The association between a fracture risk tool and frailty: Geelong Osteoporosis Study

BACKGROUND

Frailty is characterised by age-related declines in physical, psychological and social functioning. Features of frailty overlap with risk factors for fragility fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX®) and frailty.

METHODS

In cross-sectional analysis, frailty status was determined for participants aged 60-90 yr at 15-year follow-up of the Geelong Osteoporosis Study, using a modified Fried frailty phenotype. Using the FRAX on-line tool, scores for hip and major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) were calculated with and without bone mineral density (BMD). Using the area under Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) curves, and FRAX scores calculated at the baseline visit for these participants, we investigated the association of FRAX and frailty 15 years later.

RESULTS

Forty-seven of 303 women (15.5%) and 41 of 282 men (14.5%) were frail at the 15-year visit. There was a gradient of increasing median FRAX scores from robust to frail. For example, for women, median MOF-FRAX without BMD increased from 5.9 for the robust to 7.5 for the pre-frail and 14.0 for the frail (p < 0.001). In secondary analyses, an association was observed between FRAX and frailty over 15 years, with the highest AUROC for women being 0.72 for MOF-FRAX with BMD, and for men, 0.76 hip-FRAX without BMD.

CONCLUSION

An association was observed between FRAX and frailty where frail men and women had higher FRAX-scores compared to the other groups. Preliminary data suggest that FRAX, with or without BMD, may be useful in enhancing the information on frailty. Further research using larger datasets will be required to explore this.

Handgrip strength and muscle quality in Australian women: cross-sectional data from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study

BACKGROUND

Low handgrip strength (HGS) is a measure of poor skeletal muscle performance and a marker of ill health and frailty. Muscle quality (MQ) is a measure of muscle strength relative to muscle mass. We aimed to develop normative data for HGS and MQ, report age-related prevalence of low HGS and MQ, and determine the relationship with age, anthropometry, and body composition for women in Australia.

METHODS

This cross-sectional analysis included data from 792 women (ages 28-95 years) assessed by the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Duplicate measures of HGS were performed for each hand with a dynamometer (Jamar) and the mean of maximum values used for analyses. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry-derived lean mass for the arms was used to calculate MQ as HGS/lean mass (kg/kg). Body mass index (BMI) was categorized as normal (BMI < 25.0 kg/m² ), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m² ), and obese (>30.0 kg/m² ). Fat mass index (FMI) was calculated as whole body fat/height² (kg/m² ) and appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) as lean mass of arms and legs/height² (kg/m² ).

RESULTS

Mean (±SD) of HGS values for normal BMI, overweight, and obese groups were 25 (±7), 24 (±7), and 24 (±7) kg, P = 0.09, and for MQ, 12 (±3), 11 (±3), and 10 (±3) kg/kg, P < 0.001. Our data indicated a quadratic relationship between age and HGS or MQ. Mean HGS and MQ remained stable until the fifth age decade then declined steadily with increasing age; therefore, we used data for women (n = 283) aged 28-49 years as the young adult reference group, with mean (SD) values for HGS 28 (±6) kg and MQ 12 (±3) kg/kg. The prevalence of low (T-score < -2) HGS and MQ for women 80 years and older was 52.2% and 39.6%, respectively. In multivariable models, age-adjusted HGS was associated with FMI (B = -0.13, P = 0.004) and ALMI (1.03, <0.001) while age-adjusted MQ was associated with BMI (-0.15, <0.001) but not with FMI. In a sensitivity analysis, the same pattern remained after the removal of 129 women who reported hand and/or arm pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Mean HGS and MQ declined with advancing age in older women. Our data suggest that while mean HGS increased with appendicular lean mass and decreased with body fat mass, there was no association with BMI. By contrast, MQ decreased with increasing BMI, but not with increasing adiposity.

Patterns of Association between Depressive Symptoms and Chronic Medical Morbidities in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between depressive symptoms and several medical morbidities, and their combination, in a large older population.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of baseline data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial.

SETTING

Multicentric study conducted in Australia and the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 19,110 older adults (mean age = 75 years [standard deviation = ±4.5]).

MEASUREMENTS

Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D 10) scale. Medical morbidities were defined according to condition-specific methods. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to test associations before and after accounting for possible confounders.

RESULTS

Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with obesity (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.07-1.32), diabetes (OR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.05-1.42), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.28-1.57), metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.03-1.29), osteoarthritis (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.27-1.57), respiratory conditions (OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.10-1.42), history of cancer (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.05-1.34), Parkinson's disease (OR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.83-3.56), polypharmacy (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.44-1.79), and multimorbidity (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.12-1.49). No significant association was observed between depressive symptoms and hypertension, chronic kidney disease, dyslipidemia, and gout (P > .05). A significant dose-response relationship was evident between the number of medical comorbidities and the prevalence of depression (OR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.13-1.22).

