25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and functional recovery after hip fracture in elderly patients

Incidence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Foot and Ankle Arthrodesis Nonunions

Background Vitamin D has been found to be crucial in musculoskeletal health. The role of vitamin D levels in orthopedic patients has become a growing area of interest given its negative impact on fracture healing which can contribute to the development of nonunion following surgery. We sought to investigate the incidence of hypovitaminosis D in a cohort of patients who experienced a nonunion following a foot and ankle arthrodesis procedure. Methodology Patients who underwent a major elective foot and ankle arthrodesis procedure and developed a nonunion were given the opportunity to obtain serum vitamin D levels. All vitamin D levels were reported from percutaneous venous blood samples and compared to our institution's range of accepted normal values (25-80 ng/mL). Results A total of 13 patients who developed a nonunion agreed to have a vitamin D level obtained, and 11 of 13 patients had a low vitamin D level (average = 14.6 ng/mL, range = 9-24 ng/mL). Five patients underwent revision arthrodesis after normalization of vitamin D levels, and four out of five patients went on to successful union. Conclusions Hypovitaminosis D may be a modifiable risk factor for nonunion following a major foot and ankle arthrodesis procedure. Orthopedic surgeons should consider vitamin D screening and supplementation in patients undergoing elective arthrodesis procedures.

Biomarkers as predictors of inpatient mortality in fractured neck of femur patients

INTRODUCTION

Hip fractures are common and it is estimated to cost the National Health Service (NHS) around £2 billion/year. The majority of these patients are elderly and they require careful perioperative management as morbidity and mortality are high. This study aims to look at routinely gathered biomarker data and baseline demographics to evaluate if they may be used to predict inpatient mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 2158 patients from a single Centre over a 5-year period.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

age>60, confirmed fractured neck of femur on radiological imaging.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

pathological fractures, patients treated non-operatively, missing data. Univariate followed by multivariate analysis was conducted to identify the independent predictors of inpatient mortality.

RESULTS

The variables found to be independent predictors of inpatient mortality were: age > 85, sex (male), albumin < 35, lymphocytes < 1, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) grade > 3. For the final derived multivariate logistic regression model, a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to assess the ability of the included variables to predict inpatient mortality. The area under the curve was 0.794 which together with sensitivity of 63.2% and a specificity of 79.1% at a cut value of 0.1.

CONCLUSION

This paper supports research previously conducted in this field, showing the prognostic value of both biomarker (albumin and lymphocytes), and non-biomarker data (ASA grade, age and gender) in predicting mortality in patients who have sustained a hip fracture.

Advancement in the Treatment of Osteoporosis and the Effects on Bone Healing

Osteoporosis (OP) is a major global health concern, with aging being one of the most important risk factors. Osteoarthritis (OA) is also an age-related disorder. Patients with OP and/or OA may be treated surgically for fractures or when their quality of life is impaired. Poor bone quality due to OP can seriously complicate the stability of a bone fixation construct and/or surgical fracture treatment. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the pathophysiology of normal and osteoporotic bone healing, the effect of a bone fracture on bone turnover markers, the diagnosis of a low bone mineral density (BMD) before surgical intervention, and the effect of available anti-osteoporosis treatment. Interventions that improve bone health may enhance the probability of favorable surgical outcomes. Fracture healing and the treatment of atypical femoral fractures are also discussed.

Evaluation of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 and Bone Mineral Density in 268 Patients with Hip Fractures

Objective

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship among vitamin D nutritional status, bone mineral density, and other factors in elderly patients with brittle hip fractures.

Methods

The present study was a retrospective analysis of 268 patients, 102 men (38.06%) and 166 women (61.94%), with brittle hip fractures admitted to the Hip Joint Center of Tianjin Hospital from February 2016 to June 2018. The median age of the patients was 74 years (range, 50–93 years). The patients were divided into three groups based on age: ≤69 years, 70–79 years, and ≥80 years. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH) D₃), parathyroid hormone (PTH), body mass index (BMI), and bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and hip were measured and statistically analyzed.

Results

The median serum 25(OH)D₃ level of patients was 9.90 (range, 2.60–42.70) ng/mL; the proportion of deficiency was 89.18% and the deficiency was severe in 136 cases (49.25%). The proportion of vitamin D deficiency was significantly lower in men than in women (P = 0.013). With the increase of age, 25(OH)D₃ levels gradually decreased (P = 0.044) and PTH levels gradually increased (P < 0.001). There was significantly negative correlation (P < 0.001) between the levels of serum 25(OH)D₃ and PTH. There were 200 cases (74.63%) in which T‐values of BMD were less than −2.5 in any part of the lumbar vertebrae, femoral neck, and hip. T‐values in 74 cases (27.61%) were less than −2.5 in all three parts. The T‐values of BMD in men were significantly higher than those in men (P < 0.001). With the increase of age, the femoral neck BMD in men gradually decreased (P = 0.016), and the femoral neck and hip BMD in female gradually decreased (P‐value was 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). Multivariate analysis suggested that gender and BMI were independent risk factors for BMD, and vitamin D deficiency affected BMD.

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with brittle hip fractures, especially in women. With the increase of age, vitamin D continues to decrease and PTH increases. The decrease of BMD in patients with hip fractures is the result of a combination of age, gender, BMI, and vitamin D content.

