Treatment-related changes in bone mineral density as a surrogate biomarker for fracture risk reduction: meta-regression analyses of individual patient data from multiple randomised controlled trials

Osteoporosis and fracture risk are multifactorial in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (iRMDs) such as rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases, vasculitides and spondyloarthropathies are at a higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures than are individuals without iRMDs. Research and management recommendations for osteoporosis in iRMDs often focus on glucocorticoids as the most relevant risk factor, but they largely ignore disease-related and general risk factors. However, the aetiopathogenesis of osteoporosis in iRMDs has many facets, including the negative effects on bone health of local and systemic inflammation owing to disease activity, other iRMD-specific risk factors such as disability or malnutrition (for example, malabsorption in systemic sclerosis), and general risk factors such as older age and hormonal loss resulting from menopause. Moreover, factors that can reduce fracture risk, such as physical activity, healthy nutrition, vitamin D supplementation and adequate treatment of inflammation, are variably present in patients with iRMDs. Evidence relating to general and iRMD-specific protective and risk factors for osteoporosis indicate that the established and very often used term 'glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis' oversimplifies the complex inter-relationships encountered in patients with iRMDs. Osteoporosis in these patients should instead be described as 'multifactorial'. Consequently, a multimodal approach to the management of osteoporosis is required. This approach should include optimal control of disease activity, minimization of glucocorticoids, anti-osteoporotic drug treatment, advice on physical activity and nutrition, and prevention of falls, as well as the management of other risk and protective factors, thereby improving the bone health of these patients.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri 6475 and Prevention of Early Postmenopausal Bone Loss: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Daily supplementation with the probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 (L reuteri) vs placebo has previously been demonstrated to reduce bone loss in an estrogen deficiency mice model and older women, although the magnitude of the effect was small. We hypothesized that long-term treatment with L reuteri could result in clinically relevant skeletal benefits in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Objective

To evaluate whether daily supplementation with L reuteri vs placebo could reduce early postmenopausal bone loss and whether the effects remained or increased over time during 2 years of treatment.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted between December 4, 2019, and October 6, 2022, at a single center in Gothenburg, southwestern Sweden. Participants were recruited by online advertisements, and letters were sent to 10 062 women aged 50 to 60 years. Responding women (n = 752) underwent telephone screening, resulting in 292 women being invited to a screening visit. Of those who were screened, 239 women met all inclusion criteria and had no exclusion criteria.

Interventions

Capsules with L reuteri in 2 doses, 5 × 108 (low dose) or 5 × 109 (high dose) colony-forming units, taken twice daily or placebo were administered. All capsules also included cholecalciferol, 200 IU.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the relative change in tibia total volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) over 2 years. Secondary outcomes included relative change in areal BMD of the lumbar spine and total hip, bone turnover markers C-terminal telopeptide cross-links of collagen type I and type I procollagen intact N-terminal propeptide, as well as tibia trabecular bone volume fraction and cortical vBMD. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were conducted.

Results

A total of 239 postmenopausal women (median age, 55 [IQR, 53-56] years) were included. Tibia vBMD (primary outcome), hip and spine vBMD, and tibia cortical area and BMD decreased significantly in all groups, with no group-to-group differences (percent change tibia vBMD high dose vs placebo least-squares means, -0.08 [95 CI, -0.85 to 0.69] and low dose vs placebo least-squares means, -0.22 [95% CI, -0.99 to 0.55]). There were no significant treatment effects on any other predefined outcomes. A prespecified sensitivity analysis found a significant interaction between body mass index (BMI) and treatment effect at 2 years. No significant adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial of 239 early postmenopausal women, supplementation with L reuteri had no effect on bone loss or bone turnover over 2 years. The observed interaction between BMI and treatment effect warrants further investigation.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04169789.

Influence of age on the efficacy of pharmacologic treatments on fracture risk reduction and increases in BMD: RCT results from the FNIH-ASBMR-SABRE project

There is a common belief that antiosteoporosis medications are less effective in older adults. This study used data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether the anti-fracture efficacy of treatments and their effects on BMD differ in people ≥70 compared to those <70 yr. We used individual patient data from 23 RCTs of osteoporosis medications collected as part of the FNIH-ASBMR SABRE project. We assessed the following fractures: radiographic vertebral, non-vertebral, hip, all clinical, and all fractures. We used Cox proportional hazard regression to estimate treatment effect for clinical fracture outcomes, logistic regression for the radiographic vertebral fracture outcome, and linear regression to estimate treatment effect on 24-mo change in hip and spine BMD in each age subgroup. The analysis included 123 164 (99% female) participants; 43% being ≥70 yr. Treatment with anti-osteoporosis drugs significantly and similarly reduced fractures in both subgroups (eg, odds ratio [OR] = 0.47 and 0.51 for vertebral fractures in those below and above 70 yr, interaction P = .19; hazard ratio [HR] for all fractures: 0.72 vs 0.70, interaction P = .20). Results were similar when limited to bisphosphonate trials with the exception of hip fracture risk reduction which was somewhat greater in those <70 (HR = 0.44) vs ≥70 (HR = 0.79) yr (interaction P = .02). Allocation to anti-osteoporotic drugs resulted in significantly greater increases in hip and spine BMD at 24 mo in those ≥70 compared to those <70 yr. In summary, anti-osteoporotic medications similarly reduced the risk of fractures regardless of age, and the few small differences in fracture risk reduction by age were of uncertain clinical significance.

Associations Between Surrogate Markers and Clinical Outcomes for Nononcologic Chronic Disease Treatments

Importance

Surrogate markers are increasingly used as primary end points in clinical trials supporting drug approvals.

Objective

To systematically summarize the evidence from meta-analyses, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and pooled analyses (hereafter, meta-analyses) of clinical trials examining the strength of association between treatment effects measured using surrogate markers and clinical outcomes in nononcologic chronic diseases.

Data sources

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adult Surrogate Endpoint Table and MEDLINE from inception to March 19, 2023.

Study Selection

Three reviewers selected meta-analyses of clinical trials; meta-analyses of observational studies were excluded.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two reviewers extracted correlation coefficients, coefficients of determination, slopes, effect estimates, or results from meta-regression analyses between surrogate markers and clinical outcomes.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Correlation coefficient or coefficient of determination, when reported, was classified as high strength (r ≥ 0.85 or R2 ≥ 0.72); primary findings were otherwise summarized.

Results

Thirty-seven surrogate markers listed in FDA's table and used as primary end points in clinical trials across 32 unique nononcologic chronic diseases were included. For 22 (59%) surrogate markers (21 chronic diseases), no eligible meta-analysis was identified. For 15 (41%) surrogate markers (14 chronic diseases), at least 1 meta-analysis was identified, 54 in total (median per surrogate marker, 2.5; IQR, 1.3-6.0); among these, median number of trials and patients meta-analyzed was 18.5 (IQR, 12.0-43.0) and 90 056 (IQR, 20 109-170 014), respectively. The 54 meta-analyses reported 109 unique surrogate marker-clinical outcome pairs: 59 (54%) reported at least 1 r or R2, 10 (17%) of which reported at least 1 classified as high strength, whereas 50 (46%) reported slopes, effect estimates, or results of meta-regression analyses only, 26 (52%) of which reported at least 1 statistically significant result.

Conclusions and Relevance

Most surrogate markers used as primary end points in clinical trials to support FDA approval of drugs treating nononcologic chronic diseases lacked high-strength evidence of associations with clinical outcomes from published meta-analyses.

State of the Art Imaging of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common disease, particularly prevalent in geriatric populations, which causes significant worldwide morbidity due to increased bone fragility and fracture risk. Currently, the gold-standard modality for diagnosis and evaluation of osteoporosis progression and treatment relies on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which measures bone mineral density (BMD) and calculates a score based upon standard deviation of measured BMD from the mean. However, other imaging modalities can also be used to evaluate osteoporosis. Here, we review historical as well as current research into development of new imaging modalities that can provide more nuanced or opportunistic analyses of bone quality, turnover, and density that can be helpful in triaging severity and determining treatment success in osteoporosis. We discuss the use of opportunistic computed tomography (CT) scans, as well as the use of quantitative CT to help determine fracture risk and perform more detailed bone quality analysis than would be allowed by DXA . Within magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), new developments include the use of advanced MRI techniques such as quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and chemical shift encoding-based water-fat MRI (CSE-MRI) to enable clinicians improved assessment of nonmineralized bone compartments as well as a way to longitudinally assess bone quality without the repeated exposure to ionizing radiation. Within ultrasound, development of quantitative ultrasound shows promise particularly in future low-cost, broadly available screening tools. We focus primarily on historical and recent developments within radiotracer use as applicable to osteoporosis, particularly in the use of hybrid methods such as NaF-PET/CT, wherein patients with osteoporosis show reduced uptake of radiotracers such as NaF. Use of radiotracers may provide clinicians with even earlier detection windows for osteoporosis than would traditional biomarkers. Given the metabolic nature of this disease, current investigation into the role molecular imaging can play in the prediction of this disease as well as in replacing invasive diagnostic procedures shows particular promise.