CONCLUSION

Late-life depressive symptoms are significantly associated with several medical morbidities, and there appears to be a cumulative effect of the number of somatic diseases on the prevalence of depression. These findings augment the evidence for a complex relationship between mental and physical health in an otherwise healthy older population and might guide clinicians toward early recognition of high-risk individuals. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1834-1841, 2020.

Osteoporosis medication use among Australian women over two decades

Despite the burden of osteoporosis and treatment availability, a treatment gap remains. Women in a population-based study were followed with respect to use of anti-fracture medication over two decades. Use increased over time but remained suboptimal, with less than 20% of those at high risk of fracture receiving treatment.

PURPOSE

We examined trends in osteoporosis-related medication use over time using data from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study, an ongoing, population-based study.

METHODS

Self-reported medication use data were available for 822 women (50-90 years) at time-1 (1993-1997), 575 women at time-2 (2004-2008), and 527 women at time-3 (2011-2014) participating in a longitudinal study. Prevalence of any osteoporosis-related medication use (pooled anti-fracture (bisphosphonates, raloxifene, denosumab, or strontium); hormone therapy; and supplements (calcium and/or vitamin D)) was calculated using bootstrapping methods for the whole group and those at risk of fracture, identified using FRAX Aus® (probability of major osteoporotic fracture ≥ 20% and/or ≥ 3% hip fracture) and BMD (osteoporosis indicated by a T-score of less than - 2.5 at either the femoral neck or spine). Time trend (age groups 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+ years) and time-point effects were evaluated using mixed effects logistic models.

RESULTS

The use of any osteoporosis-related medication increased over three time points (time-1, 25.9% (95% CI 23.1, 28.8); time-2, 32.5% (28.7, 36.3); time-3, 35.9% (31.9, 39.8)), driven by the use of supplements (time-1, 12.9% (95% CI 10.6, 15.1); time-2, 22.1% (18.8, 25.4); time-3, 30.9% (26.9, 35.5)) and anti-fracture medication (time-1, 0.9% (0.4, 1.6); time-2, 5.0% (3.3, 6.8); time-3, 4.4% (2.7, 6.3)). Women at high risk of fracture were identified by BMD (time-1, n = 231 (28.1%); time-2, n = 92 (16.0%); time-3, n = 51 (9.7%)) and FRAX criteria (time-1, n = 272 (33.1%); time-2, n = 105 (18.3%); time-3, n = 100 (19.0%)). The use of anti-fracture medication was low among these groups (BMD criteria: time-1, 1.7% (0.4, 3.7); time-2, 16.3% (8.7, 24.3); time-3, 15.7% (7.1, 26.1); FRAX criteria: time-1, 1.1% (0.0, 2.3); time-2, 18.1% (11.5, 25.5); time-3, 13.0% (6.5, 19.8)).

CONCLUSION

Use of anti-fracture medication among women at risk of fracture remained low over time. Investment into systems approaches to correct the treatment gap is warranted.

Physical health comorbidities in women with personality disorder: Data from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study

Background

Associations between common psychiatric disorders, psychotic disorders and physical health comorbidities are frequently investigated. The complex relationship between personality disorders (PDs) and physical health is less understood, and findings to date are varied. This study aims to investigate associations between PDs with a number of prevalent physical health conditions.

Methods

This study examined data collected from women (n = 765; ≥ 25 years) participating in a population-based study located in south-eastern Australia. Lifetime history of psychiatric disorders was assessed using the semi-structured clinical interviews (SCID-I/NP and SCID-II). The presence of physical health conditions (lifetime) were identified via a combination of self-report, medical records, medication use and clinical data. Socioeconomic status, and information regarding medication use, lifestyle behaviors, and sociodemographic information was collected via questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used to investigate associations.

Results

After adjustment for sociodemographic variables (age, socioeconomic status) and health-related factors (body mass index, physical activity, smoking, psychotropic medication use), PDs were consistently associated with a range of physical health conditions. Novel associations were observed between Cluster A PDs and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD); Cluster B PDs with syncope and seizures, as well as arthritis; and Cluster C PDs with GORD and recurrent headaches.

Conclusions

PDs were associated with physical comorbidity. The current data contribute to a growing evidence base demonstrating associations between PDs and a number of physical health conditions independent of psychiatric comorbidity, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Longitudinal studies are now required to investigate causal pathways, as are studies determining pathological mechanisms.

Personality disorder and functioning in major depressive disorder: a nested study within a randomized controlled trial

Objective:

This study aimed to determine if personality disorder (PD) predicted functional outcomes in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods:

Data (n=71) from a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 12-week trial assessing the efficacy of 200 mg/day adjunctive minocycline for MDD were examined. PD was measured using the Standardized Assessment of Personality Abbreviated Scale. Outcome measures included Clinical Global Impression – Improvement (CGI-I), Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), Social and Occupational Functioning Scale (SOFAS), and Range of Impaired Functioning (RIFT). Analysis of covariance was used to examine the impact of PD (dichotomized factor [≥ 3] or continuous measure) on the outcome measures-treatment group correlation.