Euthyroid sick syndrome in hip fractures: Valuation of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone axis

INTRODUCTION

Femur fracture is an acute event with a high incidence and mortality worldwide. Euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) is a disease characterized by an alteration of fT3 in the absence of a primary thyroid pathology. The aim of the study is evaluating the association between femur fracture and ESS and post-operative fluctuations of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D and their physio-pathological implications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients older than 65 years, admitted in our emergency care unit with a diagnosis of proximal femur fracture were recruited. Exclusion criteria were acute cardio-pulmonary events, neoplastic diseases, any thyroid or endocrine pathology and use of drugs with thyroidal interactions. All patients underwent surgery within 48 h from the injury. The outcome of the study is the presence of ESS, moreover, post-operative fluctuations of the PTH and vitamin D are also evaluated.

RESULT

45 patients (13 men and 32 females) were enrolled. 20 patients had a normal thyroidal function, while 23 had a diagnosis of ESS. Mean age was 81.9. BMI was lower in the ESS group than the controls (25,3 vs 22,7; p < 0.02). In the ESS group a significantly higher decrease in Vitamin D levels was observed, compared to controls (3.96 ng/ml, p<0.001). Values of PTH were significantly different between the two groups, with a level 44.29 pg/ml lower among the ESS group compared to controls (p = 0.002). In the ESS group a significant decrease of serum calcium on the first post-surgery day was observed, compared to controls (8,7 vs 8,3; p < 0,01). There were no differences in the CCI, serum electrolytes and other variables collected between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Part of the geriatric population suffering from fractures of the proximal femur are affected by ESS. This population displays anomalies of the Vitamin d-PTH axis and a lower BMI.

Nutritional status and functionality in geriatric rehabilitation patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Since there is only limited evidence available for geriatric rehabilitation patients, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to characterize the nutritional status in this population and its relationship with functionality.

METHODS

Eight databases were searched for full-text articles reporting baseline nutritional intake and status of adults ≥ 60 years in rehabilitation settings. Pooled estimates were calculated for prevalence of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition based on the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and for mean body mass index (BMI). Associations between nutritional status (MNA, MNA short form and BMI) and functional status (Barthel Index and Functional Independence Measure) and prevalence of sarcopenia were reviewed.

RESULTS

62 out of 1717 references were eligible for inclusion. Pooled prevalence [95% confidence interval (CI)] of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition were 13 (5-20) % and 47 (40-54) %. Pooled estimate (95% CI) for BMI was 23.8 (23.2-24.5) kg/m². Existing data suggest a risk for low protein and energy intake and vitamin D deficiency. Functional status differed widely. Seven out of ten studies reported significant associations between reduced nutritional status and reduced functionality, whilst two out of seven studies reported significant associations between higher BMI and functionality. Prevalence of sarcopenia was high with 40-76% in this population.

CONCLUSIONS

Although geriatric rehabilitation populations and settings were heterogeneous, a relevant percentage of geriatric rehabilitation patients were affected by a reduced nutritional status. Nutritional status was associated with decreased functionality. This emphasizes the need for screening for malnutrition and targeted nutritional intervention.

Altered seric levels of albumin, sodium and parathyroid hormone may predict early mortality following hip fracture surgery in elderly

PURPOSE

To analyse a wide set of routine laboratory parameters at admission to predict mortality within 30 post-operative days in elderly patients with hip fracture, as well as calculate the critical values of those biomarkers.

METHOD

Data of 994 patients older than 65 years with hip fracture were analysed of which 89 (8.2%) died within 30 post-operative days. Variables described in the literature with potential influence on early mortality were collected, including demographics, fracture type, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Charlson's comorbidity index and pre-operative Hodkinson's mental test and the Katz index for activities of daily living. In addition, an exhaustive collection of biomarkers from routine blood testing at admission was performed. Critical levels of biomarkers were calculated by the method of area under ROC curve.

RESULTS

At admission, early mortality group had significantly higher Charlson's index (p = 0.001) and lower the Katz index (p = 0.001). The surgical delay also was significantly longer in that group (p = 0.001). In univariate analyses, serum concentration at admission of total protein (p = 0.004), albumin (p = 0.001), sodium (p = 0.001), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (p = 0.001) were significantly different between both groups. In multivariate analysis, serum albumin < 2.9 g/dL (p = 0.013), sodium < 127 mEq/L (p = 0.035) and PTH > 65 pg/mL (p = 0.005) were predictors of early mortality. The three biomarkers together accounted for 67% of the variability in early mortality.

CONCLUSION

The association of altered levels at admission of serum concentration of albumin, sodium and PTH was predictor of early mortality following hip fracture surgery in elderly patients.

25(OH) vitamin D and functional outcomes in older adults admitted to rehabilitation units: the safari study

Vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency is associated with poor physical performance; little is known about its impact on geriatric rehabilitation. We found a positive non-linear relationship between 25(OH)D and functional gain, stronger in levels < 16 ng/ml (below the cutoff for "deficiency"). An early 25(OH)D dosage may be advisable for this population.

INTRODUCTION

Vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency is highly prevalent in older people, and it is associated with poor muscular strength and physical performance. Its impact on functional outcomes during geriatric rehabilitation has been poorly studied. We aim to analyze the association between 25(OH)D and functional recovery in geriatric rehabilitation units.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective multi-center cohort study including patients ≥ 65 years old admitted to 3 geriatric rehabilitation units in Italy and Spain, after orthopedic events or stroke. Outcomes were absolute functional gain (AFG, discharge-admission Barthel index) and ability to walk (AW) at 3 months after admission. The association between 25(OH)D quartiles (Q1-Q2-Q3-Q4) and outcomes was explored using linear or logistic regression models.

