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Knight KJ, Fordham RJ, Crabtree NJ, Knapp KM. Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on DXA waiting lists and osteoporosis prescription trends in England 2019-2023. Osteoporos Int 2024; 35:1451-1460. [PMID: 38795142 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-024-07120-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
This study uses NHS waiting times and osteoporosis medication community prescription datasets to assess the impact of COVID-19 on DXA waits and osteoporosis medication patterns in England. Results show significant increases in DXA waiting list times and variation in prescription rates. Investment is needed to improve waiting list times. PURPOSE This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on DXA scan waiting lists, service recovery and osteoporosis medication prescriptions in the NHS following the March 2020 national lockdowns and staff redeployment. METHODS Data from March 2019 to June 2023, including NHS digital diagnostics waiting times (DM01) and osteoporosis medication prescriptions from the English Prescribing Dataset (EPD), were analysed. This encompassed total waiting list data across England's seven regions and prescribing patterns for various osteoporosis medications. Analyses included total activity figures and regression analysis to estimate expected activity without COVID-19, using R for all data analysis. RESULTS In England, DXA waiting lists have grown significantly, with the yearly mean waiting list length increasing from 31,851 in 2019 to 65,757 in 2023. The percentage of patients waiting over 6 weeks for DXA scans rose from 0.9% in 2019 to 40% in 2020, and those waiting over 13 weeks increased from 0.1% in 2019 to 16.7% in 2020. Prescription trends varied, with increases in denosumab, ibandronic acid and risedronate sodium and decreases in alendronic acid, raloxifene hydrochloride and teriparatide. A notable overall prescription decrease occurred in the second quarter of 2020. CONCLUSION COVID-19 has significantly increased DXA scan waiting lists with ongoing recovery challenges. There is a noticeable disparity in DXA service access across England. Osteoporosis care, indicated by medication prescriptions, also declined during the pandemic. Addressing these issues requires focused investment and effort to improve DXA scan waiting times and overall access to osteoporosis care in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Knight
- Department of Health and Care Professions, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Medical Imaging, South Cloisters, St Luke's Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX12 2lU, UK.
| | - R J Fordham
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - N J Crabtree
- Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Trust and Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - K M Knapp
- Department of Health and Care Professions, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Medical Imaging, South Cloisters, St Luke's Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX12 2lU, UK
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Schini M, Johansson H, Harvey NC, Lorentzon M, Kanis JA, McCloskey EV. An overview of the use of the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) in osteoporosis. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:501-511. [PMID: 37874461 PMCID: PMC10904566 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02219-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
FRAX®, a simple-to-use fracture risk calculator, was first released in 2008 and since then has been used increasingly worldwide. By calculating the 10-year probabilities of a major osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture, it assists clinicians when deciding whether further investigation, for example a bone mineral density measurement (BMD), and/or treatment is needed to prevent future fractures. In this review, we explore the literature around osteoporosis and how FRAX has changed its management. We present the characteristics of this tool and describe the use of thresholds (diagnostic and therapeutic). We also present arguments as to why screening with FRAX should be considered. FRAX has several limitations which are described in this review. This review coincides with the release of a version, FRAXplus, which addresses some of these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schini
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, Metabolic Bone Centre, Northern General Hospital, University of Sheffield, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AU, UK.
| | - H Johansson
- Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Mary McKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - N C Harvey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - M Lorentzon
- Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Mary McKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J A Kanis
- Mary McKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Metabolic Bone Diseases, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - E V McCloskey
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, Metabolic Bone Centre, Northern General Hospital, University of Sheffield, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AU, UK
- Centre for Metabolic Bone Diseases, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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3
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Varenna M, Orsini F, Di Taranto R, Zucchi F, Manara M, Caporali R, Crotti C. How the COVID-19 pandemic affected bone health: a retrospective, longitudinal study on denosumab persistence from the epicentre of European spreading. Arch Osteoporos 2023; 18:95. [PMID: 37438617 DOI: 10.1007/s11657-023-01307-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic involved osteoporosis care in patients treated with denosumab. Almost a third of patients missed the prescription renewal, mandatory to obtain the subsidized drug. Among patients who suspended denosumab, more than half reported fragility fractures. PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate persistence on denosumab (Dmab) treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic and the clinical effects of possible discontinuation. METHODS We retrospectively assessed patients affected by osteoporosis and treated with Dmab, scheduled to have the yearly renewal of prescription between March 9, 2020, and May 9, 2021, 2 months after the second pandemic wave. In June 2022, a telephone survey started, by calling all patients who missed the yearly renewal of Dmab. Predictors of missed renewal and fragility fracture occurrence were assessed by logistic analyses. RESULTS Patients scheduled to have a renewal of Dmab prescription during the observational period were 538 (age 75.5 ± 9.3 years, female 511). A total of 152 (28.2%) patients did not have the renewal. Patients not renewing Dmab prescription were significantly older (p = 0.01) and more frequently affected by pulmonary (p = 0.04) and cardiovascular comorbidity (p = 0.01). Telephone survey on non-persistent patients showed that 44 had died, 28 patients were missing, 23 shifted to bisphosphonate treatment, and 22 patients suspended Dmab. Following discontinuation, 12/22 patients (54.5%) reported fragility fractures; 5/22 had multiple fractures, for a total number of 18 fractures, mainly vertebral. Logistic analyses showed that the odds of Dmab withdrawal increased in older patients with pulmonary comorbidity and treated for a shorter time. Dmab discontinuation was the only variable that increased the risk of fracture. CONCLUSION This study provided real-world data about an impaired persistence of Dmab treatment resulting in an increased number of fragility fractures in a geographic area heavily affected by the outbreak of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Varenna