Results:

PD was identified in 69% of the sample. After adjusting for age, sex, and baseline scores for each of the outcome measures, there was no significant difference between participants with and without PD on week 12 scores for any of the outcome measures (all p > 0.14).

Conclusion:

In this secondary analysis of a primary efficacy study, PD was a common comorbidity among those with MDD, but was not a significant predictor of functional outcomes. This study adds to the limited literature on PD in randomized controlled trials for MDD.

Clinical trial registration:

ACTRN12612000283875.

Bone health in bipolar disorder: a study protocol for a case-control study in Australia

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about the bone health of adults with bipolar disorder, aside from evidence purporting bone deficits among individuals with other mental illnesses, or those taking medications commonly used in bipolar disorder. In this paper, we present the methodology of a case-control study which aims to examine the role of bipolar disorder as a risk factor for bone fragility.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Men and women with bipolar disorder (~200 cases) will be recruited and compared with participants with no history of bipolar disorder (~1500 controls) from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Both cases and controls will be drawn from the Barwon Statistical Division, south-eastern Australia. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Research Version, Non-patient edition is the primary diagnostic instrument, and psychiatric symptomatology will be assessed using validated rating scales. Demographic information and detailed lifestyle data and medical history will be collected via comprehensive questionnaires. Participants will undergo dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and other clinical measures to determine bone and body composition. Blood samples will be provided after an overnight fast and stored for batch analysis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval has been granted from Barwon Health Research Ethics Committee. Participation in the study is voluntary. The study findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and reports to the funding body.

Lower-limb muscle strength: normative data from an observational population-based study

BACKGROUND

The extent of muscle deterioration associated with ageing or disease can be quantified by comparison with appropriate reference data. The objective of this study is to present normative data for lower-limb muscle strength and quality for 573 males and 923 females aged 20-97 yr participating in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study in southeastern Australia.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, measures of muscle strength for hip flexors and hip abductors were obtained using a Nicholas manual muscle tester, a hand-held dynamometer (HHD; kg). Leg lean mass was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA; kg), and muscle quality calculated as strength/mass (N/kg).

RESULTS

For both sexes, muscle strength and quality decreased with advancing age. Age explained 12.9-25.3% of the variance in muscle strength in males, and 20.8-24.6% in females; age explained less of the variance in muscle quality. Means and standard deviations for muscle strength and quality for each muscle group are reported by age-decade for each sex, and cutpoints equivalent to T-scores of - 2.0 and - 1.0 were derived using data from young males (n = 89) and females (n = 148) aged 20-39 years.

CONCLUSIONS

These data will be useful for quantifying the extent of dynapenia and poor muscle quality among adults in the general population in the face of frailty, sarcopenia and other age-related muscle dysfunction.

Personality Disorder and Physical Health Comorbidities: A Link With Bone Health?

We examined whether personality disorders (PDs) (any, cluster A/B/C) were associated with bone mineral density (BMD) in a population-based sample of Australian women (n = 696). Personality and mood disorders were assessed using semi-structured diagnostic interviews. BMD was measured at the spine, hip, and total body using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (GE-Lunar Prodigy). Anthropometrics, medication use, physical conditions, and lifestyle factors were documented. The association between PDs (any, cluster A/B/C) and BMD (spine/hip/total body) was examined with multiple linear regression models. The best models were identified by backward elimination including age, weight, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption, dietary calcium intake, mood disorders, physical multimorbidity, socioeconomic status, and medications affecting bone. The variables were retained in the model if p < 0.05. All potential interactions in final models were tested. Those with cluster A PD, compared to those without, had 6.7% lower hip BMD [age, weight adjusted mean 0.853 (95% CI 0.803-0.903) vs. 0.910 (95% CI 0.901-0.919) g/cm², p = 0.027] and 3.4% lower total body BMD [age, weight, smoking, alcohol, calcium adjusted mean 1.102 (95% CI 1.064-1.140) vs. 1.139 (95% CI 1.128-1.150) g/cm², p = 0.056]. No associations were observed between cluster B/C PDs and hip/total body BMD or between any of the PD clusters and spine BMD. To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the bone health of women with PD in a population-based sample. Given the paucity of literature, replication and longitudinal research including the examination of underlying mechanisms and sex differences are warranted.