Real-World Evidence to Support the Registration of a New Osteoporosis Medicinal Product in Europe

Real-World Evidence (RWE), which has historically been used to support post-approval safety studies, has recently gained acceptance for new drug applications as supportive evidence or as new clinical evidence for medicinal products with orphan designation and/or in disease areas with high unmet need. Here, we present a case study for the use of RWE in the approval of abaloparatide in the European Union (EU) under the tradename Eladynos. In addition to data from the pivotal Phase 3 study, the marketing authorization application (MAA) included clinical data from additional interventional and observational studies, as well as post-marketing data obtained from the United States (US) market since approval of abaloparatide by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017. The new interventional studies were not designed to assess fracture efficacy and cardiovascular safety which were topics of concern raised by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) during their review of the initial MAA submitted in 2015. However, these studies taken together with the RWE formed the basis for a new MAA. Prior to the planned resubmission in the EU, national Scientific Advice (SA) was sought on the proposed clinical program, specifically on the relevance of Real-World Data (RWD) derived from an observational study to support and complement the efficacy and safety data already available from prospective randomized clinical trials. This case study demonstrates successful use of RWE to address a previously identified gap raised by the CHMP during the review of an earlier MAA, which led to the approval of Eladynos for the treatment of osteoporosis in the EU.

The effectiveness of ibandronate in reducing the risk of nonvertebral fractures in women with osteoporosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Ibandronate is effective in reducing the risk of vertebral fractures, but experimental evidence offers conflicting results regarding nonvertebral fractures. Real-world evidence has been published evaluating the anti-nonvertebral fracture effect of ibandronate.

AIM

This meta-analysis of observational studies assessed the effectiveness of ibandronate in reducing the risk of nonvertebral fractures in women with osteoporosis.

METHOD

Pubmed/Embase databases were searched for observational studies. Risks of nonvertebral fractures and hip fractures were the outcomes. Meta-analyses were performed pooling rate ratios (RRs), using random-effects models. Data were reanalysed in sensitivity analyses considering Knapp-Hartung method and Bayesian random-effects.

RESULTS

Six cohort studies were included. Overall, once-monthly 150 mg oral ibandronate reduced the risk of nonvertebral fractures (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.76-0.94). Similar results were obtained when the comparison was restricted to once-monthly 150 mg risedronate, but no differences were found when the comparator was other oral bisphosphonates (weekly alendronate/risedronate). Ibandronate didn't significantly change the risk of hip fractures (RR 1.25; 95% CI 0.89-1.76). The risk of hip fracture was comparable between once monthly, 150 mg oral ibandronate and other oral bisphosphonates. Intravenous ibandronate was not effective in reducing hip fractures comparing to intravenous zoledronate. The low number of studies diminished the robustness of sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that once-monthly 150 mg oral ibandronate may be as effective as other oral bisphosphonates in reducing the risk of nonvertebral fractures. However, uncertainty associated to the small number of included studies, which are characterized by heterogeneous demographics and methodologies, precluded definitive conclusions.

Structural differences contributing to sex-specific associations between FN BMD and whole-bone strength for adult White women and men

Hip areal BMD (aBMD) is widely used to identify individuals with increased fracture risk. Low aBMD indicates low strength, but this association differs by sex with men showing greater strength for a given aBMD than women. To better understand the structural basis giving rise to this sex-specific discrepancy, cadaveric proximal femurs from White female and male donors were imaged using nano-CT and loaded in a sideways fall configuration to assess strength. FN pseudoDXA images were generated to identify associations among structure, aBMD, and strength that differ by sex. Strength correlated significantly with pseudoDXA aBMD for females (R2 = 0.468, P < .001) and males (R2 = 0.393, P < .001), but the elevations (y-intercepts) of the linear regressions differed between sexes (P < .001). Male proximal femurs were 1045 N stronger than females for a given pseudoDXA aBMD. However, strength correlated with pseudoDXA BMC for females (R2 = 0.433, P < .001) and males (R2 = 0.443, P < .001) but without significant slope (P = .431) or elevation (P = .058) differences. Dividing pseudoDXA BMC by FN-width, total cross-sectional area, or FN-volume led to significantly different associations between strength and the size-adjusted BMC measures for women and men. Three structural differences were identified that differentially affected aBMD and strength for women and men: First, men had more bone mass per unit volume than women; second, different cross-sectional shapes resulted in larger proportions of bone mass orthogonal to the DXA image for men than women; and third, men and women had different proportions of cortical and trabecular bone relative to BMC. Thus, the proximal femurs of women were not smaller versions of men but were constructed in fundamentally different manners. Dividing BMC by a bone size measure was responsible for the sex-specific associations between hip aBMD and strength. Thus, a new approach for adjusting measures of bone mass for bone size and stature is warranted.

New point-of-care calcaneal ultrasound densitometer (Osteosys BeeTLE) compared to standard dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) represents the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). However, its size and bulkiness limit its use in mass screening. Portable and easily accessible instruments are more suitable for this purpose. We conducted a study to assess the repeatability, sensitivity, accuracy, and validation of a new ultrasound densitometer for the calcaneus (OsteoSys BeeTLe) compared to standard DXA. BMD (g/cm2) was measured at the femoral and lumbar spine levels using DXA (Discovery Acclaim (Hologic, Waltham, MA, USA) or Lunar Prodigy (GE Healthcare, Madison, WI, USA) devices). Bone Quality Index (BQI, a dimensionless measure of bone quality derived from measures of SOS [Speed Of Sound] and BUA [broadband ultrasound attenuation]) was measured with OsteoSys BeeTLe. The Bland-Altman test and simple linear regression were used to evaluate the association between values measured with the two instruments. Additionally, the ability of the T-score calculated with BeeTLe to identify patients with previous osteoporotic fractures was tested using ROC curves. A total of 201 patients (94.5% females) with a mean age of 62.1 ± 10.2 were included in the study. The BeeTLe instrument showed a coefficient of variation (CV, in 75 repeated measurements) of 1.21%, which was not statistically different from the CV of DXA (1.20%). We found a significant association between BQI and BMD at the femoral neck (r2 = 0.500, p < 0.0001), total femur (r2 = 0.545, p < 0.0001), and lumbar spine (r2 = 0.455, p < 0.0001). T-scores bias were 0.215 (SD 0.876), 0.021 (SD 0.889) and 0.523 (SD 0.092), for femoral neck, total hip and lumbar spine respectively. AUC for discriminating fracture and non-fractured patients were not significantly different with OsteoSys BeeTLe and standard DXA. In this preliminary study, BeeTLe, a new point-of-care ultrasound densitometer, demonstrated good repeatability and performance similar to DXA. Therefore, its use can be proposed in screening for osteoporosis.

Hypoxia preconditioning of adipose stem cell-derived exosomes loaded in gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) promote type H angiogenesis and osteoporotic fracture repair

The challenges posed by delayed atrophic healing and nonunion stand as formidable obstacles in osteoporotic fracture treatment. The processes of type H angiogenesis and osteogenesis emerge as pivotal mechanisms during bone regeneration. Notably, the preconditioning of adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) exosomes under hypoxic conditions has garnered attention for its potential to augment the secretion and functionality of these exosomes. In the present investigation, we embarked upon a comprehensive elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of hypo-ADSC-Exos within the milieu of osteoporotic bone regeneration. Our findings revealed that hypo-ADSC-Exos harboured a preeminent miRNA, namely, miR-21-5p, which emerged as the principal orchestrator of angiogenic effects. Through in vitro experiments, we demonstrated the capacity of hypo-ADSC-Exos to stimulate the proliferation, migration, and angiogenic potential of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via the mediation of miR-21-5p. The inhibition of miR-21-5p effectively attenuated the proangiogenic effects mediated by hypo-ADSC-Exos. Mechanistically, our investigation revealed that exosomal miR-21-5p emanating from hypo-ADSCs exerts its regulatory influence by targeting sprouly1 (SPRY1) within HUVECs, thereby facilitating the activation of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Notably, knockdown of SPRY1 in HUVECs was found to potentiate PI3K/AKT activation and, concomitantly, HUVEC proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. The culminating stage of our study involved a compelling in vivo demonstration wherein GelMA loaded with hypo-ADSC-Exos was validated to substantially enhance local type H angiogenesis and concomitant bone regeneration. This enhancement was unequivocally attributed to the exosomal modulation of SPRY1. In summary, our investigation offers a pioneering perspective on the potential utility of hypo-ADSC-Exos as readily available for osteoporotic fracture treatment.