RESULTS

We included 420 patients (mean age = 81.2 years [SD = 7.7], 66.4% females, mean 25(OH)D concentration = 13.5 ng/ml [SD = 8.7]) (to convert to nmol/l multiply by 2.496). A non-linear relationship between 25(OH)D and AFG was found, with a stronger association for 25(OH)D levels < 16 ng/ml. Compared to Q1 (25(OH)D ≤ 6 ng/ml), participants in Q3 (25(OH)D 11.5-18.2 ng/ml) had the best AFG and AW (mean AFG [SD], Q1 = 28.9 [27.8], Q2 = 32.5 [23.5], Q3 = 43.1 [21.9], Q4 = 34.5 [29.3], R² = 7.3%; AW, Q1-Q2 = 80%, Q3 = 91%, Q4 = 86%). Regression models adjusted for potential confounders confirmed these results (AGF Q2, β = 2.614, p = 0.49; Q3, β = 9.723, p < 0.01; Q4, β = 4.406, p = 0.22; AW Q2, OR [95% CI] = 1.84 [0.67-5.33]; Q3, OR [95% CI] = 4.01 [1.35-13.48]; Q4, OR [95% CI] = 2.18 [0.81-6.21]).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, 25(OH)D concentration showed a positive association with functional outcomes at 3 months. The association is stronger below the usual cutoff for "deficiency." Dosage of 25(OH)D concentration may help identify geriatric rehabilitation patients at risk for a worse functional recovery.

Association of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone with carotid intima media thickness in children and adolescents with excess weight

Evidence on the association of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) with cardiovascular risk factors in the young is limited. We therefore assessed the relationships of circulating vitamin D and PTH concentrations and subclinical atherosclerosis in overweight or obese children and adolescents. This was a cross-sectional study, investigated the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), intact PTH (iPTH), and iPTH/25(OH)D ratio with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in 368 Iranian children and adolescents with a body mass index (BMI) ≥1 z-score based on WHO criteria. Ultrasound measurement of cIMT was performed. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were used to test associations between 25(OH)D, iPTH, and iPTH/25(OH)D ratio using one-ln-unit increment with cIMT. Median (25-75 interquartile range) 25(OH)D and iPTH concentrations were 11.8 (8.2-18.6) ng/ml and 38.2 (25.0-61.4) pg/ml, respectively. Among boys, each one-ln-unit increase of iPTH and iPTH/25(OH)D ratio was significantly associated with 0.194 mm and 0.147 mm increase, respectively, in cIMT, after adjustment for confounders. A similar pattern of association was observed between iPTH (β = 0.143, p = 0.037) and iPTH/25(OH)D ratio (β=0.172, p = 0.007) with cIMT among obese participants. Furthermore, among obese participants in the fully adjusted model, each one-ln-unit increase of iPTH and 25(OH)D/iPTH ratio was significantly associated with 53% and 39% increased odds of having high cIMT, respectively. Girls and those who were overweight did not show any significant association of 25(OH)D, iPTH, and iPTH/25(OH)D ratio with cIMT. High iPTH and iPTH/25(OH)D ratio were associated with increased cIMT in boys and those who are obese.

Classes of vitamin D status and functional outcome after hip fracture: a prospective, short-term study of 1350 inpatients

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D depletion is associated with unfavourable outcomes after hip fracture. However, the classes of vitamin D status currently in use, which are defined according to serum calcifediol levels, have not been validated for their predictive capability of the functional recovery.

AIM

To investigate the association between serum calcifediol categorized into 4 classes and the functional recovery after hip fracture.

DESIGN

Prospective, short-term observational study.

SETTING

Rehabilitation hospital in Italy.

POPULATION

We evaluated 1350 of 1412 inpatients with hip fracture.

METHODS

Serum calcifediol was measured by an immunoenzymatic assay 14.7±4.4 (mean±SD) days after surgery and categorized into 4 classes: I class <12 ng/mL; II class 12-20 ng/mL; III class 21-29 ng/mL; IV class ≥30ng/mL. The functional outcome was assessed by using the Barthel Index.

RESULTS

We found a significant difference in Barthel index scores at the end of inpatient rehabilitation across the 4 classes of vitamin D status: χ2 (3, N.=1350) 27.2; P<0.001. The difference persisted after adjustment for 8 covariates (P=0.004). By comparing pairs of classes, we found that Barthel index scores were lower in the 829 patients of the I class than in the 275 of the II (P=0.005) who had in turn Barthel index scores lower than the 132 patients of the III class (P=0.038). Conversely, no significant differences emerged between the patients of the III class and the 114 patients of the IV class (P=0.421). The results did not materially change when Barthel Index effectiveness was substituted for Barthel Index scores as the outcome measure.

CONCLUSIONS

Calcifediol levels below 12ng/mL were associated with a worse recovery than those between 12 and 20ng/mL that were in turn associated with a worse recovery than those between 21 and 29 ng/mL. Conversely, no significant differences were found between the patients with calcifediol between 21 and 29ng/mL and those with calcifediol ≥30 ng/mL.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Despite caution due to the observational design, our study suggests that vitamin D depletion should be treated after hip fracture to optimize the functional outcome, with a target level for serum calcifediol of 21-29ng/mL and no further advantages associated with calcifediol levels of 30ng/mL or higher.

Usefulness of simple biomarkers at admission as independent indicators and predictors of in-hospital mortality in older hip fracture patients

INTRODUCTION

The data on predictive value of the routinely obtained preoperative biochemical parameters in hip fracture (HF) patients are limited. The aims of this study were to examine in older HF patients (1) the relationships between a broad set of routine laboratory parameters at admission and in-hospital mortality, and (2) evaluate the prognostic value the biomarkers and clinical characteristics (alone or in combination) provide to predict a fatal outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 1820 consecutive patients with low-trauma osteoporotic HF aged >60 years (mean age 82.8 ± 8.1 years; 76.4% women; 65% community-dwelling) 35 laboratory variables along with 20 clinical and socio-demographic characteristics at admission were analysed. The validation cohort included data on 455 older (≥60 years of age) HF patients (mean age 82.1 ± 8.0 years, 72.1% women).