Evaluation of Polysaccharide Typhim Vi Antibody Response as a predictor of Humoral Immunodeficiency in Haematological Malignancies

An increasing healthcare challenge in the management of haematological malignancy (HM) is secondary immunodeficiency. From January 2019, the EMA included the evaluation of specific antibody (Ab) responses to better select patients for immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT). We evaluated Ab responses to pneumococcal and Salmonella typhi pure polysaccharide immunization in a cohort of 42 HM patients and 24 healthy-controls. Pre-post specific Ab concentrations were measured by ELISA at 4 weeks. Globally, significantly lower Typhim Vi (TV) seroprevalence (9%) compared to 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) (76%) (p <0.001) was observed. TV non responders (88%) were higher than PPV non responders (62%) (p <0.0001) and correlated better to infectious history. By ROC analysis, pre-post 5-fold TV increase was the best cut-off to discriminate HM with recurrent infections and controls (sensitivity 91%, specificity 100%). Despite the small sample cohort, our results suggest that specific anti-S typhi Ab response is a useful complementary assay in the diagnosis and management decision of SID to HM.

The epidemiology of emergency presentations for falls from height across Western Victoria, Australia

BACKGROUND

In order to implement intervention strategies to prevent falls from height, epidemiological data are needed. The aim of this study was to map emergency presentations for falls from height in residents aged ≥40yr of the western region of Victoria, Australia.

METHODS

Emergency presentations following a fall from height (≥1m) were obtained from electronic medical records for 2014-2016 inclusive. For each Local Government Area, age-standardised incidence rates (per 10,000 population/year) were calculated.

RESULTS

The age-standardised incidence rate was lowest in the Northern Grampians (3.4 95%CI 0.8-5.9), which has several main industries including health care, agriculture and manufacturing. The highest rates occurred in Corangamite (26.0 95%CI 19.9-32.0), Colac-Otway (23.7 95%CI 18.5-28.8) and Moyne (22.5 95%CI 16.8-28.3), which are sparsely populated (15,000-20,000 people each). Patterns were similar for men and women. Most falls occurred during "leisure" (38.0%), followed by "other work" (15.4%). Men were more likely than women to experience a fall from height while undertaking work activities. Many falls occurred in the home (53.2%).

CONCLUSION

Future research should inform strategies to prevent falls from height in the region. This could include specific locations such as the home or farm, and during leisure activities or work.

Serum cytokines elevated during gluten-mediated cytokine release in coeliac disease

Cytokines have been extensively studied in coeliac disease, but cytokine release related to exposure to gluten and associated symptoms has only recently been described. Prominent, early elevations in serum interleukin (IL)-2 after gluten support a central role for T cell activation in the clinical reactions to gluten in coeliac disease. The aim of this study was to establish a quantitative hierarchy of serum cytokines and their relation to symptoms in patients with coeliac disease during gluten-mediated cytokine release reactions. Sera were analyzed from coeliac disease patients on a gluten free-diet (n = 25) and from a parallel cohort of healthy volunteers (n = 25) who underwent an unmasked gluten challenge. Sera were collected at baseline and 2, 4 and 6 h after consuming 10 g vital wheat gluten flour; 187 cytokines were assessed. Confirmatory analyses were performed by high-sensitivity electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Cytokine elevations were correlated with symptoms. Cytokine release following gluten challenge in coeliac disease patients included significant elevations of IL-2, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20), IL-6, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)9, CXCL8, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-10, IL-22, IL-17A, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, CCL2 and amphiregulin. IL-2 and IL-17A were earliest to rise. Peak levels of cytokines were generally at 4 h. IL-2 increased most (median 57-fold), then CCL20 (median 10-fold). Cytokine changes were strongly correlated with one another, and the most severely symptomatic patients had the highest elevations. Early elevations of IL-2, IL-17A, IL-22 and IFN-γ after gluten in patients with coeliac disease implicates rapidly activated T cells as their probable source. Cytokine release after gluten could aid in monitoring experimental treatments and support diagnosis.

Mapping Cancer incidence across Western Victoria: the association with age, accessibility, and socioeconomic status among men and women

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a leading burden of disease in Australia and worldwide, with incidence rates varying with age, sex and geographic location. As part of the Ageing, Chronic Disease and Injury study, we aimed to map the incidence rates of primary cancer diagnoses across western Victoria and investigate the association of age, accessibility/remoteness index of Australia (ARIA) and area-level socioeconomic status (SES) with cancer incidence.

METHODS

Data on cancer incidence in the study region were extracted from the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) for men and women aged 40+ years during 2010-2013, inclusive. The age-adjusted incidence rates (per 10,000 population/year), as well as specific incidence for breast, prostate, lung, bowel and melanoma cancers, were calculated for the entire region and for the 21 Local Government Areas (LGA) that make up the whole region. The association of aggregated age, ARIA and SES with cancer incidence rates across LGAs was determined using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Overall, 15,120 cancer cases were identified; 8218 (54%) men and 6902 women. For men, the age-standardised rate of cancer incidence for the whole region was 182.1 per 10,000 population/year (95% CI 177.7-186.5) and for women, 162.2 (95% CI: 157.9-166.5). The incidence of cancer (overall) increased with increasing age for men and women. Geographical variations in cancer incidence were also observed across the LGAs, with differences identified between men and women. Residents of socioeconomically disadvantaged and less accessible areas had higher cancer incidence (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Cancer incidence rates varied by age, sex, across LGAs and with ARIA. These findings not only provide an evidence base for identifying gaps and assessing the need for services and resource allocation across this region, but also informs policy and assists health service planning and implementation of preventative intervention strategies to reduce the incidence of cancer across western Victoria. This study also provides a model for further research across other geographical locations with policy and clinical practice implications, both nationally and internationally.