- Bone Diseases Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST G.Pini-CTO, Via Pini, 9, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - F Orsini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST G.Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
| | - R Di Taranto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST G.Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
| | - F Zucchi
- Bone Diseases Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST G.Pini-CTO, Via Pini, 9, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - M Manara
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST G.Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
| | - R Caporali
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST G.Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
| | - C Crotti
- Bone Diseases Unit, Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST G.Pini-CTO, Via Pini, 9, 20122, Milan, Italy
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Rezaei N, Moghaddam SS, Farzadfar F, Larijani B. Social determinants of health inequity in Iran: a narrative review. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2023; 22:5-12. [PMID: 36373156 PMCID: PMC9638402 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-022-01141-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objective COVID-19 burden the health system by influencing several aspects of social determinants of health (SDH). We review SDH inequity in Iran with notice on COVID-19 pandemic and sanctions. Method The Databases such as MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched. The SDH components were extracted regarding the effect of COVID-19 and sanctions. Global burden of disease was used to evaluate the impact of sanctions on mortality in Iran. Result The literacy rate improved over the last decades but, there is still inequality between provinces. Age and regional inequity exists, regarding NCD mortality. Food insecurity varies in different regions between 20% and 60%.Providing care for a growing aging population, with a large burden of NCDs and disabilities will be the major issue in the next decade. The decrease slop of mortality rate due to NCDs, have become smoother since impose of sanctions, while, cancer mortality have changed upwards. COVID-19, and sanctions negatively impacts lower socioeconomically vulnerable groups due to preexisting conditions which wider the existing inequity in SDH are adding a heavy burden of inequity in Iran. Conclusion Iran, similar to large numbers of countries, face inequity at regional level in different SDH related issues. The COVID-19 pandemic showed that economic status and health are aligned. Sanctions superimposed on the COVID-19 pandemic cause harm to millions of innocent people. One of the main goals of health authorities is to reduce SDH inequity in order to achieve the goal of "health for all". To tackle these inequities, prompt action is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Rezaei
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, Tehran, Iran
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Saeedi Moghaddam
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshad Farzadfar
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, Tehran, Iran
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 10, Al-e-Ahmad and Chamran Highway intersection, Tehran, Iran
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Melwani S, Cleland V, Patterson K, Nash R. Health literacy status of pregnant women and women with young children in Tasmania. Health Promot J Austr 2023; 34:138-148. [PMID: 36285492 PMCID: PMC10100018 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED The literature provides evidence that maternal health is strongly linked with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and their associated risk factors. Enabling women with the asset of health literacy may help to reduce the intergenerational impact of NCDs. However, little is known about the health literacy of pregnant women and women with young children in Tasmania and globally. This study aimed to identify the health literacy status of pregnant women and women with young children (0-8 years) living in Tasmania and describe their health literacy status according to their demographic characteristics. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey was undertaken. The survey included demographic questions and a health literacy questionnaire (HLQ). The description of demographic differences across the HLQ scales focused on effect sizes (ES) for standardised differences in mean health literacy scores. The differences found to be statistically significant at P < 0.05 were also included. RESULTS 194 participants completed the survey with a mean age of 35.3 years. 73.2% were married, 16.5% were pregnant, 93% had one or more children and 81.5% were university educated. For the first five HLQ scales (score range 1-4), the lowest overall score was seen for the scale "Actively managing my health" (mean = 2.96; SD = 0.54). For the last four scales (score range 1-5), the lowest overall score was seen for the scale "Navigating the health care system" (mean = 3.75, SD = 0.67). Nonpregnant women, women with children, women with chronic health conditions and nonmarried women experienced more health literacy challenges. CONCLUSION Women in our study showed various strengths and challenges with mean scores varying across the nine HLQ scales. Understanding the health literacy needs of women will enable health services to co-design solutions and interventions capable of responding to the evolving health needs of pregnant women and women with young children. This approach will ensure that codesigned solutions can engage the end-user in healthy lifestyle practices and the solutions are sustainable. SO WHAT?: We must shift away from a "one size fits all" approach to tailor services to respond to the differing health literacy needs of pregnant women and women with young children to support healthy lifestyle practices and reduce the NCD burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Melwani
