Development and validation of a tool for identifying women with low bone mineral density and low-impact fractures: the São Paulo Osteoporosis Risk Index (SAPORI)

Estimating regional bone mineral density-based T-scores using clinical information; tools validated for postmenopausal women in Sri Lanka

Objectives

This study aims to develop and validate a country specific osteoporosis risk assessing tool for Sri Lankan postmenopausal women.

Methods

Community-dwelling postmenopausal women were enrolled to development (n = 602) and validation (n = 339) samples. Clinical risk factors (CRFs) of osteoporosis were assessed. Bone mineral densities (BMD) of femoral neck, total hip and lumbar spine were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Radial ultrasound (US) bone scan was done. Linear regression analysis was performed in development sample considering regional BMDs as dependent and CRFs as independent variables. Regression equations were developed to estimate regional BMDs using best predictive CRFs. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were assessed to validate the new tools.

Results

Age, body weight and US T-scores showed positive correlations with BMDs of all 3 sites. Two osteoporosis risk assessing tools (OPRATs) were developed as OPRAT-1 and OPRAT-2. Prevalence of osteoporosis, in the validation sample was 74.3%. Sensitivity were high in both tools (OPRAT-1 and OPRAT-2; 83.2% and 82.5%) while specificity were moderate (44.8% for both). PPV of OPRAT-1 and OPRAT-2 were 79.5% and 81.2%. Both tools showed moderate NPV (OPRAT-1 and OPRAT-2; 51% and 47%).

Conclusions

Both OPRAT-1 and OPRAT-2 have high performance in screening postmenopausal women in Sri Lanka for risk of osteoporosis. OPRAT-2 is more convenient and can be used in any healthcare setting with limited resources to identify women who will be benefitted by DXA. OPRAT-1 can be used if the radial US facility is available.

Lack of association between dietary inflammatory index and low impact fractures in the Brazilian population: the Brazilian Osteoporosis Study (BRAZOS)

INTRODUCTION

Adequate nutrition, including intake of dietary calcium and vitamin D, is important to maintain bone health. Evidence suggests that a deficiency in micronutrients may contribute to bone loss during aging and exert generalized effects on chronic inflammation. Recently, the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) was developed to assess the inflammatory potential of individual diets. Our aim was to evaluate the DII in a representative sample and verify its association with low-impact fractures.

METHODS

Individuals from The Brazilian Osteoporosis Study (BRAZOS) database had their DII calculated. BRAZOS is an important cross-sectional epidemiological study carried out with a representative sample of men and women ≥40 years old. The research was conducted through in-home interviews administered by a trained team. Nutrition Database System for Research (NDSR) software was used to analyze data on the intake of nutrients, which were employed to calculate the DII using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS®) and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®) to assess its association with low-impact fractures.

RESULTS

A total of 2269 subjects had their DII score calculated using information from 24-h recall data. Males had lower DII than females (DII = 1.12 ± 1.04 vs DII = 1.24 ± 0.99, p = 0.012). Women taking statins had lower DII (DII = 0.65 ± 1.14 vs DII + 1.26 ± 0.98, p = 0.002), indicating a greater potential for diet-related anti-inflammatory effects.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that women might have a pro-inflammatory diet pattern compared to men. However, we did not find any association between DII scores and low-impact fractures.

PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH OSTEOPOROTIC FRACTURES AND FACTORS THAT DECREASE PREVENTION

Objective:

To evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients with osteoporotic fractures compared to patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and identify factors that diminish adherence to secondary prevention.

Methods:

A total of 108 patients with osteoporotic fractures (OF) were compared to 86 patients with OA.

Results:

Patients in the OF group were older (p < 0.001); had a lower body mass index (p < 0.001); were less literate (p = 0.012); were more frequently Caucasian (p = 0.003); were less frequently married (p < 0.001); experienced more falls, cognitive deficiency, previous fractures, old fracture, falls in the last year, and fall fractures; needed more help and took more medicine for osteoporosis (p < 0.05); and showed less pathology in the feet, muscle weakness, less vitamin D intake, and lower Katz & Lawton scores (p < 0.001). Factors that increased the chance of nonadherence included older age (p = 0.020), falls (p = 0.035), cognitive deficiency (p = 0.044), and presence of depression/apathy/confusion (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Patient age, ethnicity, marital status, previous falls, foot pathologies, muscle weakness, previous fractures, use of vitamin D, use of osteoporosis drugs, and lower Katz & Lawton scale score defined the OF group. Factors that increased the chance of nonadherence included older age, sedative use, cognitive disorders, and symptoms of depression/apathy/confusion. Level of Evidence III, Case-control.