RESULTS

The mortality rate was 6% (n = 109). On univariate analysis 14 laboratory and 8 clinical parameters have been associated with in-hospital mortality. Multiple regression analyses determined 7 variables at admission as independent indicators of a fatal outcome: 4 biomarkers (albumin <33 g/L; alanine aminotransferase/gamma-glutamyl transferase ratio [GGT/ALT] >2.5; parathyroid hormone [PTH] >6.8 pmol/L; 25(OH)vitamin D < 25 nmol/L) and 3 pre-fracture clinical conditions (history of myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease [GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m²] and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.75 (95%CI 0.70-0.80). The risk of in-hospital death was 1.6-2.6 times higher in subjects with any of these risk factors (RFs), and increased by 2.6-6.0-fold in patients with any two RFs (versus no RFs). The mortality rate increased stepwise as the number of RFs increased (from 0.43% -none RF to 16.8%- ≥4RF). The prognostic value of a single RF was low (AUC ≤0.635) but combination of 2 or more RFs improved the prediction significantly; AUC reached 0.84(95%CI 0.77-0.90) when ≥4 RFs (versus 0-1RF) were present. In the validated and main cohorts the number of predicted by 1, 2, 3 or ≥4 RFs and observed deaths were practically similar.

CONCLUSIONS

In HF patients, seven easily identifiable at admission characteristics, including 4 biomarkers, are strong and independent indicators of in-hospital mortality and can be used for risk stratification and individualised management.

Calcium and vitamin-D deficiency marginally impairs fracture healing but aggravates posttraumatic bone loss in osteoporotic mice

Calcium and vitamin-D (Ca/VitD) deficiency is a major risk factor for osteoporosis. It may also contribute to the compromised bone healing frequently observed in osteoporotic patients, since calcium is essential for fracture-callus mineralization. Additionally, clinical data suggest systemic bone loss following fracture, which may aggravate osteoporosis and thus increase the risk for fragility fractures in osteoporotic patients further. However, the role of Ca/VitD in fracture healing and posttraumatic bone turnover has to date been poorly investigated. Here, we studied bone regeneration and posttraumatic bone turnover in C57BL/6 J mice with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis. Mice were fed a standard or a Ca/VitD-deficient diet. Notably, fracture healing was only marginally disturbed in Ca/VitD-deficient mice. However, deficient mice displayed significantly increased serum parathyroid hormone levels and osteoclast activity, as well as reduced bone mass in the intact skeleton post-fracture, suggesting considerably enhanced calcium mobilization from the intact skeleton during bone regeneration. Ca/VitD supplementation initiated post-fracture prevented posttraumatic bone loss by reducing bone resorption and furthermore improved bone repair. These results imply that adequate Ca/VitD supply post-fracture is essential to provide sufficient calcium for callus-mineralization in order to prevent posttraumatic bone loss and to reduce the risk for secondary fractures in osteoporotic patients with Ca/VitD deficiency.

Correlations Between Clinical Parameters and Health-Related Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Osteoporotic Women

The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and clinically relevant osteodensitometric and biochemical parameters in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. Bone mineral density (BMD) and T scores of the lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck were assessed in 100 osteoporotic women (56 without previous fractures and 44 with previous fractures) using dual x-ray absorptiometry. The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) index for major osteoporotic and hip fractures was calculated based on demographic data and hip BMD. Venous blood samples were taken from each subject for biochemical analysis (serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and vitamin D levels). HRQoL was assessed using the QUALEFFO-41 questionnaire (domains: Health perception, Pain, and Physical, Social and Mental function). Basic participant characteristics (age, menopause length, body mass index, smoking habits, hereditary tendency towards fracture, fracture history) correlated with some of the QUALEFFO-41 domains, but the correlation coefficients were low (r<0.3), except in the case of the correlation between Pain and fracture history (r=0.638). Of the six variables included in the multiple regression model, fracture history was shown to be the most significant predictor with respect to the following three QUALEFFO-41 domains: Pain (b=20.511), Social function (b=2.548) and Health perception (b=3.185). Correlation analysis showed that after adjustment for basic characteristics, BMD and T score of the femoral neck and Pain (r=0.331 and r=0.449, respectively), Social function (r=0.422 and r=0.419) and Health perception (r=0.434 for T score of the femoral neck) exhibited the strongest correlations. Vitamin D was negatively correlated with Mental function, while the other biochemical parameters exhibited variable correlations with the QUALEFFO- 41 domains (r≈0.2-0.5). Our study confirmed the previously established relationship between BMD of the femoral neck and HRQoL in patients with osteoporosis and demonstrated correlations between various blood bone metabolism parameters and HRQoL that have not been previously investigated.