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Verity Cleland
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Kira Patterson
- School of Education, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Rosie Nash
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Kocijan R, Stockinger T, Haschka J, Reichardt B, Resch H, Zwerina J, Behanova M. Dispensing anti-osteoporotic drugs changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bone 2022; 162:116477. [PMID: 35779846 PMCID: PMC9239920 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2022.116477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Caring for osteoporosis patients has proven challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic due to repeated lockdowns in Austria. The distinct possibility of insufficient treatment regimens is therefore a matter of pressing concern. The aim of the study was to assess alterations in dispensing anti-osteoporotic drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic. PATIENTS/METHODS This study was a nationwide retrospective register-based observational study which included all patients in Austria aged ≥50 who received at least one prescription for anti-osteoporotic medication between January 2016 and November 2020. Pseudonymised individual-level patients' data were obtained from social insurance authorities. Anti-osteoporotic agents were divided into: (i) oral bisphosphonates, (ii) intravenous bisphosphonates, (iii) selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), (iv) teriparatide (TPTD) and (v) denosumab (DMAB). We used interrupted time series analysis with autoregressive integrated moving average models (ARIMA) to predict drug dispensing. RESULTS There were 2,884,374 dispensations of anti-osteoporotic drugs to 224,598 patients between 2016 and 2020. The mean monthly prescriptions for oral bisphosphonates (-14.5 %) and SERMs (-12.9 %) decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic when compared to the non-COVID-19 period. Dispensing for intravenous bisphosphonates (1.7 %) and teriparatide (9.5 %) increased. Prescriptions for DMAB decreased during the first lock-down, however increased by 29.1 % for the total observation time. The Arima models showed that in March 2020 (beginning of the 1st COVID-19 lockdown), there was a decrease of 778 dispensings, with a further increase of 14 dispensings every month for denosumab; a decrease by 178 dispensings, with a further increase of 23 dispensings every month for zolendronic acid; a decrease by 2950 dispensings, but with a further increase of 236 dispensings every other month for ibandronate and a decrease by 1443 dispensing with a further decrease of 29 dispensings for alendronate than predicted, had the lockdown not occurred. CONCLUSIONS The total number of prescriptions dispensed to patients treated with anti-osteoporotic medications declined rapidly during first COVID-19 lockdown. The observed decrease of DMAB during the first lockdown rebounded in the following months. Considering the massive treatment gap for osteoporosis, and the related fracture risk, clinicians should continue treatment, even during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Kocijan
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology at Hanusch Hospital of OEGK and AUVA Trauma Centre Meidling, 1st Medical Department Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria; Sigmund Freud University Vienna, School of Medicine, Metabolic Bone Diseases Unit, Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresa Stockinger
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology at Hanusch Hospital of OEGK and AUVA Trauma Centre Meidling, 1st Medical Department Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria; Sigmund Freud University Vienna, School of Medicine, Metabolic Bone Diseases Unit, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Haschka
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology at Hanusch Hospital of OEGK and AUVA Trauma Centre Meidling, 1st Medical Department Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Berthold Reichardt
- Austrian Social Health Insurance Fund, Österreichische Gesundheitskasse, Eisenstadt, Austria
| | - Heinrich Resch
- Sigmund Freud University Vienna, School of Medicine, Metabolic Bone Diseases Unit, Vienna, Austria; St. Vincent Hospital Vienna, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Austria
| | - Jochen Zwerina
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology at Hanusch Hospital of OEGK and AUVA Trauma Centre Meidling, 1st Medical Department Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Behanova
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology at Hanusch Hospital of OEGK and AUVA Trauma Centre Meidling, 1st Medical Department Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria.
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Oliveira T, Brown J, Juby AG, Schneider P, Wani RJ, Packalen M, Avcil S, Li S, Farris M, Graves E, McMullen S, Kendler DL. Trends in osteoporosis care patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta, Canada. Arch Osteoporos 2022; 17:110. [PMID: 35920939 PMCID: PMC9349101 DOI: 10.1007/s11657-022-01132-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to describe osteoporosis-related care patterns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Alberta, Canada, relative to the 3-year preceding. METHODS A repeated cross-sectional study design encompassing 3-month periods of continuous administrative health data between March 15, 2017, and September 14, 2020, described osteoporosis-related healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and treatment patterns. Outcomes included patients with osteoporosis-related healthcare encounters, physician visits, diagnostic and laboratory test volumes, and treatment initiations and disruptions. The percent change between outcomes was calculated, averaged across the control periods (2017-2019), relative to the COVID-19 periods (2020). RESULTS Relative to the average control March to June period, all HCRU declined during the corresponding COVID-19 period. There was a reduction of 14% in patients with osteoporosis healthcare encounters, 13% in general practitioner visits, 9% in specialist practitioner visits, 47% in bone mineral density tests, and 13% in vitamin D tests. Treatment initiations declined 43%, 26%, and 35% for oral bisphosphonates, intravenous bisphosphonates, and denosumab, respectively. Slight increases were observed in the proportion of patients with treatment disruptions. In the subsequent June to September period, HCRU either returned to or surpassed pre-pandemic levels, when including telehealth visits accounting for 33-45% of healthcare encounters during the COVID periods. Oral bisphosphonate treatment initiations remained lower than pre-pandemic levels. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding public health lockdowns further heightened the "crisis" around the known gap in osteoporosis care and altered the provision of care (e.g., use of telehealth and initiation of treatment). Osteoporosis has a known substantial care and management disparity, which has been classified as a crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic created additional burden on osteoporosis patient care with healthcare encounters, physician visits, diagnostic and laboratory tests, and treatment initiations all declining during the initial pandemic period, relative to previous years.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Oliveira