The epidemiology of emergency presentations for falls across Western Victoria, Australia

BACKGROUND

In order to develop and implement prevention strategies for falls, comprehensive epidemiological data are required. Therefore, this study mapped emergency presentations for falls across the western region of Victoria, Australia, encompassing urban, regional and rural areas.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study utilised electronic data for emergency presentations following a fall from <1m for individuals aged ≥40yr during 2014-2016 inclusive. Age-standardised incidence rates (per 1000 population/year) were calculated for each Local Government Area (LGA).

RESULTS

Age-standardised falls incidence varied across the LGAs, with the lowest occurring in the Rural City of Ararat LGA (4.4; 95%CI:3.5-5.4) and the highest for the City of Warrnambool (25.1; 95%CI:23.7-26.6), Colac-Otway (24.7; 95%CI:23.0-26.4) and Moyne (23.0; 95%CI:21.2-24.8). Patterns were similar for men and women when stratified by sex across these LGAs. For men and women combined, most patients arrived at the hospital using private transportation (55.3%) or road ambulance service (43.1%). Most falls occurred during leisure activities (48.0%) in a home setting (54.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher rates of falls presentations were observed in southern LGAs and most commonly occurred at home, during leisure activity. Future research should identify specific intervention strategies to reduce falls in the region, based on the data reported from this study.

Revision joint replacement surgeries of the hip and knee across geographic region and socioeconomic status in the western region of Victoria: a cross-sectional multilevel analysis of registry data

BACKGROUND

Residents of rural and regional areas, compared to those in urban regions, are more likely to experience geographical difficulties in accessing healthcare, particularly specialist services. We investigated associations between region of residence, socioeconomic status (SES) and utilisation of all-cause revision hip replacement or revision knee replacement surgeries.

METHODS

Conducted in western Victoria, Australia, as part of the Ageing, Chronic Disease and Injury study, data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (2011-2013) for adults who underwent a revision hip replacement (n = 542; 54% female) or revision knee replacement (n = 353; 54% female) were extracted. We cross-matched residential addresses with 2011 census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), and using an ABS-derived composite index, classified region of residence according to local government areas (LGAs), and area-level SES into quintiles. For analyses, the control population (n = 591,265; 51% female) was ABS-determined and excluded adults already identified as cases. Mixed-effects logistic regression was performed.

RESULTS

We observed that 77% of revision hip surgeries and 83% of revision knee surgeries were performed for residents in the three most socially disadvantaged quintiles. In adjusted multilevel models, total variances contributed by the variance in LGAs for revisions of the hip or knee joint were only 1% (SD random effects ±0.01) and 3% (SD ± 0.02), respectively. No differences across SES or sex were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

No differences in utilisation were identified between SES groups in the provision of revision surgeries of the hip or knee, independent of small between-LGA differences.

Association between area-level socioeconomic status, accessibility and diabetes-related hospitalisations: a cross-sectional analysis of data from Western Victoria, Australia

OBJECTIVE

Hospitalisation rates for many chronic conditions are higher in socioeconomically disadvantaged and less accessible areas. We aimed to map diabetes hospitalisation rates by local government area (LGA) across Western Victoria, Australia, and investigate their association with socioeconomic status (SES) and accessibility/remoteness.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study METHODS: Data were acquired from the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset for all hospitalisations (public and private) with a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus during 2011-2014. Crude and age-standardised hospitalisation rates (per 1000 population per year) were calculated by LGA for men, women and combined data. Associations between accessibility (Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia, ARIA), SES (Index of Relative Socioeconomic Advantage and Disadvantage, IRSAD) and diabetes hospitalisation were investigated using Poisson regression analyses.