Perioperative vitamin D levels correlate with clinical outcomes after ankle fracture fixation

INTRODUCTION

Hypovitaminosis D is common in patients undergoing orthopaedic trauma surgery. While previous studies have shown that vitamin D levels correlate with functional outcome after hip fracture surgery, the significance of vitamin D levels on outcomes after surgery in other orthopaedic trauma patients is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if vitamin D levels correlated with outcomes in ankle fracture patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed a prospective registry of patients who underwent operative treatment for ankle fractures from 2003 to 2012. Preoperative serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels were measured, and the primary and secondary outcomes included foot and ankle outcome scores (FAOS) and ankle range of motion. Data were also collected on patient comorbidities, articular malreductions, and wound complications. Included patients had at least 12 months of clinical outcome data.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients operatively treated for ankle fractures met our inclusion criteria. Of these 98 patients, 36 (37%) were deficient in vitamin D (<20 ng/ml) and 31 (32%) had vitamin D insufficiency (<30 ng/ml, ≥20 mg/ml). Patients with vitamin D deficiency were similar with regard to age, gender, and comorbidities compared to patients with vitamin D levels ≥20. Univariate analysis revealed that patients with vitamin D deficiency had significantly worse FAOS with regard to symptoms (P = 0.017) and quality of life (P = 0.040) domains than patients with vitamin D levels ≥20. Multivariate regression analysis suggested that vitamin D deficiency was a factor in inferior FAOS with regard to symptoms, activities of daily living, and quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

In our group of patients with operative treated ankle fractures, preoperative vitamin D deficiency correlated with inferior clinical outcomes at a minimum of 1 year follow-up. Our study suggests that deficient vitamin D levels may result in worse outcomes in orthopaedic trauma patients recovering from fracture fixation.

Parathyroid hormone response to two levels of vitamin D deficiency is associated with high risk of medical problems during hospitalization in patients with hip fracture

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D and the parathyroid hormone (PTH) response play an important role in hip fracture patients. This study was carried out to determine the factors associated with the PTH response to different levels of vitamin D deficiency during hospitalization.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of patients over 64 years of age admitted with an acute fragility hip fracture between March 1st 2009 and November 30th 2012. Demographic, clinical, functional, and cognitive function were evaluated at admission and during hospitalization. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and PTH were analyzed. Two 25-OHD cut-off points were considered, <12 ng/ml and 12-20 ng/ml. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used.

RESULTS

Mean age of the 607 patients included was 84.7 years (SD 7.10), and 81.9 % were women. The mean 25-OHD level in the total sample was 13.2 (SD 11.1) ng/ml. Levels of 25-OHD <12 ng/ml were present in 347 patients (57.2 %), of whom 158 (45.5 %) had secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) (PTH >65 pg/ml). 25-OHD levels of 12-20 ng/ml were present in 168 (27.7 %) patients, of whom 47 (28 %) had SHPT. Following logistic regression, SHPT was associated in both groups (25-OHD <12 and 12-20 ng/ml) with a greater number of medical problems during hospitalization. In the 25-OHD group <12 ng/ml, SHPT was also associated with poorer glomerular filtration rates.

CONCLUSION

The PTH response to vitamin D deficiency in hip fracture patients may be a marker for patients with higher risk of developing multiple medical problems, both when considering severe (<12 ng/ml) and moderate (12-20 ng/ml) vitamin D deficiency.

Parathyroid-hormone variance is only marginally explained by a panel of determinants: a cross-sectional study of 909 hip-fracture patients

Several factors affect the levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in hip-fracture patients. We hypothesized that a panel of easily assessable determinants could account for both a substantial proportion of PTH variance and the occurrence of secondary hyperparathyroidism. We evaluated 909 of 981 hip-fracture inpatients admitted consecutively to our Rehabilitation division. In each patient we assessed PTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, albumin-adjusted total calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and creatinine on a fasting blood sample 21.3 ± 6.1 (mean ± SD) days after fracture occurrence. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by the 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation. Functional level was assessed using the Barthel index. On multivariate analysis, six factors (phosphate, albumin-adjusted total calcium, estimated GFR (eGFR), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, age, and magnesium) were significantly associated with PTH levels. Overall, the panel of variables accounted for 23.7 % of PTH variance. Among the 909 patients, 304 (33.4 %) had PTH levels exceeding the normal range. Six factors (phosphate, albumin-adjusted total calcium, eGFR, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, age, and Barthel index scores) were significantly associated with the category of PTH level (either normal or elevated). The model correctly classified 70.4 % of cases. For the optimal cut-off point, sensitivity was 80 % and specificity was 61 %. Data shows that six factors were significantly associated with PTH levels in hip-fracture inpatients. However, the six factors accounted for only 23.7 % of PTH variance and the presence or absence of secondary hyperparathyroidism was correctly categorized in a modest proportion of cases. We conclude that more knowledge is needed on the factors affecting PTH levels after hip fracture.

Parathyroid hormone is significantly associated with body fat compartment in men but not in women following a hip fracture

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) exerts several actions beyond mineral metabolism and may affect body composition. The aim of our study was to assess the association between serum PTH and body fat compartment in hip fracture patients.

METHODS

We studied 575 of 630 inpatients with hip fracture consecutively admitted to our Rehabilitation ward. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure body composition. DXA scan was performed 18.5 ± 8.6 (mean ± SD) days after hip fracture occurrence. A blood sample was collected within 4 days after DXA scan. In each subject, we evaluated PTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, phosphate, albumin, magnesium, and creatinine. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated by a conventional formula.

RESULTS

In the 57 men, we found a significant correlation between PTH and both body mass index (BMI) (ρ = 0.37; p = 0.020) and trunk fat percentage (ρ = 0.62; p < 0.001). After multiple adjustments, we confirmed a significant association between PTH and BMI (r = 0.38; p = 0.004) or trunk fat percentage (r = 0.51; p < 0.001). In the 518 women, we found a slightly significant correlation between PTH and BMI (ρ = 0.09; p = 0.047), but after adjustments the correlation coefficient dropped to 0.02 (p = 0.69). We found no significant relationships between PTH and trunk fat percentage at bivariate correlation (ρ = 0.04; p = 0.35) or after adjustments (r = 0.04; p = 0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

PTH serum levels were robustly associated with body fat compartment in men, but not in women following a fracture of the hip. A role of PTH in affecting body composition in hip fracture men is suggested. Its potential role in male prognostic disadvantage needs further investigation.