- Amgen Canada Inc, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - J Brown
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Laval University and CHU de Québec Research Centre, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - A G Juby
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - P Schneider
- Division of Orthopaedic Trauma, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - R J Wani
- Amgen Canada Inc, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - M Packalen
- Amgen Canada Inc, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - S Avcil
- Amgen Canada Inc, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - S Li
- Medlior Health Outcomes Research Ltd, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - M Farris
- Medlior Health Outcomes Research Ltd, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - E Graves
- Medlior Health Outcomes Research Ltd, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - S McMullen
- Medlior Health Outcomes Research Ltd, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - D L Kendler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Tsourdi E, Hofbauer LC, Rauner M. The Impact of COVID-19 in Bone Metabolism: Basic and Clinical Aspects. Horm Metab Res 2022; 54:540-548. [PMID: 35419776 DOI: 10.1055/a-1825-9641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of standard procedures for the diagnosis of osteoporosis and assessment of fracture risk significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the incidence of fragility fractures was mostly unaltered. Both COVID-19 per se and its treatments are associated with a negative impact on bone health. Preclinical models show that mice infected with SARS-CoV2 even without symptoms display loss of trabecular bone mass two weeks post infection, due to increased numbers of osteoclasts. Osteoporosis medications do not aggravate the clinical course of COVID-19, while preclinical data suggests possible beneficial effects of some therapies. While vitamin D deficiency is clearly associated with a worse clinical course of COVID-19, evidence of improved patient outcome with vitamin D supplementation is lacking. Osteoporosis treatment should not be generally discontinued, and recommendations for substituting therapies are available. Osteoporosis therapies do not interfere with the efficacy or side-effect profiles of COVID-19 vaccines and should not be stopped or indefinitely delayed because of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Tsourdi
- Department of Medicine III, University Clinic Dresden Medical Center, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Healthy Aging, University Clinic Dresden Medical Center, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lorenz C Hofbauer
- Department of Medicine III, University Clinic Dresden Medical Center, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Healthy Aging, University Clinic Dresden Medical Center, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martina Rauner
- Department of Medicine III, University Clinic Dresden Medical Center, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Healthy Aging, University Clinic Dresden Medical Center, Dresden, Germany
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Chotiyarnwong P, McCloskey EV, Harvey NC, Lorentzon M, Prieto-Alhambra D, Abrahamsen B, Adachi JD, Borgström F, Bruyere O, Carey JJ, Clark P, Cooper C, Curtis EM, Dennison E, Diaz-Curiel M, Dimai HP, Grigorie D, Hiligsmann M, Khashayar P, Lewiecki EM, Lips P, Lorenc RS, Ortolani S, Papaioannou A, Silverman S, Sosa M, Szulc P, Ward KA, Yoshimura N, Kanis JA. Is it time to consider population screening for fracture risk in postmenopausal women? A position paper from the International Osteoporosis Foundation Epidemiology/Quality of Life Working Group. Arch Osteoporos 2022; 17:87. [PMID: 35763133 PMCID: PMC9239944 DOI: 10.1007/s11657-022-01117-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The IOF Epidemiology and Quality of Life Working Group has reviewed the potential role of population screening for high hip fracture risk against well-established criteria. The report concludes that such an approach should strongly be considered in many health care systems to reduce the burden of hip fractures. INTRODUCTION The burden of long-term osteoporosis management falls on primary care in most healthcare systems. However, a wide and stable treatment gap exists in many such settings; most of which appears to be secondary to a lack of awareness of fracture risk. Screening is a public health measure for the purpose of identifying individuals who are likely to benefit from further investigations and/or treatment to reduce the risk of a disease or its complications. The purpose of this report was to review the evidence for a potential screening programme to identify postmenopausal women at increased risk of hip fracture. METHODS The approach took well-established criteria for the development of a screening program, adapted by the UK National Screening Committee, and sought the opinion of 20 members of the International Osteoporosis Foundation's Working Group on Epidemiology and Quality of Life as to whether each criterion was met (yes, partial or no). For each criterion, the evidence base was then reviewed and summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The report concludes that evidence supports the proposal that screening for high fracture risk in primary care should strongly be considered for incorporation into many health care systems to reduce the burden of fractures, particularly hip fractures. The key remaining hurdles to overcome are engagement with primary care healthcare professionals, and the implementation of systems that facilitate and maintain the screening program.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Chotiyarnwong
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Integrated Research in Musculoskeletal Ageing, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - E V McCloskey
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, MRC Versus Arthritis Centre for Integrated Research in Musculoskeletal Ageing, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Centre for Metabolic Bone Diseases, Northern General Hospital, University of Sheffield, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AU, UK.