RESULTS

Higher LGA-level accessibility and SES were associated with higher rates of type 1 and type 2 diabetes hospitalisation, overall and for each sex. For type 1 diabetes, higher accessibility (ARIA category) was associated with higher hospitalisation rates (men incidence rate ratio [IRR]=2.14, 95% CI 1.64 to 2.80; women IRR=2.45, 95% CI 1.87 to 3.19; combined IRR=2.30, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.13; all p<0.05). Higher socioeconomic advantage (IRSAD decile) was also associated with higher hospitalisation rates (men IRR=1.25, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.43; women IRR=1.32, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.51; combined IRR=1.23, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.42; all p<0.05). Similarly, for type 2 diabetes, higher accessibility (ARIA category) was associated with higher hospitalisation rates (men IRR=2.49, 95% CI 1.81 to 3.43; women IRR=2.34, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.25; combined IRR=2.32, 95% CI 1.66 to 3.25; all p<0.05) and higher socioeconomic advantage (IRSAD decile) was also associated with higher hospitalisation rates (men IRR=1.15, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.30; women IRR=1.14, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.28; combined IRR=1.13, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.27; all p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our observations could indicate self-motivated treatment seeking, and better specialist and hospital services availability in the advantaged and accessible areas in the study region. The determinants for such variations in hospitalisation rates, however, are multifaceted and warrant further research.

Role of personality disorder in randomised controlled trials of pharmacological interventions for adults with mood disorders: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Remission rates for mood disorders, including depressive and bipolar disorders, remain relatively low despite available treatments, and many patients fail to respond adequately to these interventions. Evidence suggests that personality disorder may play a role in poor outcomes. Although personality disorders are common in patients with mood disorders, it remains unknown whether personality disorder affects treatment outcomes in mood disorders. We aim to review currently available evidence regarding the role of personality disorder on pharmacological interventions in randomised controlled trials for adults with mood disorders.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A systematic search of Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials (CENTRAL) via cochranelibrary.com, PubMed via PubMed, EMBASE via embase.com, PsycINFO via Ebsco and CINAHL Complete via Ebsco databases will be conducted to identify randomised controlled trials that have investigated pharmacological interventions in participants aged 18 years or older for mood disorders (ie, depressive disorders and bipolar spectrum disorders) and have also included assessment of personality disorder. One reviewer will screen studies against the predetermined eligibility criteria, and a second reviewer will confirm eligible studies. Data will be extracted by two independent reviewers. Methodological quality and risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A systematic review, and if sufficient evidence is identified, a meta-analysis will be completed. Meta-analysis will be conducted using the standardised mean difference approach and reported with 95% CIs. A random effects model will be employed and statistical heterogeneity will be evaluated using the I² statistic. Prespecified subgroup analyses will be completed.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

As this systematic review will use published data, ethics permission will not be required. The outcomes of this systematic review will be published in a relevant scientific journal and presented at a research conference.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42018089279.

Bipolar disorder and bone health: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Bipolar disorder is a chronic, episodic mental illness, affecting around 2.4% of the population worldwide. Psychological and/or physiological comorbidities are a common consequence, and osteoporosis is one such possible comorbidity. Thus, this systematic review aimed to collate, evaluate, and discuss the literature examining the link between bipolar disorder and bone health.

METHODS

We conducted an e-search of PubMed/OVID/MEDLINE, PsychINFO and CINAHL to identify studies that investigated associations between bipolar disorder and bone in adults aged ≥18. Two reviewers determined eligibility according to pre-determined criteria, and methodological quality was assessed using a previously published methodological scoring system. Due to heterogeneity, a best-evidence synthesis was performed.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 1409 articles, of which three (all cohorts) met predetermined criteria. The studies from Taiwan and the United States of America analysed administrative data, albeit spanning different years, and comprised a total of 344,497 participants. No studies investigating bone quantity or quality were identified. Bipolar disorder was associated with an increased risk of fracture (range 20-80%); and fracture-free survival time for those with bipolar disorder decreased substantially with advancing age, and for women (10-30% shorter than men). Fracture incidence per 1000 person years (py) was 21.4 and 10.8 in those with and without bipolar disorder, respectively.

LIMITATIONS

Limited data and marked methodological heterogeneity prevented the pooling of these data for a numerical synthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased fracture risk was observed in individuals with bipolar disorder, independent of older age, sex, comorbidities and medication use. The operative mechanisms, risk and treatment factors warrant further enquiry.

Nutraceuticals and nutritional supplements for the treatment of bipolar disorder: protocol for a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

First line pharmacological treatments for bipolar disorder (BD) can leave shortfalls in recovery leading to patients seeking alternative and adjunctive treatments such as nutraceuticals. This protocol for a systematic review and proposed meta-analysis aims to answer the research question: in patients with BD, how does use of nutraceutical treatments compare with placebo in reducing depressive and mania symptoms?

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Clinical trials will be identified through database searches using PubMed via PubMed, EMBASE via embase.com, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials (CENTRAL) via cochranelibrary.com and CINAHL Complete via EBSCO. Search terms for BD and specific nutraceuticals (75 total search terms) will be used. Double-blind, randomised, controlled, clinical trials of adults with BD will be included in the review. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This review will only look at published data (already reviewed for ethical compliance); therefore, ethical approval is not required. We aim to publish the systematic review in a peer-reviewed journal and present at conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019100745.

