONS

The Ontario Fracture Clinic Screening program appears to be a cost-effective way to reduce recurrent osteoporotic fractures.

Trabecular bone score in type 1 diabetes--a cross-sectional study

Trabecular bone score (TBS) seems to provide additive value on BMD to identify individuals with prevalent fractures in T1D. TBS did not significantly differ between T1D patients and healthy controls, but TBS and HbA1c were independently associated with prevalent fractures in T1D. A TBS cutoff <1.42 reflected prevalent fractures with 91.7 % sensitivity and 43.2 % specificity.

INTRODUCTION

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) increases the risk of osteoporotic fractures. TBS was recently proposed as an indirect measure of bone microarchitecture. This study aimed at investigating the TBS in T1D patients and healthy controls. Associations with prevalent fractures were tested.

METHODS

One hundred nineteen T1D patients (59 males, 60 premenopausal females; mean age 43.4 ± 8.9 years) and 68 healthy controls matched for gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed. The TBS was calculated in the lumbar region, based on two-dimensional (2D) projections of DXA assessments.

RESULTS

TBS was 1.357 ± 0.129 in T1D patients and 1.389 ± 0.085 in controls (p = 0.075). T1D patients with prevalent fractures (n = 24) had a significantly lower TBS than T1D patients without fractures (1.309 ± 0.125 versus 1.370 ± 0.127, p = 0.04). The presence of fractures in T1D was associated with lower TBS (odds ratio = 0.024, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.001-0.875; p = 0.042) but not with age or BMI. TBS and HbA1c were independently associated with fractures. The area-under-the curve (AUC) of TBS was similar to that of total hip BMD in discriminating T1D patients with or without prevalent fractures. In this set-up, a TBS cutoff <1.42 discriminated the presence of fractures with a sensitivity of 91.7 % and a specificity of 43.2 %.

CONCLUSIONS

TBS values are lower in T1D patients with prevalent fractures, suggesting an alteration of bone strength in this subgroup of patients. Reliable TBS cutoffs for the prediction of fracture risk in T1D need to be determined in larger prospective studies.

Correlation between Parameters of Calcaneal Quantitative Ultrasound and Hip Structural Analysis in Osteoporotic Fracture Patients

Background

Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS), which is used in the evaluation of osteoporosis, is believed to be intimately associated with the characteristics of the proximal femur. However, the specific associations of calcaneal QUS with characteristics of the hip sub-regions remain unclear.

Design

A cross-sectional assessment of 53 osteoporotic patients was performed for the skeletal status of the heel and hip.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 53 female osteoporotic patients with femoral fractures. Calcaneal QUS, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and hip structural analysis (HSA) were performed for each patient. Femoral heads were obtained during the surgery, and principal compressive trabeculae (PCT) were extracted by a three-dimensional printing technique-assisted method. Pearson’s correlation between QUS measurement with DXA, HSA-derived parameters and Young’s modulus were calculated in order to evaluate the specific association of QUS with the parameters for the hip sub-regions, including the femoral neck, trochanteric and Ward’s areas, and the femoral shaft, respectively.

Results

Significant correlations were found between estimated BMD (Est.BMD) and BMD of different sub-regions of proximal femur. However, the correlation coefficient of trochanteric area (r = 0.356, p = 0.009) was higher than that of the neck area (r = 0.297, p = 0.031) and total proximal femur (r = 0.291, p = 0.034). Furthermore, the quantitative ultrasound index (QUI) was significantly correlated with the HSA-derived parameters of the trochanteric area (r value: 0.315–0.356, all p<0.05) as well as with the Young’s modulus of PCT from the femoral head (r = 0.589, p<0.001).

Conclusion

The calcaneal bone had an intimate association with the trochanteric cancellous bone. To a certain extent, the parameters of the calcaneal QUS can reflect the characteristics of the trochanteric area of the proximal hip, although not specifically reflective of those of the femoral neck or shaft.

The effect of 8 or 5 years of denosumab treatment in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: results from the FREEDOM Extension study

The FREEDOM study and its Extension provide long-term information about the effects of denosumab for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Treatment for up to 8 years was associated with persistent reduction of bone turnover, continued increases in bone mineral density, low fracture incidence, and a favorable benefit/risk profile.

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to report the results through year 5 of the FREEDOM Extension study, representing up to 8 years of continued denosumab treatment in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

METHODS

Women who completed the 3-year FREEDOM study were eligible to enter the 7-year open-label FREEDOM Extension in which all participants are scheduled to receive denosumab, since placebo assignment was discontinued for ethical reasons. A total of 4550 women enrolled in the Extension (2343 long-term; 2207 cross-over). In this analysis, women in the long-term and cross-over groups received denosumab for up to 8 and 5 years, respectively.