| | - N C Harvey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - M Lorentzon
- University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - D Prieto-Alhambra
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
- GREMPAL (Grup de Recerca en Malalties Prevalents de L'Aparell Locomotor) Research Group, CIBERFes and Idiap Jordi Gol Primary Care Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 591 Atico, 08007, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B Abrahamsen
- Department of Clinical Research, Odense Patient Data Exploratory Network, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Medicine, Holbæk Hospital, Holbæk, Denmark
| | - J D Adachi
- Department of Medicine, Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine, St Joseph's Healthcare-McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - F Borgström
- Quantify Research, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics (LIME), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - O Bruyere
- WHO Collaborating Center for Public Health Aspects of Musculo-Skeletal Health and Ageing, Division of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - J J Carey
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Department of Rheumatology, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland
| | - P Clark
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit of Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez-Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - C Cooper
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - E M Curtis
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - E Dennison
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - M Diaz-Curiel
- Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - H P Dimai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - D Grigorie
- Carol Davila University of Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Endocrinology & Bone Metabolism, National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - M Hiligsmann
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - P Khashayar
- Center for Microsystems Technology, Imec and Ghent University, 9050, Ghent, Belgium
| | - E M Lewiecki
- New Mexico Clinical Research & Osteoporosis Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - P Lips
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Section & Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R S Lorenc
- Multidisciplinary Osteoporosis Forum, SOMED, Warsaw, Poland
| | - S Ortolani
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico, UO Endocrinologia E Malattie del Metabolismo, Milano, Italy
| | - A Papaioannou
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- GERAS Centre for Aging Research, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - S Silverman
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - M Sosa
- Bone Metabolic Unit, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Hospital University Insular, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - P Szulc
- INSERM UMR 1033, University of Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France
| | - K A Ward
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - N Yoshimura
- Department of Preventive Medicine for Locomotive Organ Disorders, 22Nd Century Medical and Research Center, University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - J A Kanis
- Centre for Metabolic Bone Diseases, Northern General Hospital, University of Sheffield, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AU, UK
- Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
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10
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Mak IL, Wan EYF, Wong TKT, Lee WWJ, Chan EWY, Choi EPH, Chui CSL, Ip MSM, Lau WCS, Lau KK, Lee SF, Wong ICK, Yu EYT, Lam CLK. The Spill-Over Impact of the Novel Coronavirus-19 Pandemic on Medical Care and Disease Outcomes in Non-communicable Diseases: A Narrative Review. Public Health Rev 2022; 43:1604121. [PMID: 35574567 PMCID: PMC9091177 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2022.1604121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has claimed more than 5 million lives worldwide by November 2021. Implementation of lockdown measures, reallocation of medical resources, compounded by the reluctance to seek help, makes it exceptionally challenging for people with non-communicable diseases (NCD) to manage their diseases. This review evaluates the spill-over impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with NCDs including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory disease, chronic kidney disease, dementia, mental health disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders.Methods: Literature published in English was identified from PubMed and medRxiv from January 1, 2019 to November 30, 2020. A total of 119 articles were selected from 6,546 publications found.Results: The reduction of in-person care, screening procedures, delays in diagnosis, treatment, and social distancing policies have unanimously led to undesirable impacts on both physical and psychological health of NCD patients. This is projected to contribute to more excess deaths in the future.Conclusion: The spill-over impact of COVID-19 on patients with NCD is just beginning to unravel, extra efforts must be taken for planning the resumption of NCD healthcare services post-pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Lynn Mak
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eric Yuk Fai Wan
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Eric Yuk Fai Wan,
| | - Teenie Kwan Tung Wong
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wendy Woo Jung Lee
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Esther Wai Yin Chan
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Edmond Pui Hang Choi
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Celine Sze Ling Chui
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mary Sau Man Ip
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wallace Chak Sing Lau
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kui Kai Lau
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shing Fung Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ian Chi Kei Wong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Esther Yee Tak Yu
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cindy Lo Kuen Lam
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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11
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Muschitz C, Hummer M, Grillari J, Hlava A, Birner AH, Hemetsberger M, Dimai HP. Epidemiology and economic burden of fragility fractures in Austria. Osteoporos Int 2022; 33:637-647. [PMID: 34622302 PMCID: PMC8497183 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-021-06152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Fragility fractures are a frequent and costly event. In Austria, 92,835 fragility fractures occurred in patients aged ≥ 50 years in 2018, accruing direct costs of > 157 million €. Due to demographic aging, the number of fragility fractures and their associated costs are expected to increase even further. INTRODUCTION Fragility fractures are frequently associated with long hospital stays, loss of independence, and increased need for care in the elderly, with consequences often leading to premature death. The aim of this study was to estimate the number of fragility fractures and associated healthcare costs in Austria in 2018. METHODS The number of in-patient cases with relevant ICD-10 diagnoses in all Austrian public hospitals was derived from discharge documentation of diagnoses and procedures covering all public hospitals in Austria. Fractures resulting from falls from standing height in patients aged ≥ 50 years were used as a proxy for fragility fractures, and the number of in-patient and out-patient cases was estimated. The direct costs of these cases were calculated using the average cost of the corresponding in-patient hospital stay and the average cost for the out-patient stay. RESULTS The present study estimated the number of fragility fractures (pelvis, thoracic and lumbar vertebra, hip, humerus, rib, forearm, and tibia) for 2018 at 92,835 or just over half of all fractures in patients aged ≥ 50 years, corresponding to a prevalence of 2,600 per 100,000 inhabitants of this age group. A constant increase in the proportion of fragility fractures among all fractures was observed with increasing age in both men and women. These fractures amounted to direct costs of > 157 million €. CONCLUSION Fragility fractures are a frequent and costly event in Austria. Due to the aging of the population, the number of fragility fractures and their associated costs is expected to increase even further.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Muschitz
- Medical Department II-VINFORCE, St. Vincent Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Hummer
- The Austrian National Public Health Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Grillari
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Center, Donaueschingenstraße 13, A-1200, Vienna, Austria.
- Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.
| | - A Hlava
- The Austrian National Public Health Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - A H Birner
- The Austrian National Public Health Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - H P Dimai
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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12
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McCloskey EV, Harvey NC, Johansson H, Lorentzon M, Liu E, Vandenput L, Leslie WD, Kanis JA. Fracture risk assessment by the FRAX model. Climacteric 2022; 25:22-28. [PMID: 34319212 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2021.1945027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of the FRAX algorithms has facilitated the assessment of fracture risk on the basis of fracture probability. FRAX integrates the influence of several well-validated risk factors for fracture with or without the use of bone mineral density. Since age-specific rates of fracture and death differ across the world, FRAX models are calibrated with regard to the epidemiology of hip fracture (preferably from national sources) and mortality (usually United Nations sources). Models are currently available for 73 nations or territories covering more than 80% of the world population. FRAX has been incorporated into more than 80 guidelines worldwide, although the nature of this application has been heterogeneous. The limitations of FRAX have been extensively reviewed. Arithmetic procedures have been proposed in order to address some of these limitations, which can be applied to conventional FRAX estimates to accommodate knowledge of dose exposure to glucocorticoids, concurrent data on lumbar spine bone mineral density, information on trabecular bone score, hip axis length, falls history, type 2 diabetes, immigration status and recency of prior fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- E V McCloskey
- Centre for Metabolic Bone Diseases, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, UK
- Centre for Integrated research in Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - N C Harvey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - H Johansson
- Centre for Metabolic Bone Diseases, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, UK
- Mary McKillop Health Institute, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - M Lorentzon
- Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research (CBAR), Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - E Liu
- Mary McKillop Health Institute, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - L Vandenput
- Mary McKillop Health Institute, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - W D Leslie
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - J A Kanis
- Centre for Metabolic Bone Diseases, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, UK
- Mary McKillop Health Institute, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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13
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COVID-19 pandemic and the great impulse to telemedicine: the basis of the WONCA Europe Statement on Telemedicine at the WHO Europe 70th Regional Meeting September 2020. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2021; 22:e80. [PMID: 34895388 PMCID: PMC8695945 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423621000633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine is the use of telecommunication and information technologies to support the delivery of healthcare at a distance, guaranteeing patients healthcare by facilitating access where barriers exist; the COVID-19 pandemic has attracted worldwide interest in this field. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the main pros and cons of telemedicine, which serve as the basis of the WONCA Europe Statement at the WHO Europe 70th Regional Meeting on 14 September 2020. Pros of telemedicine include virtual healthcare at home, where patients receive support in certain conditions without leaving their houses. During a pandemic, it can be adopted to limit physical human interaction. Unfortunately, it can negatively affect the quality of the doctor–patient relationship, the quality of the physical examination, and the quality of care. Telemedicine requires effective infrastructure and robust investments to be feasible and effective.