Parathyroid hormone response to severe vitamin D deficiency is sex associated: an observational study of 571 hip fracture inpatients

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between sex and parathyroid hormone response to severe vitamin D deficiency after hip fracture.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Rehabilitation hospital in Italy.

PARTICIPANTS

571 consecutive inpatients with hip fracture and severe vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 12ng/ml), without hypercalcemia or estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 15ml/min.

MEASUREMENTS

In each patient we assessed PTH (by two-site chemiluminescent enzyme-labelled immunometric assay), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (by immunoenzymatic assay), albumin-adjusted total calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and creatinine 21.3 ± 6.1 (mean ± SD) days after fracture occurrence. Functional level was assessed using the Barthel index. PTH response to vitamin D deficiency was classified as either secondary hyperparathyroidism (serum PTH >75pg/ml) or functional hypoparathyroidism, i.e., inappropriate normal levels of PTH (≤75pg/ml).

RESULTS

Among the 571 patients, 336 (59%) had functional hypoparathyroidism, whereas 235 (41%) had secondary hyperparathyroidism. PTH status was significantly different between sexes (p=0.003): we found functional hypoparathyroidism in 61% of women and 43% of men (secondary hyperparathyroidism in 39% of women and 57% of men). The significance of the between-sex difference was maintained after adjustment for age, estimated GFR, phosphate, albumin-adjusted total calcium, albumin, Barthel index scores, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and hip fracture type (either cervical or trochanteric). The adjusted odds ratio was 1.85 (95%CI from 1.09 to 3.13; p=0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

Data shows that PTH response to vitamin D deficiency was sex-associated following a fracture of the hip. The higher prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism may play a role in the known prognostic disadvantage found in hip-fracture men.

The ratio of parathyroid hormone to vitamin D is a determinant of cardiovascular risk and insulin sensitivity in adolescent girls

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D insufficiency and higher testosterone are common in obese girls and may adversely affect glucose homeostasis and cardiovascular risk. Data are conflicting regarding the impact of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on these factors. Our objective was to determine associations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), PTH, and testosterone with measures of glucose homeostasis and cardiovascular risk in adolescent girls after controlling for regional adiposity, with the hypothesis that lower 25-OHD, a higher PTH or PTH/25-OHD ratio, and higher testosterone would be associated with lower insulin sensitivity and greater cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

A total of 15 obese girls and 15 matched normal weight controls (12-18 years) underwent fasting measurements of 25-OHD, PTH, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), oral glucose tolerance testing, and quantification of visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) fat by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

There were no associations of 25-OHD with measures of glucose homeostasis or hsCRP. In contrast, PTH and PTH/25-OHD were associated negatively with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and positively with quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) in obese girls but not controls. These associations remained significant after controlling for body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), but not for VAT. On regression modeling, PTH/25-OHD was positively associated with hsCRP after controlling for BMI-SDS or VAT. Free testosterone positively predicted the corrected insulin response.

CONCLUSIONS

In obese girls, PTH/25-OHD is positively associated with measures of insulin sensitivity and hsCRP. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between PTH and glucose homeostasis in obesity.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism and mortality in hip fracture patients compared to a control group from general practice

INTRODUCTION

Previously, little attention has been paid as to how disturbances in the parathyroid hormone (PTH)-calcium-vitamin D-axis, such as secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), relate to mortality amongst hip fracture patients. This study aimed to (1) determine if SHPT is associated with mortality in this group of patients, (2) investigate the association between serum (s-) PTH, s-total calcium, s-25-hydroxyvitamin D (s-25(OH)D) and mortality and (3) determine the prevalence of SHPT amongst hip fracture patients and a control group.

METHOD

The study included 562 hip fracture patients (HF) (age ≥ 70 years) admitted to a Danish university hospital. The hip fracture patients were prospectively enrolled in a dedicated hip fracture database. Each hip fracture patient was exactly matched according to age and sex with two controls randomly chosen from a control population of 21,778 subjects who had s-PTH, s-total calcium and s-25(OH)D measured at the Copenhagen General Practitioners Laboratory after referral from their general practitioner. The control group (Con) thus consisted of 1124 subjects.

RESULTS

General 1-year mortality: Con-female 8.4%, Con-male 15.3%, HF-female 24.6%, HF-male 33.3%, p<0.0001 (log rank). SHPT AND RELATED 1-YEAR MORTALITY: Con-no SHPT 8.9%, Con-SHPT 16.8%, HF-no SHPT 22.7%, HF-SHPT 34.9%, p<0.0001 (log rank). The mortality rates were higher for controls with SHPT (OR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.32-3.23), hip fracture patients without SHPT (OR 3.00, 95% CI: 2.14-4.20) and hip fracture patients with SHPT (OR 5.46, 95% CI: 3.32-8.97) compared to the controls without SHPT. PREVALENCE OF SHPT: Con 16%, HF 20%, p=0.09 (Chi-square).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study clearly shows that SHPT is significantly associated with mortality in both hip fracture patients and the control group. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, s-PTH and s-total calcium were both significantly associated with mortality, whereas s-25(OH)D was not associated with mortality in this analysis. Our study furthermore indicates that SHPT is almost equally prevalent amongst the hip fracture patients and the control group.

Prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in the acute inpatient rehabilitation population and its effect on function

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) insufficiency and deficiency in the acute inpatient rehabilitation setting, identify risk factors associated with low serum 25(OH)D levels, and assess whether hypovitaminosis D affects the function of rehabilitation patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic acute rehabilitation facility.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N=101) admitted for acute inpatient rehabilitation between September 2008 and December 2008.

INTERVENTIONS

Serum 25(OH)D levels drawn within 24 hours of admission.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

25(OH)D level, total/motor/cognitive FIM efficiency.

RESULTS

Considering patients not receiving 25(OH)D supplementation at the time of admission, 23.0% were 25(OH)D sufficient, 68.9% were insufficient, and 8.1% were deficient. Patients receiving 25(OH)D supplementation at the time of admission had significantly higher 25(OH)D levels than patients not receiving 25(OH)D supplementation (33.4±12.8 vs 23.7±11.4ng/mL; P=.001). A total of 72.2% of patients with any fracture and 80.0% of patients with fracture due to fall were not receiving supplementation at the time of admission; 72.2% of patients with any fracture and 73.3% of patients with fracture due to fall were 25(OH)D insufficient. Unadjusted total FIM efficiency scores were statistically significantly different by 25(OH)D status (2.96±1.42 vs 2.29±1.41ng/mL; P=.039). However, 25(OH)D level was not a significant predictor of total FIM efficiency score after controlling for demographic and clinical factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Of acute rehabilitation patients, 77% are 25(OH)D insufficient or deficient at admission. 25(OH)D supplementation is associated with a greater 25(OH)D level in these patients; however, almost half those supplemented had 25(OH)D levels less than the reference range. Most inpatients with fracture due to fall were transferred to acute inpatient rehabilitation without 25(OH)D supplementation despite clear guidelines indicating its use in this situation.

Prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in the outpatient rehabilitation population

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in the outpatient rehabilitation setting and to identify patient characteristics associated with low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.

DESIGN

25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels from 136 rehabilitation outpatients at an academic rehabilitation facility obtained from April 2007 to December 2008 for patient care purposes were captured via retrospective electronic medical record review.

RESULTS

Considering only those subjects not receiving 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementation at time of evaluation, 33.0% were 25-hydroxyvitamin D Sufficient while 53.2% were Insufficient and 13.8% Deficient. Those outpatient subjects receiving supplementation at time of evaluation had significantly higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels compared with those not receiving supplementation (34.1 ± 14.2 ng/ml vs. 25.9 ± 15.2 ng/ml; P = 0.005). Blacks had significantly lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels compared with whites (18.0 ± 10.6 ng/ml vs. 31.3 ± 14.3 ng/ml; P < 0.001). Subjects not on vitamin D supplementation assigned to diagnostic groups, Spinal Cord Injury, Brain Injury, and Hereditary Musculoskeletal, all had average 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels well below the lower limit of Sufficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Sixty-seven percent of rehabilitation outpatients are 25-hydroxyvitamin D Insufficient or Deficient. Supplementation significantly affects 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the outpatient rehabilitation population. Non-white race and history of Spinal Cord Injury, Brain Injury, or Hereditary Musculoskeletal diagnosis seem to be associated with lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.

Survival and functional outcome according to hip fracture type: a one-year prospective cohort study in elderly women with an intertrochanteric or femoral neck fracture

We conducted a prospective study among elderly women with a first hip fracture to document survival and functional outcome and to determine whether outcomes differ by fracture type. The design was a one-year prospective cohort study in the context of standard day-to-day clinical practice. The main outcome measures were survival and functional outcome, both at hospital discharge and 1 year later. Functional outcome was assessed using the Rapid Disability Rating Scale version-2. Of the 170 women originally enrolled, 86 (51%) had an intertrochanteric and 84 (49%) a femoral neck fracture. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to median age (80 and 78 years, respectively), type and number of comorbidities and prefracture residence at the time of injury. At hospital discharge, intertrochanteric hip fracture patients had a higher mortality (p=0.006) and were functionally more impaired (p=0.005). One year later, mortality was still significantly higher after intertrochanteric fracture (relative risk 2.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 5.1; p=0.008), but functional outcome among surviving patients was similar in both groups. We conclude that intertrochanteric fractures are associated with increased mortality compared to femoral neck fractures. Functional outcome differs according to fracture type at hospital discharge, but these differences do not persist over time. These differences cannot be explained by differences in age or comorbidity. To address the mechanism(s) by which intertrochanteric fractures carry excess mortality compared to femoral neck fractures, future studies in hip fracture patients should include a comprehensive assessment of the degree of frailty, vitamin D status, and fall dynamics.

Vitamin D status: effects on quality of life in osteoporosis among Turkish women

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Vitamin D deficiency causes muscle weakness, impairs bone formation and neuromuscular coordination thus leading to an increase in fracture risk. It has been found that inadequate levels of vitamin D are present in most of the osteoporosis patients. However, very few studies investigate the association between vitamin D status and quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of vitamin D on QOL among Turkish women with osteoporosis.

METHODS

259 patients (61.0 +/- 8.9 years) with osteoporosis were evaluated by physical activity level, back pain, bone turnover markers, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], parathyroid hormone levels and bone mineral density. QOL was assessed using QOL Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO). 25(OH)D levels below 20 ng/ml was defined as vitamin D insufficiency, below 12 ng/ml as vitamin D deficiency.