Osteoporosis and low bone mass among schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: A cross-sectional study with newly diagnosed, drug-naïve subjects

BACKGROUND

A growing body of data shows that schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) have substantial metabolic risks; however, few studies have focused on bone metabolism. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated influencing factors of low bone mass and osteoporosis in SCZ and BD before pharmacological effects occur.

METHODS

108 healthy controls (HCs) and drug-naïve individuals with SCZ (n = 56) and BD (n = 130) had their lumbar spine (L1-L4) and left femur (Neck/Trochanter/Ward's triangle) bone mineral density (BMD) determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Besides, we measured bone turnover markers (BTMs) levels, including procollagen I N-terminal propeptide, osteocalcin, and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen in different groups.

RESULTS

Individuals with SCZ and BD had significantly lower BMD and significantly higher prevalence of low bone mass and osteoporosis compared with HCs. In the main observation regions of the total lumbar (F = 18.368, p < 0.001) and left femur (F = 14.790, p < 0.001), BMD was lower in individuals with SCZ and BD than HCs, with SCZ showing lower BMD than BD. The osteocalcin (H = 11.421, p = 0.003) levels were significantly higher in SCZ and BD than HCs. Binary regression analysis showed that SCZ or BD was an independent risk factor for low bone mass and osteoporosis. In addition, sex, age, and BTMs also influenced the occurrence of low bone mass and osteoporosis.

LIMITATIONS

Cross-sectional study.

CONCLUSION

The results findings of the study might contribute to our understanding of the increased risk of bone metabolism in SCZ and BD.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR1900021379.

Evaluating Osteoporosis in Chronic Kidney Disease: Both Bone Quantity and Quality Matter

Bone strength is determined not only by bone quantity [bone mineral density (BMD)] but also by bone quality, including matrix composition, collagen fiber arrangement, microarchitecture, geometry, mineralization, and bone turnover, among others. These aspects influence elasticity, the load-bearing and repair capacity of bone, and microcrack propagation and are thus key to fractures and their avoidance. In chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated osteoporosis, factors traditionally associated with a lower bone mass (advanced age or hypogonadism) often coexist with non-traditional factors specific to CKD (uremic toxins or renal osteodystrophy, among others), which will have an impact on bone quality. The gold standard for measuring BMD is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, which is widely accepted in the general population and is also capable of predicting fracture risk in CKD. Nevertheless, a significant number of fractures occur in the absence of densitometric World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for osteoporosis, suggesting that methods that also evaluate bone quality need to be considered in order to achieve a comprehensive assessment of fracture risk. The techniques for measuring bone quality are limited by their high cost or invasive nature, which has prevented their implementation in clinical practice. A bone biopsy, high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and impact microindentation are some of the methods established to assess bone quality. Herein, we review the current evidence in the literature with the aim of exploring the factors that affect both bone quality and bone quantity in CKD and describing available techniques to assess them.

Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations between Forearm Bone Mineral Density and Anthropometry in Adult Japanese Men and Women

BACKGROUND

No consensus exists regarding which anthropometric measurements are related to bone mineral density (BMD), and this relationship may vary according to sex and age. A large Japanese cohort was analyzed to provide an understanding of the relationship between BMD and anthropometry while adjusting for known confounding factors.

METHODS

Our cohort included 10,827 participants who underwent multiple medical checkups including distal forearm BMD scans. Participants were stratified into four groups according to age (≥50 years or <50 years) and sex. The BMD values were adjusted for confounding factors, after which single and partial correlation analyses were performed. The prevalence of osteopenia was plotted for each weight index (weight or body mass index [BMI]) class.

RESULTS

Cross-sectional studies revealed that weight was more favorably correlated than BMI in the older group (R=0.278 and 0.212 in men and R=0.304 and 0.220 in women, respectively), whereas weight and BMI were weakly correlated in the younger age groups. The prevalence of osteopenia exhibited a negative linear relationship with weight among older women ≥50 years of age, and an accelerated increase was observed with decreasing weight in older men weighing <50 kg and younger women weighing <60 kg. When weight was replaced with BMI, the prevalence was low in most subgroups classified by weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight, rather than BMI, was the most important indicator of osteopenia but it might not be predictive of future bone loss.

Response rates for lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck bone mineral density in men treated with abaloparatide: results from the ATOM study

Osteoporosis in men is an underappreciated public health issue, accounting for approximately 30% of the societal burden of osteoporosis. Although the prevalence of osteoporosis in men is lower, fracture-related morbidity and mortality rates exceed those of women. Abaloparatide is a synthetic, 34-amino acid peptide with homology to human parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), which favors bone formation by selective activation of PTH receptor type 1. In the Abaloparatide for the Treatment of Men With Osteoporosis (ATOM; NCT03512262) trial, 228 men with primary or hypogonadism-associated osteoporosis were randomized to receive subcutaneous injections of abaloparatide 80 μg or placebo. Abaloparatide significantly improved LS, TH, and FN BMD when compared with placebo. In this prespecified analysis, the proportion of men with a percent change from baseline of >0%, >3%, and > 6% in BMD at the LS, TH, and FN at 3, 6, and 12 mo and/or a shift in T-score category (based on LS and TH T-scores) at 12 mo was compared between the abaloparatide and placebo groups in ATOM. There were significantly more men with a BMD gain of >3% at all 3 anatomical sites in the abaloparatide than placebo group at month 6 (18/122 [14.8%] vs 1/70 [1.4%], P = .002) and at month 12 (38/119 [31.9%] vs 1/66 [1.5%], P < .0001). At month 3, more men treated with abaloparatide than placebo had a > 3% BMD increase at the LS (82/134 [61.2%] vs 21/68 [30.9%], P < .0001). A greater proportion of men treated with abaloparatide had an improvement in T-score category from osteoporosis to low BMD or normal when compared with placebo. In conclusion, use of abaloparatide compared with placebo for 12 mo resulted in significant and rapid improvements in BMD in men with osteoporosis from the ATOM study.

Risk of fracture in women with glucocorticoid requiring diseases is independent from glucocorticoid use: An analysis on a nation-wide database

OBJECTIVE

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is a common cause of secondary osteoporosis. However, glucocorticoid requiring diseases pose a risk themselves for fracture. The aim of the present study was to determine the risk of fracture associated with variety of glucocorticoid requiring diseases independently from glucocorticoid use and other risk factors for osteoporosis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of a nation-wide cohort (DeFRACalc79 database). We used multivariable regression analysis adjusting for several risk factors for fracture and glucocorticoid intake to estimate the independent role of glucocorticoid requiring illnesses on fracture risk.

RESULTS

We found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and neurological diseases were at greater risk of vertebral or hip fracture (crude ORs 1.31, 1.20, 1.92 and 2.97 respectively). After adjusting for potential confounders COPD and neurological diseases remained significantly associated with an increased risk of vertebral or hip fractures (aORs 1.33, 95 % CI 1.18-1.49 and 2.43, 95 % CI 2.17-2.74). Rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, IBD and neurological diseases also significantly increased the risk of non-vertebral, non-hip fractures (aORs 1.23, 1.42, 1.52 and 1.94 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Some glucocorticoid requiring diseases were independently associated with an increased risk of fractures. COPD and neurological diseases with both vertebral and non-vertebral fracture risk while RA and IBD were independently associated only with non-vertebral, non-hip fractures.

Determining patient preferences for the medical management of osteoporosis using conjoint analysis

We used conjoint analysis-a method that assesses complex decision making-to quantify patients' choices when selecting an osteoporosis therapy. While 60% of people prioritized medication efficacy when deciding among treatments, the remaining 40% highly valued factors other than efficacy, suggesting the need for personalized shared decision-making tools.

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we aimed to examine patient decision-making surrounding osteoporosis medications using conjoint analysis.

METHODS

We enrolled osteoporosis patients at an academic medical center to complete an online conjoint exercise which calculated each patient's relative importance score of 6 osteoporosis medication attributes (higher = greater relative importance in decision-making). We used latent class analysis to identify distinct segments of patients with similar choice patterns and then used logistic regression to determine if demographics and osteoporosis disease features were associated with latent class assignment.