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14
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Cromer SJ, Yu EW. Challenges and Opportunities for Osteoporosis Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e4795-e4808. [PMID: 34343287 PMCID: PMC8385842 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has both directly and indirectly affected osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment throughout the world. METHODS This mini-review summarizes the available evidence regarding the effects of COVID-19, its treatment, and the consequences of the pandemic itself on bone health. Additionally, we review evidence and expert recommendations regarding putative effects of osteoporosis medications on COVID-19 outcomes and vaccine efficacy and summarize recommendations for continuation of osteoporosis treatment during the pandemic. RESULTS The use of standard screening procedures to assess for osteoporosis and fracture risk declined dramatically early in the pandemic, while rates of fragility fractures were largely unchanged. COVID-19, its treatments, and public health measures to prevent viral spread are each likely to negatively affect bone health. Osteoporosis treatments are not known to increase risk of adverse events from COVID-19, and preclinical data suggest possible beneficial effects of some therapies. Vitamin D deficiency is clearly associated with adverse outcomes from COVID-19, but it remains unclear whether vitamin D supplementation may improve outcomes. Osteoporosis treatment should be continued whenever possible, and recommendations for substituting therapies, if required, are available. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased screening and disrupted treatment for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis medications are safe and effective during the pandemic and should be continued whenever possible. Further studies are needed to fully understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on long-term bone health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J Cromer
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School;Boston, MA
| | - Elaine W Yu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School;Boston, MA
- Corresponding Author: Elaine W. Yu, MD, MGH Endocrine Unit, 50 Blossom Street, Thier 1051, Boston, MA 02114,
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15
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Hampson G, Stone M, Lindsay JR, Crowley RK, Ralston SH. Diagnosis and Management of Osteoporosis During COVID-19: Systematic Review and Practical Guidance. Calcif Tissue Int 2021; 109:351-362. [PMID: 34003337 PMCID: PMC8129963 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-021-00858-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
It is acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound disruption to the delivery of healthcare services globally. This has affected the management of many long-term conditions including osteoporosis as resources are diverted to cover urgent care. Osteoporosis is a public health concern worldwide and treatment is required for the prevention of further bone loss, deterioration of skeletal micro-architecture, and fragility fractures. This review provides information on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis. We also provide clinical recommendations on the adaptation of care pathways based on experience from five referral centres to ensure that patients with osteoporosis are still treated and to reduce the risk of fractures both for the individual patient and on a societal basis. We address the use of the FRAX tool for risk stratification and initiation of osteoporosis treatment and discuss the potential adaptations to treatment pathways in view of limitations on the availability of DXA. We focus on the issues surrounding initiation and maintenance of treatment for patients on parenteral therapies such as zoledronate, denosumab, teriparatide, and romosozumab during the pandemic. The design of these innovative care pathways for the management of patients with osteoporosis may also provide a platform for future improvement to osteoporosis services when routine clinical care resumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Hampson
- Department of Chemical Pathology and Metabolic Medicine, St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, 5th Floor, North Wing, London, SE1 7EH, UK.
- Department of Rheumatology, Metabolic Bone Clinic, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
| | - M Stone
- Metabolic Bone Service, University Hospital Llandough, Llandough, Penarth, CF64 2XX, UK
| | - J R Lindsay
- Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolism Service, Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - R K Crowley
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S H Ralston
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
- Rheumatic Diseases Unit, NHS Lothian Western General Hospital Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
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16
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Violi A, Fortunato V, D'Amuri A, Zuliani G, Basili S, Passaro A, Corica B, Raparelli V. Rethinking of osteoporosis through a sex- and gender-informed approach in the COVID-19 era. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2021; 73:754-769. [PMID: 34328298 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.21.04893-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Standards and models of reference for osteoporosis (OP) have been developed for female individuals as they are more likely to be affected by the disease. Nonetheless, OP is also responsible for one-third of hip fractures in male individuals suggesting that a sexblinded approach to OP may lead to miss opportunities for equity in bone health. OPrelated fractures, especially hip fractures, are a matter of immediate concern as they are associated with limited mobility, chronic disability, loss of independence, and reduced quality of life in both sexes. When it comes to sociocultural gender, the effect of gender domains (i.e., identity, roles, relations, and institutionalized gender) on development and management of OP is largely overlooked despite risk factors or protective conditions are gendered. Clinical trials testing the efficacy and safety of anti-OP drugs as well as non-pharmacological interventions have been conducted mainly in female participants, limiting the generalizability of the findings. The present narrative review deals with the sex and gender-based challenges and drawbacks in OP knowledge and translation to clinical practice, also considering the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Violi
- University Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valeria Fortunato
- University Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea D'Amuri
- University Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zuliani
- University Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Basili
- Internal Medicine Clinic, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelina Passaro
- University Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Bernadette Corica
- Internal Medicine Clinic, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Raparelli
- University Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - .,Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,⁴ University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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17
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Kong SH, Hwang BK, Yoon BH. The Impact of COVID-19 on the Optimal Management of Osteoporosis. J Bone Metab 2021; 28:115-122. [PMID: 34130363 PMCID: PMC8206610 DOI: 10.11005/jbm.2021.28.2.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis does not take a break while Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stunned and overtook everyone’s lives. Medical resources were immediately shifted, self-isolation and telemedicine were expanded, ambulatory care services such as bone densitometry and osteoporosis-centered clinics came to a near halt. Progress with fracture prevention has been challenged because osteoporotic fracture with low energy injury is more prevalent even though restriction of people’s movement. Thus we must re-engage with chronic bone health concerns and fracture prevention. This review discusses challenges in management of osteoporosis during the COVID-19 pandemic and reinforces the need to implementing recommendations concerning the importance of bone fragility care with at least those patients who are already treated with antiosteoporotic drugs maintaining their adherence to treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Hye Kong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bo Kwon Hwang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ewha Womans University, College of Medicine, Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung-Ho Yoon