RESULTS

Throughout the Extension, sustained reduction of bone turnover markers (BTMs) was observed in both groups. In the long-term group, mean bone mineral density (BMD) continued to increase significantly at each time point measured, for cumulative 8-year gains of 18.4 and 8.3 % at the lumbar spine and total hip, respectively. In the cross-over group, mean BMD increased significantly from the Extension baseline for 5-year cumulative gains of 13.1 and 6.2 % at the lumbar spine and total hip, respectively. The yearly incidence of new vertebral and nonvertebral fractures remained low in both groups. The incidence of adverse and serious adverse events did not increase over time. Through Extension year 5, eight events of osteonecrosis of the jaw and two events of atypical femoral fracture were confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

Denosumab treatment for up to 8 years was associated with persistent reductions of BTMs, continued BMD gains, low fracture incidence, and a consistent safety profile.

Further reductions in nonvertebral fracture rate with long-term denosumab treatment in the FREEDOM open-label extension and influence of hip bone mineral density after 3 years

Limited data exist on the efficacy of long-term therapies for osteoporosis. In osteoporotic postmenopausal women receiving denosumab for 7 years, nonvertebral fracture rates significantly decreased in years 4-7 versus years 1-3. This is the first demonstration of a further benefit on fracture outcomes with long-term therapy for osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate whether denosumab treatment continued beyond 3 years is associated with a further reduction in nonvertebral fracture rates.

METHODS

Participants who completed the 3-year placebo-controlled Fracture REduction Evaluation of Denosumab in Osteoporosis every 6 Months (FREEDOM) study were invited to participate in an open-label extension. The present analysis includes 4,074 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (n = 2,343 long-term; n = 1,731 cross-over) who enrolled in the extension, missed ≤1 dose during their first 3 years of denosumab treatment, and continued into the fourth year of treatment. Comparison of nonvertebral fracture rates during years 1-3 of denosumab with that of the fourth year and with the rate during years 4-7 was evaluated.

RESULTS

For the combined group, the nonvertebral fracture rate per 100 participant-years was 2.15 for the first 3 years of denosumab treatment (referent) and 1.36 in the fourth year (rate ratio [RR] = 0.64; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.48 to 0.85, p = 0.003). Comparable findings were observed in the groups separately and when nonvertebral fracture rates during years 1-3 were compared to years 4-7 in the long-term group (RR = 0.79; 95 % CI = 0.62 to 1.00, p = 0.046). Fracture rate reductions in year 4 were most prominent in subjects with persisting low hip bone mineral density (BMD).

CONCLUSIONS

Denosumab treatment beyond 3 years was associated with a further reduction in nonvertebral fracture rate that persisted through 7 years of continuous denosumab administration. The degree to which denosumab further reduces nonvertebral fracture risk appears influenced by the hip bone density achieved with initial therapy.

High fracture probability predicts fractures in a 4-year follow-up in women from the RAC-OST-POL study

In 770 postmenopausal women, the fracture incidence during a 4-year follow-up was analyzed in relation to the fracture probability (FRAX risk assessment tool) and risk (Garvan risk calculator) predicted at baseline. Incident fractures occurred in 62 subjects with a higher prevalence in high-risk subgroups. Prior fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, femoral neck T-score and falls increased independent of fracture incidence.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of fractures during a 4-year follow-up in relation to the baseline fracture probability and risk.

METHODS

Enrolled in the study were 770 postmenopausal women with a mean age of 65.7 ± 7.3 years. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the proximal femur, clinical data, and fracture probability using the FRAX tool and risk using the Garvan calculator were determined. Each subject was asked yearly by phone call about the incidence of fracture during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

Of the 770 women, 62 had a fracture during follow-up, and 46 had a major fracture. At baseline, BMD was significantly lower, and fracture probability and fracture risk were significantly higher in women who had a fracture. Among women with a major fracture, the percentage with a high baseline fracture probability (>10 %) was significantly higher than among those without a fracture (p < 0.01). Fracture incidence during follow-up was significantly higher among women with a high baseline fracture probability (12.7 % vs. 5.2 %) and a high fracture risk (9.2 vs. 5.3 %) so that the "fracture-free survival" curves were significantly different (p < 0.05). The number of clinical risk factors noted at baseline was significantly associated with fracture incidence (chi-squared = 20.82, p < 0.01). Prior fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, and femoral neck T-score were identified as significant risk factors for major fractures (for any fractures, the influence of falls was also significant).