RESULTS

Overall, 304 participants completed the survey. The rank order of medication attributes by importance score was the following: efficacy at preventing hip fractures (accounted for 31.0% of decision making), mode of administration (17.5%); risk of serious side effects (16.6%); dose frequency (13.9%); efficacy at preventing spine fractures (12.5%); risk of non-serious side effects (8.4%). We found that 60.9% of the cohort prioritized medication efficacy as their top factor when selecting among the therapies. Being a college graduate, having stronger beliefs on the necessity of using medications for osteoporosis, and never having used osteoporosis medicines were the only factors associated with prioritizing medication efficacy for fracture prevention over the other factors in the decision-making process.

CONCLUSIONS

While about 60% of patients prioritized efficacy when selecting an osteoporosis therapy, the remaining 40% valued other factors more highly. Furthermore, individual patient characteristics and clinical factors did not reliably predict patient decision making, suggesting that development and implementation of shared decision-making tools is warranted.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common systemic skeletal disorder resulting in bone fragility and increased fracture risk. Evidence-based screening strategies improve identification of patients who are most likely to benefit from drug treatment to prevent fracture. In addition, careful consideration of when pharmacotherapy should be started, choice of medication, and duration of treatment maximizes the benefits of fracture prevention while minimizing potential harms of long-term drug exposure.

Global burden of hip fracture: The Global Burden of Disease Study

This study is the first to measure global burden of hip fracture in patients aged 55 years and older across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. Our study further proved that the global burden of hip fracture is still large. Hip fractures among males are perhaps underestimated, and older adults should be given more attention.

PURPOSE

Hip fracture is a tremendous universal public health challenge, but no updated comprehensive and comparable assessment of hip fracture incidence and burden exists for most of the world in older adults.

METHODS

Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2019, we estimated the number and rates of the incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLD) of hip fracture across 204 countries and territories in patients aged 55 years and older from 1990 to 2019.

RESULTS

In 2019, the incidence, prevalence, and YLDs rates of hip fracture in patients aged 55 years and older were 681.35 (95% UI 508.36-892.27) per 100000 population, 1191.39 (95% UI 1083.80-1301.52) per 100000 population, and 130.78 (95% UI 92.26-175.30) per 100000 population. During the three decades, the incidence among people aged below 60 years showed a downward trend, whereas it showed a rapid upward trend among older adults. All the numbers and rates of hip fractures among females were higher than those among males and increased with age, with the highest number and rate in the highest age group. Notably, the male to female ratio of the incidence for people aged over 55 years increased from 0.577 in 1990 to 0.612 in 2019. Falls were the leading cause among both sexes and in all age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and the number of hip fractures among patients aged 55 years and older increased over the past three decades, indicating that the global burden of hip fracture is still large. Hip fractures among males are perhaps underestimated, and older adults should be given more attention.

Follow-up Bone Mineral Density Testing: 2023 Official Positions of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard method for measuring bone mineral density (BMD) which is most strongly associated with fracture risk. BMD is therefore the basis for the World Health Organization's densitometric definition of osteoporosis. The International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) promotes best densitometry practices and its official positions reflect critical review of current evidence by domain experts. This document reports new official positions regarding follow-up DXA examinations based on a systematic review of literature published through December 2022. Adoption of official positions requires consensus agreement from an expert panel following a modified RAND protocol. Unless explicitly altered by the new position statements, prior ISCD official positions remain in force. This update reflects increased consideration of the clinical context prompting repeat examination. Follow-up DXA should be performed with pre-defined objectives when the results would have an impact on patient management. Testing intervals should be individualized according to the patient's age, sex, fracture risk and treatment history. Incident fractures and therapeutic approach are key considerations. Appropriately ordered and interpreted follow-up DXA examinations support diagnostic and therapeutic decision making, thereby contributing to excellent clinical care. Future research should address the complementary roles of clinical findings, imaging and laboratory testing to guide management.

Establishing a nomogram to predict refracture after percutaneous kyphoplasty by logistic regression

Introduction

Several studies have examined the risk factors for post-percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) refractures and developed many clinical prognostic models. However, no prior research exists using the Random Forest (RF) model, a favored tool for model development, to predict the occurrence of new vertebral compression fractures (NVCFs). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the risk factors for the occurrence of post-PKP fractures, compare the predictive performance of logistic regression and RF models in forecasting post-PKP fractures, and visualize the logistic regression model.

Methods

We collected clinical data from 349 patients who underwent PKP treatment at our institution from January 2018 to December 2021. Lasso regression was employed to select risk factors associated with the occurrence of NVCFs. Subsequently, logistic regression and RF models were established, and their predictive capabilities were compared. Finally, a nomogram was created.

Results

The variables selected using Lasso regression, including bone density, cement distribution, vertebral fracture location, preoperative vertebral height, and vertebral height restoration rate, were included in both the logistic regression and RF models. The area under the curves of the logistic regression and RF models were 0.868 and 0.786, respectively, in the training set and 0.786 and 0.599, respectively, in the validation set. Furthermore, the calibration curve of the logistic regression model also outperformed that of the RF model.

Conclusion

The logistic regression model provided better predictive capabilities for identifying patients at risk for post-PKP vertebral fractures than the RF model.

Bayesian adaptive design for covariate-adaptive historical control information borrowing

Interest in incorporating historical data in the clinical trial has increased with the rising cost of conducting clinical trials. The intervention arm for the current trial often requires prospective data to assess a novel treatment, and thus borrowing historical control data commensurate in distribution to current control data is motivated in order to increase the allocation ratio to the current intervention arm. Existing historical control borrowing adaptive designs adjust allocation ratios based on the commensurability assessed through study-level summary statistics of the response agnostic of the distributions of the trial subject characteristics in the current and historical trials. This can lead to distributional imbalance of the current trial subject characteristics across the treatment arms as well as between current control data and borrowed historical control data. Such covariate imbalance may threaten the internal validity of the current trial by introducing confounding factors that affect study endpoints. In this article, we propose a Bayesian design which borrows and updates the treatment allocation ratios both covariate-adaptively and commensurate to covariate dependently assessed similarity between the current and historical control data. We employ covariate-dependent discrepancy parameters which are allowed to grow with the sample size and propose a regularized local regression procedure for the estimation of the parameters. The proposed design also permits the current and the historical controls to be similar to varying degree, depending on the subject level characteristics. We evaluate the proposed design extensively under the settings derived from two placebo-controlled randomized trials on vertebral fracture risk in post-menopausal women.

Effects of Dual-Release Hydrocortisone on Bone Metabolism in Primary and Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: A 6-Year Study

Context

Patients with primary (PAI) and secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) experience bone metabolism alterations, possibly due to excessive replacement. Dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) has shown promising effects on several parameters, but bone metabolism has seldom been investigated.

Objective

We evaluated the long-term effects of once-daily DR-HC on bone in PAI and SAI.

Methods

Patients on immediate-release glucocorticoid therapy were evaluated before and up to 6 years (range, 4-6) after switching to equivalent doses of DR-HC, yielding data on bone turnover markers, femoral and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD), and trabecular bone score (TBS).

Results

Thirty-two patients (19 PAI, 18 female), median age 52 years (39.4-60.7), were included. At baseline, osteopenia was observed in 38% of patients and osteoporosis in 9%, while TBS was at least partially degraded in 41.4%. Higher body surface area-adjusted glucocorticoid doses predicted worse neck (P < .001) and total hip BMD (P < .001). Longitudinal analysis showed no significant change in BMD. TBS showed a trend toward decrease (P = .090). Bone markers were stable, albeit osteocalcin levels significantly varied. PAI and SAI subgroups behaved similarly, as did patients switching from hydrocortisone or cortisone acetate. Compared with men, women exhibited worse decline in TBS (P = .017) and a similar trend for neck BMD (P = .053).

Conclusion

After 6 years of chronic DR-HC replacement, BMD and bone markers remained stable. TBS decline is more likely due to an age-related derangement of bone microarchitecture rather than a glucocorticoid effect. Our data confirm the safety of DR-HC replacement on bone health in both PAI and SAI patients.

Skeletal response to teriparatide in real-life setting: effects of age, baseline bone density and prior denosumab use

OBJECTIVES

Teriparatide (TPD) is an osteoanabolic agent used in patients with high osteoporotic fracture risk. Predictors of therapeutic response to TPD in real-life setting are not well characterised. This study investigated the influence of previous antiresorptive therapy, age and other patient characteristics on the skeletal response to TPD.