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ewha Womans University, College of Medicine, Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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18
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Fuggle NR, Singer A, Gill C, Patel A, Medeiros A, Mlotek AS, Pierroz DD, Halbout P, Harvey NC, Reginster JY, Cooper C, Greenspan SL. How has COVID-19 affected the treatment of osteoporosis? An IOF-NOF-ESCEO global survey. Osteoporos Int 2021; 32:611-617. [PMID: 33558957 PMCID: PMC7869913 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-020-05793-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The effects of COVID-19 have the potential to impact on the management of chronic diseases including osteoporosis. A global survey has demonstrated that these impacts include an increase in telemedicine consultations, delays in DXA scanning, interruptions in the supply of medications and reductions in parenteral medication delivery. INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on the health of the global population both directly, via the sequelae of the infection, and indirectly, including the relative neglect of chronic disease management. Together the International Osteoporosis Foundation and National Osteoporosis Foundation sought to ascertain the impact on osteoporosis management. METHODS Questionnaires were electronically circulated to a sample of members of both learned bodies and included information regarding the location and specialty of respondents, current extent of face to face consultations, alterations in osteoporosis risk assessment, telemedicine experience, alterations to medication ascertainment and delivery and electronic health record (EHR) utilisation. Responses were collected, quantitative data analysed, and qualitative data assessed for recurring themes. RESULTS Responses were received from 209 healthcare workers from 53 countries, including 28% from Europe, 24% from North America, 19% from the Asia Pacific region, 17% from the Middle East and 12% from Latin America. Most respondents were physicians (85%) with physician assistants, physical therapists and nurses/nurse practitioners represented in the sample. The main three specialties represented included rheumatology (40%), endocrinology (22%) and orthopaedics (15%). In terms of the type of patient contact, 33% of respondents conducted telephone consultations and 21% video consultations. Bone mineral density assessment by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) usage was affected with only 29% able to obtain a scan as recommended. The majority of clinicians (60%) had systems in place to identify patients receiving parenteral medication, and 43% of clinicians reported difficulty in arranging appropriate osteoporosis medications during the COVID-19 crisis. CONCLUSIONS To conclude through surveying a global sample of osteoporosis healthcare professionals, we have observed an increase in telemedicine consultations, delays in DXA scanning, interrupted supply of medications and reductions in parenteral medication delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- N R Fuggle
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
| | - A Singer
- Departments of Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - C Gill
- National Osteoporosis Foundation, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - A Patel
- National Osteoporosis Foundation, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - A Medeiros
- National Osteoporosis Foundation, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - A S Mlotek
- International Osteoporosis Foundation, Nyon, Switzerland
| | - D D Pierroz
- International Osteoporosis Foundation, Nyon, Switzerland
| | - P Halbout
- International Osteoporosis Foundation, Nyon, Switzerland
| | - N C Harvey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - J-Y Reginster
- WHO Collaborating Center for Public Health Aspects of Musculo-Skeletal Health and Ageing, University of Liège, Liege, Belgium
- Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - C Cooper
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
- NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - S L Greenspan
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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19
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Peeters JJM, van den Berg P, van den Bergh JP, Emmelot-Vonk MH, de Klerk G, Lems WF, Winter EM, Zillikens MC, Appelman-Dijkstra NM. Osteoporosis care during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands: A national survey. Arch Osteoporos 2021; 16:11. [PMID: 33415510 PMCID: PMC7790356 DOI: 10.1007/s11657-020-00856-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
This is a survey study concerning osteoporosis care during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands. Respondents reported that osteoporosis care stagnated and lower quality of care was provided. This leads to the conclusion that standardization of osteoporosis care delivery in situations of crisis is needed. PURPOSE During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no guidance of professional societies or guidelines on the organization of osteoporosis care in case of such a crisis, and treatment relied on local ad hoc strategies. Experiences from the current pandemic need to be taken into account for the near future, and therefore, a national multidisciplinary survey was carried out in the Netherlands. METHODS A survey of 17 questions concerning the continuation of bone mineral density measurements by Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), outpatient clinic visits, and prescription of medication was sent to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants working in the field of osteoporosis. RESULTS 77 respondents finished the questionnaire, of whom 39 (50.6%) reported a decline in DXA-scanning and 36 (46.8%) no scanning at all during the pandemic. There was an increase in remote consultations for both new and control patient visits (n = 48, 62.3%; n = 62, 81.7% respectively). Lower quality of care regarding fracture prevention was reported by more than half of the respondents (n = 44, 57.1%). Treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates and denosumab was delayed according to 35 (45.4%) and 6 (6.3%) of the respondents, respectively. CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, osteoporosis care almost completely arrested, especially because of the discontinuation of DXA-scanning and closing of outpatient clinics. More than half of the respondents reported a substantial lower quality of osteoporosis care during the COVID pandemic. To prevent an increase in fracture rates and a decrease in patient motivation, adherence and satisfaction, standardization of osteoporosis care delivery in situations of crisis is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joséphine Jeanne Maria Peeters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Center for Bone Quality, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter van den Berg
- Fracture Liaison Service, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumasurgery, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Joop P van den Bergh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, VieCuri Medical Centre, Venray, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | - Gijs de Klerk
- Department of Surgery, Admiraal de Ruyter Ziekenhuis Goes, Goes, The Netherlands
| | - Willem F Lems
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth M Winter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Center for Bone Quality, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - M Carola Zillikens
- Bone Center, department of Internal Medicine, section Endocrinology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasha M Appelman-Dijkstra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Center for Bone Quality, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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