CONCLUSIONS

During follow-up, fracture incidence was predicted by baseline fracture probability (FRAX risk assessment tool) and risk (Garvan risk calculator). A number of clinical risk factors and a prior fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, femoral neck T-score, and falls were independently associated with an increased incidence of fractures. [Corrected]

Oxytocin and bone status in men: analysis of the MINOS cohort

Oxytocin, a neurohypophysial hormone, regulates bone metabolism in animal studies and postmenopausal women. In men, oxytocin is not associated with bone mineral density, bone turnover markers, or prevalent fractures, but weakly negatively with incident fragility fracture requiring further studies.

INTRODUCTION

We previously showed that serum oxytocin (OT) level is associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover rate in postmenopausal women. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between circulating OT levels and bone status in men.

METHODS

In 552 men aged 50 and older from the MINOS cohort, we measured serum levels of OT. We assessed the association of serum OT levels with BMD (lumbar, femoral neck, total hip), bone turnover markers (BTM) (serum N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bone ALP), and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I)) and fracture risk.

RESULTS

In the univariate analysis, serum OT level was not associated with BMD at any site, BTM levels, or with prevalent or incident fracture. OT was significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.17, p < 0.001), total or bioavalaible 17β-estradiol (r = 0.09, p = 0.04 and r = 0.20, p < 0.001, respectively), free testosterone (r = 0.17, p < 0.001), and leptin (r = 0.16, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis did not show significant relationship between serum OT and BMD. After adjustment for age, BMI, interaction BMI/age, history of fall in the last year, and BMD, OT and prevalent fracture were not associated. By contrast, the same analysis with additional adjustment for prevalent fracture showed a weakly significant negative association between OT and incident fracture, e.g., after adjustment for femoral neck BMD, HR = 0.73, 95 %CI 0.55-0.99, p = 0.04.

CONCLUSION

In men, serum OT levels are not associated with BMD, bone turnover rate, or prevalent fractures. The weak negative relationship with fracture risk requires further studies.

Determination of the painful level in osteoporotic vertebral fractures--Retrospective comparison between plain film, bone scan, and magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND

Determining the actual painful vertebral level is difficult when evaluating osteoporotic vertebral fracture, especially when there are acute and chronic fractures simultaneously. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated and compared the findings between plain film, bone scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of new fracture in osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

METHODS

This is a retrospective clinical study of patients who were diagnosed with osteoporotic vertebral fractures using plain film, bone scan, and MRI within a 1-month interval between February 2008 and December 2012. The findings in plain film, the extent of increased uptake in bone scan, and signal change in MRI were compared to evaluate the actual level of pain. All patients received percutaneous vertebroplasty according to MR finding. Pain scores (visual analog scale) of the study patients were compared prior to and after the procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 52 patients with a mean age of 79.1 years (range 59-92 years) were enrolled in this study, and were treated by vertebroplasty confirmed by MRI. It was observed that patient pain score (visual analog scale) improved from 7.6 to 2.8. Plain film examination revealed 79 vertebrae that were suspected to be compression fractures. Among the suspected vertebrae, 62 showed increased uptake in bone scan, and MRI showed bony edema change in 58 vertebrae. The consistency between bone scan and MRI was 96.9% in patients with single-level suspected fracture on plain film. There was moderate agreement (kappa was 0.56) in patients where multiple levels were noted. Fifteen vertebrae with vacuum cleft sign on plain film showed total concordance in both bone scan and MRI.

CONCLUSION

For patients with single-level compression fracture, the painful level in osteoporotic vertebral fractures can be determined by plain film and bone scan testing. Vacuum cleft sign noted on plain film may be enough to localize the level of pain. However, MRI testing is further needed in multiple osteoporotic vertebral fracture patients.