METHODS

Retrospective study at the metabolic bone clinic, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. Patients with osteoporosis and a high fracture burden received TPD for 9-18 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at baseline, 9 and 18 months at lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN) and total hip (TH).

RESULTS

BMD at LS increased at 9 months (change mean (standard error) 6.8 % (0.7) p < 0.001) and at 18 months (8.0 % (0.9) p < 0.001), while BMD at FN and TH did not change significantly. Non-response in BMD change at the LS was seen with prior denosumab use (odds ratio 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.049-0.912, p = 0.037). Changes in BMD at TH were significantly greater in younger patients and in patients with a lower baseline BMD.

CONCLUSION

TPD-induced changes in BMD at TH might depend on age and baseline BMD and at LS on prior denosumab use. The results suggest that these factors may be relevant for clinical decision making when initiating TPD treatment, although larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Comparison of anti-fracture effectiveness of zoledronate, ibandronate and alendronate versus denosumab in a registry-based cohort study

This registry-based study of 3068 patients with osteoporosis compared the anti-fracture effectiveness of denosumab versus bisphosphonates. Denosumab was associated with significantly greater risk reduction than alendronate or ibandronate for vertebral and any fractures. No difference in fracture risk reduction was found between zoledronate and denosumab.

PURPOSE

To analyse the fracture risk of patients with osteoporosis receiving bisphosphonates or denosumab in a real-world setting.

METHODS

This registry-based cohort study evaluated patients taking denosumab, bisphosphonates or both sequentially. Fractures were analysed using rates, rate ratios and hazard ratios (HR), including both therapies as time-varying co-variates. Fracture risk hazards were adjusted (aHR) for baseline T-Scores and trabecular bone score (TBS) and were additionally analysed with inverse probability treatment weighting.

RESULTS

A total of 3068 patients (89% female; median age at treatment onset, 69 years [63 to 76]) received denosumab (median duration 2.8 years, [2.2 to 4.7]), bisphosphonates (3.4 years, [2.1 to 5.7]) or both sequentially. Thus, 11,078 subject-years were assessed for bisphosphonates (41% alendronate, 36% ibandronate, 23% zoledronate) and 4216 for denosumab. Moreover, 48,375 subject-years were observed before treatment onset, in addition to 2593 years of drug holidays. A total of 1481 vertebral fractures (435 under therapy), 1508 non-vertebral fractures (499 under therapy) and 202 hip fractures (67 under therapy) occurred after age 50. The risks of vertebral, non-vertebral and hip fractures were significantly lower under all bisphosphonates, denosumab and drug holidays than before treatment onset (all p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, baseline T-scores and TBS, denosumab was associated with lower risk than alendronate or ibandronate for vertebral fractures (aHR 0.47 (0.35 to 0.64) and 0.70 [0.53 to 0.91], p < 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively) and any fractures (aHR 0.62 [0.51 to 0.76] and 0.77 [0.64 to 0.92], p < 0.001 and p = 0.004). With propensity weighting, denosumab was associated with a lower hip fracture risk compared to alendronate (HR 0.54 [0.29 to 0.98], p = 0.044). No difference in fracture risk reduction (vertebral, non-vertebral or hip) was found between zoledronate and denosumab.

CONCLUSIONS

When adjusting for disease severity, denosumab was associated with significantly greater risk reduction than alendronate and ibandronate for vertebral fractures. No difference in fracture risk reduction was found between zoledronate and denosumab.

Vitamin D Therapy in Adults With CKD: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Vitamin D is widely used to manage chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). We evaluated the effects of vitamin D therapy on mortality, cardiovascular, bone, and kidney outcomes in adults with CKD.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) with highly sensitive searching of MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL, through February 25, 2023.

SETTING & STUDY POPULATIONS

Adults with stage 3, 4, or 5 CKD, including kidney failure treated with dialysis. Recipients of a kidney transplant were excluded.

SELECTION CRITERIA FOR STUDIES

RCTs with≥3 months of follow-up evaluating a vitamin D compound.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted independently by three investigators.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Treatment estimates were summarized using random effects meta-analysis. Primary review endpoints were all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and fracture. Secondary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events, hospitalization, bone mineral density, parathyroidectomy, progression to kidney failure, proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, biochemical markers of CKD-MBD, and various intermediate outcome measures of cardiovascular disease. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) 2 tool. Evidence certainty was adjudicated using GRADE.

RESULTS

Overall, 128 studies involving 11,270 participants were included. Compared with placebo, vitamin D therapy probably had no effect on all-cause death (relative risk [RR], 1.04; 95% CI, 0.84-1.24); and uncertain effects on fracture (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.37-1.23) and cardiovascular death (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.31-1.71). Compared with placebo, vitamin D therapy lowered serum parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase, but increased serum calcium.

LIMITATIONS

Data were limited by trials with short-term follow-up periods, small sample size, and the suboptimal quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D therapy did not reduce the risk of all-cause death in people with CKD. Effects on fracture and cardiovascular and kidney outcomes were uncertain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered at PROSPERO with study number CRD42017057691.

PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased risk of death, cardiovascular disease, and fractures. This excess risk is thought to be related to changes in bone and mineral metabolism, leading to the development of CKD-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) which is characterized by vascular calcification and reduced bone quality. Vitamin D is commonly used in the treatment of this condition. We reviewed randomized controlled trials examining the effect of vitamin D therapy in CKD. We found that vitamin D therapy affects serum biomarkers, including an increase in serum calcium. However, it probably has no effect on risk of all-cause death in CKD, and the effects on other clinical bone, cardiovascular, and kidney outcomes are uncertain.

A Novel PTH-Related Peptide Combined With 3D Printed Macroporous Titanium Alloy Scaffold Enhances Osteoporotic Osseointegration

Previous parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related peptides (PTHrPs) cannot be used to prevent implant loosening in osteoporosis patients due to the catabolic effect of local sustained release. A novel PTHrP (PTHrP-2) that can be used locally to promote osseointegration of macroporous titanium alloy scaffold (mTAS) and counteract implant slippage in osteoporosis patients is designed. In vitro, PTHrP-2 enhances the proliferation, adhesion, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) within the mTAS. Further, it promotes proliferation, migration, angiogenesis-related protein expression, and angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Compared to PTH(1-34), PTHrP-2 can partially weaken the osteoclast differentiation of RAW 264.7 cells. Even in an oxidative stress microenvironment, PTHrP-2 safeguards the proliferation and migration of BMSCs and HUVECs, reduces reactive oxygen species generation and mitochondrial damage, and partially preserves the angiogenesis of HUVECs. In the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat osteoporosis model, the therapeutic benefits of PTHrP-2-releasing mTAS (mTASP2 ) and ordinary mTAS implanted for 12 weeks via micro-CT, sequential fluorescent labeling, and histology are compared. The results demonstrate that mTASP2 exhibits high bone growth rate, without osteophyte formation. Consequently, PTHrP-2 exhibits unique local synthesis properties and holds the potential for assisting the osseointegration of alloy implants in osteoporosis patients.

The Effects of Polyphenols on Bone Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials

Osteoporosis is a condition favored by the postmenopausal decline in estrogen levels and worsened by oxidative stress (OS). Polyphenols are natural compounds abundantly found in fruits and vegetables, and they exert antioxidant and hormonal effects that could be useful in osteoporosis prevention, as suggested by epidemiological studies showing a lower incidence of fractures in individuals consuming polyphenol-rich diets. The aim of our meta-analysis is to evaluate the effects of polyphenols on bone mineral density (BMD, primary endpoint) and bone turnover markers (BTMs, secondary endpoint) in postmenopausal women. Twenty-one randomized control trials (RCTs) were included in our analysis after in-depth search on PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases. We found that supplementation with polyphenols for 3-36 months exerted no statically significant effects on BMD measured at lumbar spine (sMD: 0.21, 95% CI [-0.08 to 0.51], p = 0.16), femoral neck (sMD: 0.16, 95% CI [-0.23 to 0.55], p = 0.42), total hip (sMD: 0.05, 95% CI [-0.14 to 0.24], p = 0.61), and whole body (sMD: -0.12, 95% CI [-0.42 to 0.17], p = 0.41). Subgroup analysis based on treatment duration showed no statistical significance, but a significant effect on lumbar BMD emerged when studies with duration of 24 months or greater were analyzed separately. On the other hand, we found a significantly slight increase in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) levels (sMD: 1.27, 95% CI [1.13 to 1.42], p < 0.0001) and a decrease in pyridinoline (PD) levels (sMD: -0.58, 95% CI [-0.77 to -0.39], p < 0.0001). High heterogeneity among studies and unclear risk of bias in one third of the included studies emerged. A subgroup analysis showed similar effects for different duration of treatment and models of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner. More robust evidence is needed before recommending the prescription of polyphenols in clinical practice.