Normative Data for Lean Mass Using FNIH Criteria in an Australian Setting

Recommendations from the FNIH Sarcopenia Project are that appendicular lean mass (ALM, kg) adjusted for body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) be used for identifying low lean mass, with ALM/BMI cutpoints of < 0.789 m² for men and < 0.512 m² for women. We report normative ALM/BMI values for Australian adults, and compare the performance of cutpoints derived from reference values for this population with FNIH values for identifying low lean mass. Body composition was measured by DXA (Lunar) for 1411 men and 960 women, aged 20-93 years, from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study, a population-based study in Australia. Sex-stratified means and standard deviations for DXA-derived ALM/BMI were generated for each age-decade, and cutpoints equivalent to T-scores of - 2.0 were derived using reference data for 374 men and 308 women aged 20-39 years. Mean ALM/BMI values were greater for men than women, and decreased with age in both sexes. Cutpoints for ALM/BMI corresponding to T-scores of - 2.0 were 0.827 m² for men and 0.518 m² for women. For individuals aged 65+ years, cross-classification of low lean mass according to FNIH criteria (ALM/BMI < 0.789 m² men and < 0.512 m² women) in comparison with our cutpoints for ALM/BMI showed overall agreement of 94.6% for men and 99.0% for women (κ 0.73 and 0.89, respectively). We report good agreement for low ALM indexed to BMI, particularly for women, between classifications based on recommendations from the FNIH Sarcopenia Project for identifying clinically significant weakness, with low values identified within our population distribution of ALM/BMI.

Sample selection and reasons for non-participation in the PRedictors and Outcomes of incident FRACtures (PROFRAC) study

Background. Fragility fractures, associated with osteoporosis, are an escalating public health problem. We aim to describe sample selection, recruitment methods and reasons for non-participation in The PRedictors and Outcomes of incident FRACtures (PROFRAC) study. Design and Methods. Barwon Statistical Division residents aged 20+ years, with a radiologically-confirmed fracture between June 1^st 2012 and May 31^st 2013, were eligible. Individuals identified as fracture cases were invited by mail to complete a questionnaire. Reasons for non-participation were documented. Logistic regression techniques were used to determine odds ratios for participation and non-participation reasons. Results. A total of 1,458 of 2,155 (67.7%) adults with fracture (48.7% men) participated. Individuals were excluded due to inability to give informed consent, death, no knowledge of fracture, or inability to be contacted. The odds of participation decreased with age (OR 0.99, 95%CI 0.99-0.99, P=0.011) and increased among specific fracture groups [clavicle/scapula (OR 2.50, 1.30-4.68, P=0.006), forearm/humerus (OR 2.00, 1.22-3.27, P=0.006), wrist (OR 2.08, 1.31-3.32, P=0.002), hip (OR 2.12, 1.20-3.75, P=0.009), ankle (OR 1.85, 1.20-2.87, P=0.001), compared to face/skull fractures]. The odds of reporting disinterest, time constraints or personal reasons as the reason for non-participation decreased with age, whereas the odds of reporting frailty, language-related issues or illness as the reason for non-participation increased with of age [disinterest (OR 0.98, 0.97-0.98, P<0.001), time constraints (OR 0.97, 0.96-0.98, P<0.001), personal reasons (OR 0.98, 0.97-0.99, P=0.007), frailty (OR 1.12, 1.09-1.15, P<0.001), language-related issues (OR 1.02, 1.01-1.04, P<0.001), illness (OR 1.03, 1.02-1.05, P<0.001)]. Conclusions. Understanding drivers of research participation can inform study design to achieve optimal participation in health research.

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope inter- and intra-individual dietary reconstruction from the late 14th to early 18th century site of Alytus, Lithuania

OBJECTIVES

The Baltic region, particularly Lithuania, was a politically vibrant area of Eastern Europe during the medieval and early modern period. To better understand the diet of Lithuanians during the late 14th to early 18th century, we examine stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios from bone and dentin samples from the site of Alytus. We investigate possible dietary differences based on sex, age, and religious practice, as well as dietary changes throughout an individual's lifetime, within the broader European milieu.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis was conducted on bone (n = 35) and dentin (n = 38) collagen samples from a total of 39 individuals buried in the cemetery at Alytus (late 14th to early 18th centuries).

RESULTS

Results indicate individuals at Alytus consumed a C₃ terrestrial based diet. The δ¹³ C and δ¹⁵ N values are not significantly different between bone and dentin, and did not vary by sex.

DISCUSSION

The diet at Alytus was homogeneous between males and females and between tissue types. The lack of evidence indicating substantial consumption of fish is unexpected given widespread Catholic fasting practices and marine resource trade throughout Europe. Comparisons with other populations indicate that individuals from Alytus differ in diet from contemporaneous Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth elites. Comparison of the diets of non-elite individuals in the Eastern Baltic region also reveals dietary variability.