Bone turnover markers are associated with higher cortical porosity, thinner cortices, and larger size of the proximal femur and non-vertebral fractures

Bone turnover markers (BTM) predict bone loss and fragility fracture. Although cortical porosity and cortical thinning are important determinants of bone strength, the relationship between BTM and cortical porosity has, however, remained elusive. We therefore wanted to examine the relationship of BTM with cortical porosity and risk of non-vertebral fracture. In 211 postmenopausal women aged 54-94 years with non-vertebral fractures and 232 age-matched fracture-free controls from the Tromsø Study, Norway, we quantified femoral neck areal bone mineral density (FN aBMD), femoral subtrochanteric bone architecture, and assessed serum levels of procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX). Fracture cases exhibited higher PINP and CTX levels, lower FN aBMD, larger total and medullary cross-sectional area (CSA), thinner cortices, and higher cortical porosity of the femoral subtrochanter than controls (p≤0.01). Each SD increment in PINP and CTX was associated with 0.21-0.26 SD lower total volumetric BMD, 0.10-0.14 SD larger total CSA, 0.14-0.18 SD larger medullary CSA, 0.13-0.18 SD thinner cortices, and 0.27-0.33 SD higher porosity of the total cortex, compact cortex, and transitional zone (all p≤0.01). Moreover, each SD of higher PINP and CTX was associated with increased odds for fracture after adjustment for age, height, and weight (ORs 1.49; 95% CI, 1.20-1.85 and OR 1.22; 95% CI, 1.00-1.49, both p<0.05). PINP, but not CTX, remained associated with fracture after accounting for FN aBMD, cortical porosity or cortical thickness (OR ranging from 1.31 to 1.39, p ranging from 0.005 to 0.028). In summary, increased BTM levels are associated with higher cortical porosity, thinner cortices, larger bone size and higher odds for fracture. We infer that this is produced by increased periosteal apposition, intracortical and endocortical remodeling; and that these changes in bone architecture are predisposing to fracture.

FRAX and the effect of teriparatide on vertebral and non-vertebral fracture

Daily teriparatide injections have been shown to reduce vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. Here, we demonstrate that the magnitude of fracture risk reduction is independent of baseline fracture probability assessed by FRAX.

INTRODUCTION

Daily administration of 20 or 40 μg teriparatide has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of vertebral and non-vertebral fracture compared with placebo. The aim of the present study was to evaluate fracture risk assessed at baseline using the FRAX® tool and to determine the efficacy of teriparatide as a function of baseline fracture risk.

METHODS

One thousand six hundred thirty-seven postmenopausal women in the pivotal phase three trial, randomly assigned to receive placebo (n = 544), teriparatide 20 μg per day (n = 541) or teriparatide 40 μg per day (n = 552), were studied. Baseline clinical risk factors were entered into country-specific FRAX models to compute the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures with or without input of femoral neck BMD. Because there was no difference in effect of 20 and 40 μg teriparatide daily on fracture occurrence, the two active groups were merged. The interaction between probability of a major fracture and treatment efficacy was examined by Poisson regression.

RESULTS

The 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures (with BMD) ranged from 2.2-67.2 %. Treatment with teriparatide was associated with a 37 % decrease in all non-vertebral fractures (95 % CI 10-56 %) and a 56 % decrease in low-energy non-vertebral fractures (95 % CI 24-75 %) compared with placebo. The risk of morphometric vertebral fractures decreased significantly by 66 % (95 % CI 50-77 %). Hazard ratios for the effect of teriparatide on the fracture outcome did not change significantly with increasing fracture probability (p > 0.30). Similar findings were noted for the interaction when BMD was excluded from the FRAX model, or when probability of hip fracture was used as the marker of baseline risk.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that teriparatide significantly decreases the risk of non-vertebral and morphometric vertebral fractures in women by a similar extent, irrespective of baseline fracture probability.

Number of osteoporotic sites as a modifying factor for bone mineral density

Discordance has been proposed as a new predictor of fracture risk that may affect fracture risk via bone mineral density (BMD). With an emphasis on better understanding the relationship between discordance and BMD, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of the number of osteoporotic sites, as an indicator of discordance, on BMD and to explore the clinical significance of BMD modification by this factor. This study was based on data obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2011, which is a nationwide cross-sectional study. Among postmenopausal women aged 50 years or older, 3,849 women whose BMD was measured at three sites (lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip) were included in the study. The diagnosis was consistent across sites in only 39.2-59.0 % of cases. Lumbar spine T-score was reduced by 0.163 for two osteoporotic sites and by 0.462 for three osteoporotic sites, compared with having one osteoporotic site at the lumbar spine only. Femoral neck T-score was reduced by 0.609 for three osteoporotic sites compared with one or two osteoporotic sites. Using BMD adjusted for discordance, we found fracture risk probability changed significantly. Our results confirmed that BMD discordance was considerably high among Korean women in their 50s and older owing to site-dependent differences in the pattern of BMD reduction with age. Mean BMD decreased with increasing number of osteoporotic sites. Using a modified BMD adjusted for the number of osteoporotic sites may offer more accurate fracture risk assessment.