Could obesity be considered as risk factor for non-vertebral low-impact fractures?

BACKGROUND

It has long been established that obesity plays a positive role against osteoporosis (OP) and low-impact fractures (Fx). However, more recent data has shown higher fracture risk in obese individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between BMI, particularly obesity, OP and low-impact Fx in Brazilian women, as well as to evaluate the SAPORI (Sao Paulo Osteoporosis Risk Index) tool performance to identify low BMD according BMI category.

METHODS

A total of 6182 women aged over 40 years were included in this cross-sectional analysis using data from two large Brazilian studies. All participants performed hip and spine bone mineral density (BMD) measurements and answered a detailed questionnaire about the presence of clinical risk factors (CRFs) related to low BMD and risk fractures. The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were used to define obesity.

RESULTS

Age-adjusted osteoporosis prevalence was 20.8, 33.6, 47 and 67.1% in obese, overweight, normal and underweight category, respectively. Obesity was present in 29,6% (1.830 women) in the study population and the likelihood of osteoporosis and low-impact Fx compared to a normal BMI in this subgroup was of 0.24 (95% CI 0.20-0.28; p < 0.001) and of 1.68 (95% CI 1.35-2.11; p < 0.001), respectively. However, the hip Fx likelihood was lower in obese compared with non-obese women (OR = 0.44; 95% CI 0.20-0.97). Using an originally validated cut-off, the SAPORI tool sensitivity was significantly hampered in overweight and obese women although the accuracy had remained suitable because of increasing in specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

The osteoporosis prevalence reduced as BMI increased and obesity was associated with low-impact Fx, regardless of the BMD measurements. Moreover, the SAPORI performance was impaired in obese women.

Development of an app as a tool to support research and the prevention of osteoporosis

Abstract Objective: to develop an app for the investigation and prevention of osteoporosis for use by health professionals. Method: the development of the app was performed in six steps: definition of the target audience; survey of validated osteoporosis risk assessment tools in Brazil; programming of the app through the progressive web; selection of data for the preparation of sections of the evaluation form and clinical recommendations; automated auditing and evaluation of the app by health professionals. Results: three screens were prepared for the app. These were based on the data extracted using the Osteorisk, Sapori and Frax tools for sociodemographic data (age, gender, weight, height and ethnicity), health (use of glucocorticoids, hormone replacement therapy, arthritis rheumatoid arthritis, secondary osteoporosis, previous low impact fractures, parents with a history of hip fractures) and health related behaviors (physical activity, alcohol intake and smoking). The appl followed the design pattern and functionalities of the osteoporosis adviser tool (OPAD). Regarding guidelines relating to clinical recommendations, the guidelines on osteoporosis and fall prevention in the elderly of the Ministry of Health and the Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, respectively, were taken as a basis. Conclusion: the app allows the early identification of patients presenting risk factors for osteoporosis and, based on these results, provides guidance on the preventive measures to be adopted, aiming at reducing complications resulting from fractures, hospitalizations, disabilities and deaths.

PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH OSTEOPOROTIC FRACTURES AT A TERTIARY ORTHOPEDIC TRAUMA CENTER

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the profile of patients with osteoporotic fractures treated at a tertiary orthopedic hospital.

METHODS

Using questionnaires, 70 patients with osteoporotic fractures (OF) were compared with 50 outpatients with multiple osteoarthritis (OA) followed through an outpatient clinic.

RESULTS

The OF group was older (p <0.001), less heavy (p=0.003), had lower BMI (p=0.006), was more likely to be white (p=0.011), was less likely to be married (p=0.008), and had previous falls, previous fractures, old fractures (>1 year), falls in the last 12 months, fractures due to falls, and needed more assistance (p<0.05). They also had lower Lawton & Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scores (p <0.05) and reported less lower limb disability, foot pathology, muscle weakness, hypothyroidism, and vitamin D intake than patients in the OA group. White race, previous falls, and previous fractures increase the risk of osteoporotic fractures by 10.5, 11.4, and 4.1 times, respectively. The chance of fracture dropped 29% for each one-unit increase in Lawton & Brody IADL score. Married participants had fewer fractures than participants with other marital status.

CONCLUSION

Together, race, marital status, previous falls, foot pathologies, previous fractures, and IADL scores define the profile of patients with osteoporotic fractures. Level of Evidence III; Case control study.

Osteoporotic alterations in a group of different ethnicity Brazilian postmenopausal women: An observational study

OBJECTIVES

To compare peripheral bone mineral density alterations among Brazilian postmenopausal women from three ethnic groups considering age and body mass index influence; to correlate their bone mineral density with the mandibular cortical index (MCI); and to evaluate the influence of age, body mass index and ethnicity in the MCI using risk factor analysis.