Differences in all-cause hospitalisation by ethnic group: a data linkage cohort study of 4.62 million people in Scotland, 2001-2013

OBJECTIVES

Immigration into Europe has raised contrasting concerns about increased pressure on health services and equitable provision of health care to immigrants or ethnic minorities. Our objective was to find out if there were important differences in hospital use between the main ethnic groups in Scotland.

STUDY DESIGN

A census-based data linkage cohort study.

METHODS

We anonymously linked Scotland's Census 2001 records for 4.62 million people, including their ethnic group, to National Health Service general hospitalisation records for 2001-2013. We used Poisson regression to calculate hospitalisation rate ratios (RRs) in 14 ethnic groups, presented as percentages of the White Scottish reference group (RR = 100), for males and females separately. We adjusted for age and socio-economic status and compared those born in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland (UK/RoI) with elsewhere. We calculated mean lengths of hospital stay.

RESULTS

9.79 million hospital admissions were analysed. Compared with the White Scottish, unadjusted RRs for both males and females in most groups were about 50-90, e.g. Chinese males 49 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 45-53) and Indian females 76 (95% CI 71-81). The exceptions were White Irish, males 120 (95% CI 117-124) and females 115 (95% CI 112-119) and Caribbean females, 103 (95% CI 85-126). Adjusting for age increased the RRs for most groups towards or above the reference. Socio-economic status had little effect. In many groups, those born outside the UK/RoI had lower admission rates. Unadjusted mean lengths of stay were substantially lower in most ethnic minorities.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of hospital beds in Scotland by most ethnic minorities was lower than by the White Scottish majority, largely explained by their younger average age. Other countries should use similar methods to assess their own experience.

Associations between asthma status and radiologically confirmed fracture in children: A data-linkage study

AIM

World-wide, approximately 14% of children have prevalent asthma. As most bone accrual occurs in childhood, and data suggest a detrimental role in bone from asthma and/or medications, we investigated whether asthma was associated with radiologically confirmed fractures in a large cohort of children.

METHODS

Data from the Barwon Asthma Study (2005), a population-based, cross-sectional survey of all children attending 91 primary schools in the Barwon Statistical Division, were linked to the Geelong Osteoporosis Study Fracture Grid (2006-2007), a fracture register encompassing the Barwon Statistical Division (n = 16 438; 50.5% boys; aged 3.5-13.6 years). Asthma, ascertained from parent-reported symptoms using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire, was categorised as: (i) recent wheeze; and number of (ii) recent wheezy episodes; (iii) doctor visits for wheeze symptoms; and (iv) doctor visits for asthma check-ups. Using logistic regression analyses, stratified by sex and adjusted for age and medication use, we determined whether asthma was associated with radiologically confirmed fractures.

RESULTS

In total, 961 fractures were observed among 823 Barwon Asthma Study participants (5.9% of total sample; 61.1% boys). Recent wheeze and 1-3 recent wheezy episodes were associated with increased odds of fracture in boys (odds ratio (OR) 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.55; OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.12-1.77, respectively), but not girls (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.78-1.37; OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.38-1.19). Results were independent of age, and sustained after adjustment for medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent of age, asthma was associated with fracture for boys, but not girls. There is an imperative for strategies to promote bone health among children with asthma.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Markers of Bone Turnover in Men

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to have a clinically significant impact on bone metabolism. To explore this further, we aimed to determine whether these agents are associated with serum markers of bone turnover utilising a population-based sample of men (n = 1138; 20-96 year) participating in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Blood samples were obtained and the bone resorption marker, C-telopeptide (CTx) and formation marker, type 1 procollagen amino-terminal-propeptide (PINP) were measured. Anthropometry and socio-economic status (SES) were determined and information on medication use and lifestyle was obtained via questionnaire. Lifetime mood disorders were assessed using semi-structured clinical interviews. Thirty-seven (3.3%) men reported using SSRIs. Age was an effect modifier in the association between SSRIs and markers of bone turnover. Among younger men (20-60 year; n = 557), adjusted mean CTx and PINP values were 12.4% [16.7 (95% CI 14.6-18.8) vs 19.1 (95% CI 18.7-19.4) pg/ml, p = 0.03] and 13.6% [5.6 (95% CI 4.9-6.3) vs 6.4 (95% CI 6.3-6.6) pg/ml, p = 0.02] lower among SSRI users compared to non-users, respectively. No differences in SSRI use and markers of bone turnover were detected among older men (61-94 year; all p > 0.05). These patterns persisted after further adjustment for activity, alcohol, smoking, SES, depression, bone active medications and other antidepressants. Our data suggest that SSRI use is associated with alterations in bone turnover markers among younger men. The observed decreases in both CTx and PINP are likely to contribute to a low bone turnover state and increased skeletal fragility with this potential imbalance between formation and resorption resulting in subsequent bone loss.