[Trabecular bone score in rheumatology : Are there benefits in comparison to bone densitometry alone?]

Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of fractures due to the inflammatory potential of the disease and also because of the treatment with glucocorticoids that is often necessary. According to the current guidelines of the Governing Body on Osteology (DVO), the fracture risk can be assessed using dual energy X‑ray absorptiometry and can also be supplemented by measuring the trabecular bone score (TBS). The assessment of the TBS offers additional advantages, for example in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and in patients with osteoproliferative changes of the spine (spondylarthritis) and thus optimizes the fracture risk assessment in the rheumatological patient population.

Effects of an mHealth physical activity intervention to prevent osteoporosis in premenopausal women. A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

It is critical to develop prevention strategies for osteoporosis that reduce the burden fractures place on individuals and health systems. This study evaluated the effects of an mHealth intervention that delivered and monitored a non-supervised exercise program on bone mineral density (BMD).

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

60 premenopausal women aged 35-50 years were divided into an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). The IG followed a 6-month intervention aimed at increasing osteogenic physical activity, guided by two daily goals: walking at least 10,000 steps and completing 60 impacts over 4 g of acceleration. These goals were monitored using a wearable accelerometer linked to an mHealth app. The CG maintained their regular lifestyle and wore the accelerometer without feedback. BMD was estimated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans at baseline and after 6 months, with group-by-time analyses conducted using ANCOVA. The intervention's impact on physical fitness and activity habits was also evaluated.

RESULTS

46 participants completed the study (IG = 24; CG = 22). The IG showed significant improvements compared to the CG in femoral neck BMD (IG: +0.003 ± 0.029 g/cm2 vs CG: -0.027 ± 0.031 g/cm2), trochanter BMD (IG: +0.004 ± 0.023 g/cm2 vs CG: -0.026 ± 0.030 g/cm2), and total hip BMD (IG: +0.006 ± 0.043 g/cm2 vs CG: -0.040 ± 0.048 g/cm2). The IG also demonstrated significant improvements in physical fitness measures, including peak torque and power at various speeds and positions. No adverse events related to the intervention were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This non-supervised physical activity intervention delivered by wearable-technology and an mHealth app was effective in improving BMD, suggesting its potential for osteoporosis prevention.

[Osteoporosis: treatment of high-risk patients]

Nowadays, different drugs are available for specific treatment of osteoporosis. On the one hand, antiresorptives (raloxifene, bisphosphonates, denosumab) and, on the other hand, bone anabolic drugs (teriparatide and romosozumab) can be used. For both bone anabolic agents, superiority over oral bisphosphonates in high-risk patients was shown in randomized comparative studies. High-risk patients represent a subgroup of osteoporosis patients requiring treatment with a particularly high fracture risk. The very high risk can be recognized by the clinical manifestation (hip or vertebral fracture), the very low T‑score and/or the clinical risk factors (exceeding the bone anabolic threshold of the DVO risk calculator). High-risk patients should be treated with bone anabolic drugs in the first line of treatment. Patients treated with antiresorptives, who develop a very high risk in the course of the disease should be escalated to bone anabolic compounds. Every bone anabolic treatment requires an antiresorptive follow-up treatment. Drug holidays are only possible in exceptional cases for high-risk patients.

Bone Loss in Inflammatory Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Disease Patients Treated With Low-Dose Glucocorticoids and Prevention by Anti-Osteoporosis Medications

OBJECTIVE

The negative effects of glucocorticoids on bone depend on dose and treatment duration. However, it is unclear whether a safe dose exists, especially for patients with inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (iRMDs). We undertook this study to determine the effects of glucocorticoid doses on bone health in iRMD patients.

METHODS

We conducted a longitudinal cohort study on women with iRMD. Bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures were assessed prospectively and compared to a matched cohort without iRMD. Kaplan-Meier curves with log rank test were made for iRMD patients (stratified for glucocorticoid use and dose) and the matched cohort. Multivariable Cox regression survival models were also employed to analyze the effect of glucocorticoids on fracture.

RESULTS

A total of 884 women with iRMD and 1,766 controls (matched for age, T score, and 10-year fracture risk) were included in the study and followed up for up to 6 years. BMD decreased significantly in all patients receiving glucocorticoids who were not receiving anti-osteoporosis treatment (-4.26% for ≥5 mg/day of prednisone equivalent, P = 0.0011; -4.23% for 2.5-5 mg/day, P = 0.0422; -2.66% for 0-2.5 mg/day, P = 0.0006). Anti-osteoporosis treatment (largely bisphosphonates) prevented bone loss only in patients receiving <5 mg/day of prednisone equivalent. Fracture incidence was higher in patients with iRMD compared to controls, but only glucocorticoid doses ≥5 mg/day were associated with significantly higher risk of fracture.

CONCLUSION

Glucocorticoid doses as low as 2.5 mg/day were associated with BMD loss in iRMD patients, but this effect was preventable. BMD loss in patients receiving ≥5 mg/day was not totally prevented by anti-osteoporosis medications currently used in clinical practice, resulting in higher risk of fracture.

Risk Factors of Nonfusion after Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion in the Early Postoperative Period: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

Although high fusion rates have been reported for anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) in the medium and long term, the risk of nonfusion in the early period after ACDF remains substantial. This study investigates early risk factors for cage nonfusion in patients undergoing single- or multi-level ACDF.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. From August 2020 to December 2021, 107 patients with ACDF, including 197 segments, were enrolled, with a follow-up of 3 months. Among the 197 segments, 155 were diagnosed with nonfusion (Nonfusion group), and 42 were diagnosed with fusion (Fusion group) in the early period after ACDF. We assessed the significance of the patient-specific factors, radiographic indicators, serum factors, and clinical outcomes. The Wilcoxon rank sum test, t-tests, analysis of variance, and stepwise multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that smoking, insufficient improvement in the C2-7 Cobb angle (p = 0.024) and the functional spinal unit Cobb angle (p = 0.022) between preoperative and postoperative stages and lower serum calcium (fusion: 2.34 ± 0.12 mmol/L; nonfusion: 2.28 ± 0.17 mmol/L, p = 0.003) β-carboxyterminal telopeptide end of type 1 collagen (β-CTX) (fusion: 0.51 [0.38, 0.71]; nonfusion: 0.43 [0.31, 0.57], p = 0.008), and N-terminal fragment of osteocalcin (N-MID-BGP) (fusion: 18.30 [12.15, 22.60]; nonfusion: 14.45 [11.65, 18.60], p = 0.023) are risk factors for nonfusion in the early period after ACDF. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that poor C2-7 Cobb angle improvement (odds ratio [OR], 1.107 [1.019-1.204], p = 0.017) and lower serum calcium (OR, 3.700 [1.138-12.032], p = 0.030) are risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with successful fusion after ACDF had higher preoperative serum calcium and improved C2-7 Cobb angle than nonfusion patients at 3 months. These findings suggest that serum calcium could be used to identify patients at risk of nonfusion following ACDF and that correcting the C2-7 Cobb angle during surgery could potentially increase fusion in the early period after ACDF.

Efficacy of osteoporosis pharmacological treatments in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to systematically identify and review the efficacy of pharmacological treatments in men with osteoporosis.

METHODS

Medline (via Ovid) and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched up to May 2023 for any randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of osteoporotic treatment on the evolution of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and incidence of fractures of men suffering from primary osteoporosis. If at least two studies used the same pharmacological treatment and evaluated the same outcome, a random effect model meta-analysis was applied to reported pooled mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

From the 1,061 studies identified through bibliographic search, 21 RCTs fitted the inclusion criteria. Bisphosphonates (k = 10, n = 2992 men with osteoporosis) improved all three BMD sites compared to placebo; lumbar spine: MD + 4.75% (95% CI 3.45, 6.05); total hip: MD + 2.72% (95% CI 2.06; 3.37); femoral neck: MD + 2.26% (95% CI 1.67; 2.85). Denososumab (k = 2, n = 242), Teriparatide (k = 2, n = 309) and Abaloparatide (k = 2, n = 248) also produced significant improvement of all sites BMD compared to placebo. Romosozumab was only identified in one study and was therefore not meta-analysed. In this study, Romosozumab increased significantly BMD compared to placebo. Incident fractures were reported in 16 RCTs but only four reported fractures as the primary outcome. Treatments were associated with a lower incidence of fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Medications used in the management of osteoporosis in women appear to provide similar benefits in men with osteoporosis. Therefore, the algorithm for the management of osteoporosis in men could be similar to the one previously recommended for the management of osteoporosis in women.