RESULTS

Mean 25(OH)D level was 22.7 +/- 12.6 ng/ml and mean total QUALEFFO score was 43.3 +/- 14.9. Vitamin D levels were significantly correlated with all subscales and total score of QUALEFFO (r = -0.25, P = 0.0001). Vitamin D insufficiency was determined in 132 patients (51%). In vitamin D deficient (<12 ng/ml) group all subscales and total QOL were found to be poorer when compared with the groups whose vitamin D levels were > or = 12 and <20 ng/ml and > or = 20 ng/ml (effect sizes 0.41 and 0.62 respectively, P = 0.0001 for total QOL). Vitamin D level, education, concomitant diseases, physical activity level and pain severity were found to be significantly associated with QOL in multiple linear regression analysis model.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D insufficiency affects physical, social and mental functions of osteoporosis patients and impairs QOL. Vitamin D was found to be one of the factors affecting QOL.

Vitamin D Status of Patients Admitted to a Hospital Rehabilitation Unit

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to determine the association between vitamin D status, baseline function, and short-term inpatient rehabilitation progress.

DESIGN

This was a prospective convenience sampling of 100 patients in a tertiary general hospital rehabilitation unit (RU). The cohort comprised men and women of mixed race with a variety of diagnoses (mean age 70 yrs). Patient histories and demographic information were obtained by patient interview and chart review. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) (nmol/L) was measured on or after the day of admission. The Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) instrument, a validated survey tool, was used to measure function at admission and discharge.

RESULTS

Eleven percent of the patients were overtly vitamin D deficient, with serum 25OHD concentrations <20 nmol/L. Ninety-four percent of the patients had serum 25OHD concentrations below the recommended minimum optimal concentration of 80 nmol/L. Using the Spearman rank correlation test, low serum 25OHD was weakly but significantly associated with low total FIM scores: r = 0.25 (P < 0.012) and r = 0.23 (P < 0.021) for admission and discharge total FIM score, respectively. Patients with serum 25OHD concentrations greater than the median value of 41.3 nmol/L had significantly higher FIM efficiency scores (discharge total FIM score - admission total FIM score/length of stay [LOS]) than the subgroup of patients below the median (2.0 +/- 1.1 vs. 1.6 +/- 0.9, respectively; P < or = 0.026). Serum 25OHD was not significantly correlated with FIM efficiency or the unadjusted change in total FIM score (discharge total FIM score - admission total FIM score), but it was significantly correlated with LOS (the lower the serum 25OHD concentration, the longer the LOS, and vice versa; r = -0.235, P < 0.018). Thus, the difference in FIM efficiency between patients with serum 25OHD above and below the median was the result of the significant inverse correlation between serum 25OHD and LOS; as a group, patients with serum 25OHD above the median had a 19% shorter LOS than the group with serum 25OHD below the median value (11.4 +/- 4.9 vs. 14.1 +/- 5.6 days, respectively; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients in a hospital RU had a suboptimal serum 25OHD concentration, reflecting what has previously been observed in hospitalized patients in general and also the population at large. Although no specific physical deficits or attributes could be directly attributed to low serum 25OHD, the baseline functional status of RU patients, LOS, and progress attributable to inpatient rehabilitation (FIM efficiency) were favorably affected by higher serum 25OHD concentrations.

Skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and hip bone mineral density in elderly women with hip fracture

Soft tissue body composition strongly affects bone health. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between both skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and fat mass (FM) and femoral bone mineral density (BMD) in a sample of elderly women with hip fracture. We assessed 293 of 325 hip fracture women admitted consecutively to a rehabilitation hospital. Soft tissue body composition and BMD were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), 23.2 +/- 7.7 (mean +/- SD) days after fracture occurrence. BMD was measured at four sites (neck, total femur, trochanter, intertrochanteric area) in the unfractured femur. Appendicular lean mass (aLM) was calculated as the sum of LM in arms and legs. We used two approaches to adjust aLM for body size: aLM divided by height squared (aLM/ht(2)), and aLM adjusted for height and FM (residuals). Both FM and aLM were significantly correlated with femoral BMD. However, the correlation coefficients for aLM were lower than for FM; they further decreased after adjustment for height squared, and were no longer significant after correction for both height and FM (residuals). When FM, aLM/ht(2), age, and time spent between fracture occurrence and DXA assessment were included together as the independent variables in a regression model, FM was the only independent variable significantly associated with BMD. The coefficients of partial correlation ranged from 0.414 to 0.647 depending on the femoral region of BMD assessment (P < 0.001). FM, but not SMM emerged as a pivotal determinant of BMD in our sample of hip fracture women.

Fat mass and skeletal muscle mass in hip-fracture women: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between appendicular lean mass (aLM) and age, fat mass (FM), serum levels of Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, three parameters of the protein nutritional status (total lymphocyte count, serum albumin, and insulin-like growth factor I), levels of independence in activities of daily living (assessed by using Barthel index scores), type both of hip fracture and surgical operation, number of medications in use, and number of concomitant diseases in hip-fracture women.

METHODS

We investigated 299 of 327 hip-fracture women admitted consecutively to a rehabilitation hospital. Soft tissue body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, 22.1+/-7.5 (mean+/-S.D.) days after fracture occurrence. Appendicular LM was calculated as the sum of LM in arms and legs. Because metal implants (prostheses and nails) affect the regional assessment of body composition, aLM was corrected by substituting LM in unfractured leg for LM in fractured leg: corrected aLM=(LM in unfractured leg x 2)+LM in arms. We divided corrected aLM by height squared (aLM/ht(2)), to adjust it for body size.

RESULTS

Four variables were significantly correlated with corrected aLM: age, height, FM, and Barthel index score. FM was the only variable significantly correlated with aLM/ht(2) (r=0.492; p<0.001). This significant correlation was not affected after adjustment for age and Barthel index score.

CONCLUSIONS

FM measured after hip fracture was significantly associated with aLM/ht(2) in women.