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis risk is known to have ethical influences. However, little is known about the differences in ethnicity in radiomorphometric indices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 150 postmenopausal women with different ethnicities (Caucasian, Asian and Afro-descendant) who underwent peripheral dual X-ray absorptiometry and panoramic examination were included. Bone mineral density and MCI were assessed. Adjusted odds ratio analyses were performed on bone density and MCI considering the effect of age, ethnicity and body mass index. The correlations between the MCI and the dual X-ray absorptiometry results were made.

RESULTS

Old age, low body mass index and non-Afro-descendant were associated with low bone density. Compared with Afro-descendants, Asians and Caucasians have higher chances of having decreased bone mass. For the MCI, statistical analysis showed that age is the only variable associated with osteoporotic alterations in the mandible. Furthermore, an inverse correlation was found between the MCI and the T-scores.

CONCLUSION

Bone density is higher in Brazilian Afro-descendant women than in Caucasians and Asians. Patient's age is associated with bone density and the MCI. The mandibular cortical index is inversely correlated with the peripheral densitometry results within the study ethnic population.

Development and validation of osteoporosis prescreening model for Iranian postmenopausal women

Background

Studies have indicated that the commonly used osteoporosis prescreening tools are not appropriate for use in every nation. This study was designed to develop and validate a prescreening model for bone mineral densitometry among Iranian postmenopausal women.

Methods

From 13613 individuals who were referred for bone mineral densitometry in Shariati hospital in Tehran, 8644 postmenopausal women were considered for the study after excluding men and premenopausal women. Questionnaires regarding the risk factors for osteoporosis were filled for each individual. Bone mineral density at the lumbar vertebrae (L2-L4), femoral neck and total femur was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Using holdout validation, the study sample was divided into two parts; training set (5705) and test set (2939). Logistic regression analysis was performed on the training set. A scoring model was developed and tested in the test set.

Results

Based on the training set, a seven-variable model named OPMIP (Osteoporosis Prescreening Model for Iranian Postmenopausal women) was developed with C statistics (area under curve) of 0.72. Using a cut-off of -2.5 for the model, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 72%, 59.5%, 64% and 69% respectively. The model performance was tested in the test set. OPMIP correctly classified 67.10% of cases with a sensitivity and specificity of 73.2% and 61%.

Conclusions

In order to appropriately refer patients for a bone mineral densitometry, OPMIP can be used as a prescreening tool in Iranian Postmenopausal women.

The epidemiology and management of postmenopausal osteoporosis: a viewpoint from Brazil

Brazil has an aging population, with an associated increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is of particular concern because it leads to an increased risk of fractures, with subsequent negative impacts on health in older women. In recent years, efforts have been made to better understand the epidemiology of osteoporosis in Brazil, and to manage both direct and indirect costs to the Brazilian health care system. The reported prevalence of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women in Brazil varies from 15% to 33%, depending on the study methodology and the use of bone densitometry data or self-reporting by participants. A diagnosis of osteoporosis can be made on the basis of fractures occurring without significant trauma or on the basis of low bone mineral density measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. To reduce the risk of osteoporosis, all postmenopausal women should be encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes physical activity and a balanced diet. Smoking and alcohol use should also be addressed. Special attention should be given to interventions to reduce the risk of falls, especially among older women. Calcium intake should be encouraged, preferably through diet. The decision to recommend calcium supplementation should be made individually because there is concern about a possible increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with this treatment. Brazilian women obtain a minimal amount of vitamin D from their diet, and supplementation is warranted in women with little exposure to solar ultraviolet-B radiation. For women diagnosed with osteoporosis, some form of pharmacologic therapy should be initiated. Compliance with treatment should be monitored, and the treatment period should be individualized for each patient. The Brazilian government provides medication for osteoporosis through the public health system free of charge, but without proper epidemiological knowledge, the implementation of public health programs is impaired.

The burden of osteoporosis in Brazil

Osteoporotic fractures impose severe physical, psychosocial, and financial burden both to the patient and the society. Studies on the prevalence of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in Brazil show a wide variation, due to differences in sample size, the population studied, and methodologies. Few studies have been conducted in Brazil about the cost-effectiveness analyses of different intervention options aimed at the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. Investigation and treatment strategies based on cost-effectiveness and scientific evidence are essential in the preparation of public health policies with the ultimate goal of reducing the incidence of fractures and, consequently, the direct and indirect costs associated with them. This article reviews the Brazilian burden of osteoporosis in terms of the prevalence and fractures attributable to the disease, the costs related to the investigation and management, as well as the impact of osteoporosis on the population as a whole and on affected individuals.