Strategies to reduce the onset of sleeve gastrectomy associated bone loss (STRONG BONES): Trial design and methods

Background

Despite recognized improvements in obesity-related comorbidities, mounting evidence implicates surgical weight loss in the onset of skeletal fragility. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure and is associated with 3-7% axial bone loss in the year following surgery. Bisphosphonates are FDA-approved medications for the prevention and treatment of age-related bone loss and may represent a strategy to reduce bone loss following SG surgery.

Methods

The Strategies to Reduce the Onset of Sleeve Gastrectomy Associated Bone Loss (STRONG BONES) trial (NCT04922333) is designed to definitively test whether monthly administration of the bisphosphonate, risedronate, for six months can effectively counter SG-associated bone loss. Approximately 120 middle-aged and older (≥40 years) SG patients will be randomized to six months of risedronate or placebo treatment, with skeletal outcomes assessed at baseline, six, and 12-months post-surgery. The primary outcome of the trial is 12-month change in total hip areal bone mineral density (aBMD), measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This will be complemented by DXA-acquired aBMD assessment at other skeletal sites and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) derived changes in bone quality. Change in muscle mass and function will also be assessed, as well as biomarkers of bone health, turnover, and crosstalk, providing mechanistic insight into intervention-related changes to the bone-muscle unit.

Discussion

Results from the STRONG BONES trial have the potential to influence current clinical practice by determining the ability of bisphosphonate use to mitigate bone loss and concomitant fracture risk in middle-aged and older SG patients.

Hormones and Aging: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement

Multiple changes occur across various endocrine systems as an individual ages. The understanding of the factors that cause age-related changes and how they should be managed clinically is evolving. This statement reviews the current state of research in the growth hormone, adrenal, ovarian, testicular, and thyroid axes, as well as in osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, type 2 diabetes, and water metabolism, with a specific focus on older individuals. Each section describes the natural history and observational data in older individuals, available therapies, clinical trial data on efficacy and safety in older individuals, key points, and scientific gaps. The goal of this statement is to inform future research that refines prevention and treatment strategies in age-associated endocrine conditions, with the goal of improving the health of older individuals.

Microscopic colitis is a risk factor for low bone density: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the large bowel characterized by watery diarrhea, substantially decreasing the patient's quality of life. Scarce data suggest that MC is associated with low bone density (LBD).

Objectives

We aimed to assess whether MC is a risk factor for LBD and the proportion of patients with MC having LBD.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting bone density measurements in MC patients.

Data Sources and Methods

We systematically searched five databases from inception to October 16, 2021 (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science). We used the random-effect model to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and pooled event rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To ascertain the quality of evidence of our outcomes, we followed the recommendations of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group.

Results

The systematic search yielded a total of 3046 articles. Four articles were eligible for quantitative synthesis. All of them used age- and sex-matched controls to evaluate LBD occurrence among patients with MC. The odds of having LBD were twofold increased (OR = 2.13, CI: 1.42-3.20) in the presence of MC, the odds of osteopenia occurrence were 2.4 (OR = 2.45, CI: 1.11-5.41), and of osteoporosis 1.4 (OR = 1.42, CI: 0.65-3.12). The proportion of LBD was 0.68 (CI: 0.56-0.78), osteopenia was 0.51 (CI: 0.43-0.58), and osteoporosis was 0.11 (CI: 0.07-0.16) among the MC population. Our findings' certainty of the evidence was very low following the GRADEPro guideline.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that MC is associated with a twofold risk for LBD. Based on our findings, we suggest screening patients for bone mineral density upon diagnosis of MC. Further prospective studies with higher patient numbers and longer follow-up periods on this topic are needed.

Registration

Our protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021283392).

Changes in BMD T-score from pre-to post-treatment with biosimilar teriparatide: A single-arm, multi-center study

Introduction

Teriparatide is a recombinant analog of the parathyroid hormone and an anabolic treatment modality for osteoporosis. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of biosimilar teriparatide (CinnoPar®, CinnaGen Co., Iran) in osteoporotic patients after at least one year of treatment.

Methods

In this multi-center, single-arm study, 239 eligible patients received subcutaneous injections of biosimilar teriparatide 20 μg once daily for at least one year. The main outcome measure was the change in bone mineral density (BMD) T-score from baseline (pre-treatment) to end of the study (post-treatment). In addition, the change in the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) score was calculated to estimate the 10-year probability of major and hip fractures pre-and post-treatment.

Results

A total of 239 patients (age, 63 ± 12.14 years; female, 88.28 %) were included, of which 27.62 % (66/239), 14.64 % (35/239), and 57.74 % (138/239) received biosimilar teriparatide for 12-16 months, 17-20 months, and 21-24 months, respectively. From baseline to end of the study, the T-score at the lumbar spine increased from -2.67 ± 1.04 to -2.26 ± 1.11 (mean percent change, 13.07 ± 62.89; p-value<0.001). Similarly, the T-score at femoral neck increased from -2.18 ± 0.87 to -2.09 ± 0.93 (mean percent change, 3.81 ± 31.52; p-value = 0.006). The proportions of patients with maintained or improved BMD T-score at the lumbar spine and femoral neck sites were 85.36 % (204/239) and 69.04 % (165/239), respectively. Similar results were obtained in subgroups of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and those with a history of a previous fracture or parental hip fracture. FRAX scores did not change significantly during the study (p-values of 0.551 and 0.973 at the lumbar spine and femoral neck, respectively).

Conclusion

We observed considerable improvements in BMD following treatment with the biosimilar teriparatide for one year or more. The biosimilar teriparatide can be considered as an effective treatment option in female and male patients with osteoporosis.

'Skeletal Age' for mapping the impact of fracture on mortality

Background

Fragility fracture is associated with an increased risk of mortality, but mortality is not part of doctor-patient communication. Here, we introduce a new concept called 'Skeletal Age' as the age of an individual's skeleton resulting from a fragility fracture to convey the combined risk of fracture and fracture-associated mortality for an individual.

Methods

We used the Danish National Hospital Discharge Register which includes the whole-country data of 1,667,339 adults in Denmark born on or before January 1, 1950, who were followed up to December 31, 2016 for incident low-trauma fracture and mortality. Skeletal age is defined as the sum of chronological age and the number of years of life lost (YLL) associated with a fracture. Cox's proportional hazards model was employed to determine the hazard of mortality associated with a specific fracture for a given risk profile, and the hazard was then transformed into YLL using the Gompertz law of mortality.

Results

During the median follow-up period of 16 years, there had been 307,870 fractures and 122,744 post-fracture deaths. A fracture was associated with between 1 and 7 years of life lost, with the loss being greater in men than women. Hip fractures incurred the greatest loss of life years. For instance, a 60-year-old individual with a hip fracture is estimated to have a skeletal age of 66 for men and 65 for women. Skeletal Age was estimated for each age and fracture site stratified by gender.

Conclusions

We propose 'Skeletal Age' as a new metric to assess the impact of a fragility fracture on an individual's life expectancy. This approach will enhance doctor-patient risk communication about the risks associated with osteoporosis.

Funding

National Health and Medical Research Council in Australia and Amgen Competitive Grant Program 2019.

Bone mineral density response to long-term bisphosphonate treatment and discontinuation in a real-world clinical service

OBJECTIVE

Bisphosphonate treatment does not increase bone mineral density (BMD) in all subjects particularly at the femoral neck (FN). Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between response to oral bisphosphonate (oBP) at the FN and change in BMD following discontinuation.

METHODS

Data was collected retrospectively from postmenopausal women on oBP for ≥3 years, attending a real-world metabolic clinic at initiation of oBP, discontinuation, and 1-2 years post discontinuation. Improvement in BMD ≥4% in the FN and ≥5% for the lumbar spine (LS) were deemed clinically meaningful and used as least significant change (LSC) values. We divided subjects based on FN BMD response and compared outcomes between responders and non-responders after oBP discontinuation.

RESULTS

Of the 213 subjects, 32.1% showed an increase ≥LSC at the FN compared to 57.1% at the LS on treatment (p<0.0001). FN responders had lower BMD levels at pre-treatment baseline than non-responders both at the FN (0.58 vs. 0.62 g/cm²; p=0.003) and LS (0.76 vs 0.79 g/cm²; p=0.044). Off-treatment, more subjects lost BMD ≥LSC at FN in the responder group than in the non-responder group (37.5% vs. 14.2%; p<0.001). BMD remained above pre-treatment levels in responders after a median follow-up of 1.52 years.

CONCLUSION

BMD response at FN is suboptimal in patients on oBP and is much less common than LS response. FN responders tend to lose the accumulated bone quickly off-treatment, though BMD remains above pre-treatment levels. These observations suggest that new approaches may be needed to optimise osteoporosis management in real-world patients.

Mechanisms underlying the long-term and withdrawal effects of denosumab therapy on bone

Denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody against receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), is a potent inhibitor of osteoclast differentiation and activity. As the first biologic drug used to treat osteoporosis, denosumab has shown potent anti-resorptive properties and anti-fracture efficacy. The effects of this drug are also unique compared with the effects of bisphosphonates: namely, long-term treatment with this drug results in a continuous gain of bone mineral density, whereas withdrawal of the drug results in a transient overshoot in bone turnover and rapid bone loss. Although the mechanisms for these specific effects remain incompletely understood, emerging experimental and clinical data have started to highlight potential biological and pharmacological mechanisms by which denosumab might affect osteoclasts, as well as osteoblasts, and cause both sustained bone gain and bone loss upon treatment cessation. This Perspective discusses those potential mechanisms and the future studies and clinical implications that might ensue from these findings.

Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in individuals over 80 years old and their correlations with musculoskeletal and health parameters

PURPOSE

The present study aims to evaluate the serum concentrations of 25 hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] in individuals aged ≥80 years, independent, free-living in Sao Paulo, Brazil (Lat 23.5 ^oS), and to investigate their associations with musculoskeletal system, physical performance and health markers.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study included 212 community dwellers aged ≥80 years and evaluated serum 25(OH)D, PTH, calcium, albumin, phosphorus, creatinine, bone markers, and bone mineral density. Physical performance was evaluated with stationary march, Flamingo, and functional reach tests, questionnaires to assess falls and fractures in the previous year, energy expenditure (MET), and Charlson index. Physical activity was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was observed in 56% and severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL) in 13% of those individuals. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were significantly and positively associated with BMD total hip (p = 0.001), femoral neck (p = 0.011) and 33% radius (p = 0.046) BMDs, MET (p = 0.03) and functional reach test (p = 0.037) and negatively with age (p = 0.021), PTH (p = 0.004) and osteoporosis diagnosis (p = 0.012). Long-lived individuals with 25(OH)D ≥ 20 ng/mL had higher total hip and femoral neck BMDs (p = 0.012 and p = 0.014, respectively) and lower PTH (p = 0.030). In multiple linear regression analysis, age and osteoporosis diagnosis remained negatively associated with 25(OH)D levels (p = 0.021 and p = 0.001, respectively), while corrected calcium and cholecalciferol use remained positively associated (p = 0.001 and p = 0.024, respectively).

CONCLUSION

We observed high vitamin D inadequacy prevalence in those Brazilian community dwellers' oldest old. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were positively associated with bone mass and dynamic balance, and negatively with PTH and osteoporosis diagnosis. Additionally, 25(OH)D ≥ 20 ng/mL was associated with better bone mass and lower PTH levels.

Ibandronate in the Prevention of Vertebral and Nonvertebral Osteoporotic Fractures: A Systematic Review of Experimental and Observational Studies

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate ibandronate clinical effectiveness in the prevention of osteoporosis-related vertebral fractures (VFs) and nonvertebral fractures (NVFs) in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination's guidance and reporting in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement 2020. A literature search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE since their inception until February 7, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analysis, experimental, and observational studies evaluating adult patients treated with ibandronate and assessed to osteoporotic fractures prevention were included. The risk of bias was assessed according to study design. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Eight references from 4 RCTs, 7 meta-analyses, and 6 observational studies were included. In RCTs, oral ibandronate was superior to placebo in the prevention of VF. However, the doses were lower than those approved. The meta-analyses confirmed these results and showed that adequate doses of oral ibandronate reduce the risk of NVF compared with insufficient doses. In observational studies, oral ibandronate (in approved doses) reduced the risk of VF compared with no treatment or risedronate or alendronate and the risk of NVF versus risedronate or alendronate; the risk of hip fractures was similar between ibandronate and other oral bisphosphonates.

CONCLUSIONS

There is strong evidence that ibandronate reduces the risk of VF in postmenopausal osteoporosis. The available evidence further suggests that ibandronate may reduce the risk of NVF versus insufficient doses of ibandronate, as well as risedronate or alendronate.

Baseline serum PINP level is associated with the increase in hip bone mineral density seen with Romosozumab treatment in previously untreated women with osteoporosis

Baseline serum PINP value was significantly and independently associated with the increased bone mineral density (≥ 3%) in both total hip and femoral necks by 12 months of romosozumab treatment in patients with treatment-naive postmenopausal osteoporosis.

PURPOSE

Some patients fail to obtain a sufficiently increased hip bone mineral density (BMD) by romosozumab (ROMO) treatment. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic factor for increased hip BMD with ROMO in patients with treatment-naive postmenopausal osteoporosis.

METHODS

This prospective, observational, and multicenter study included patients (n = 63: mean age, 72.6 years; T-scores of the lumbar spine [LS], - 3.3; total hip [TH], - 2.6; femoral neck [FN], - 3.3; serum type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide [PINP], 68.5 µg/L) treated by ROMO for 12 months. BMD and serum bone turnover markers were evaluated at each time point. A responder analysis was performed to assess the patient percentage, and both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the factors associated with clinically significant increased BMD (≥ 3%) in both TH and FN.

RESULTS

Percentage changes of BMD from baseline in the LS, TH, and FN areas were 17.5%, 4.9%, and 4.3%, respectively. In LS, 96.8% of patients achieved ≥ 6% increased LS-BMD, although 57.1% could not achieve ≥ 3% increased BMD in either TH or FN. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only the baseline PINP value was significantly and independently associated with ≥ 3% increased BMD in both TH and FN (p = 0.019, 95% confidence interval = 1.006-1.054). The optimal cut-off PINP value was 53.7 µg/L with 54.3% sensitivity and 92.3% specificity (area under the curve = 0.752).

CONCLUSIONS

In a real-world setting, baseline PINP value was associated with the increased BMD of TH and FN by ROMO treatment in treatment-naive patients.

A Quantification Method for Disorganized Bone Components: Application to the Femoral Shaft

Based on the current paradigm, a healthy bone is one with adequate mass without microarchitectural decay. However, these two features may not be sufficient to ensure that a bone is healthy. In addition, components must be correctly assembled and aligned. This ensures "the right amount of bone, at the right place" and thus, an optimal cohesion or interplay between constituents. Disorganization may be an independent contributor to bone abnormalities including fragility fractures. Indeed, many bone diseases may be characterized by the presence of disorganized bone, including osteogenesis imperfecta, hypophosphatasia, and atypical femur fractures (AFFs). Despite its likely importance, currently, there are no tools to quantify disorganization in vivo. We address this unmet need by describing a novel method for quantifying bone disorganization from X-ray images. Disorganization is quantified as variations in the orientation of bone components in relation to a target reference point. True disorganization created by disarranging (misplacing) pixels within the bone served as "gold standard." To further validate the method in clinical settings, we compared disorganization in three groups of femurs: (i) femurs of women with AFFs (n = 9); (ii) fracture-free femurs contralateral to AFFs (n = 9); and (iii) fracture-free femurs from controls (n = 25). There was excellent agreement between measured disorganization and "gold standard," with R ² values ranging from 0.84 to 0.99. Precision error ranged from 1.72% to 4.69%. Disorganization produced by abnormalities associated with AFFs was accurately captured. Disorganization level was lowest in fracture-free control femurs, higher in fracture-free contralateral femurs to AFFs, and highest in femurs with AFFs (all p < 0.0001). Quantification of disorganization, a novel biomarker, may provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of metabolic bone diseases beyond that provided by bone mineral density (BMD) or microarchitecture. We provide evidence that measurement of disorganization is likely to help identify patients at risk for fractures, especially in those poorly explained by BMD or microarchitecture such as AFFs. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Fracture Prediction from Trabecular Bone Score is Unaffected by Anti-Resorptive Treatment: A Registry-Based Cohort Study

Trabecular bone score (TBS) predicts osteoporotic fractures independent of bone mineral density (BMD) and clinical risk factors. The aim of this study was to explore whether anti-resorptive treatment affects fracture risk prediction from TBS using a large clinical registry that includes all dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) tests for the Province of Manitoba, Canada. Cohort 1 included 53,863 individuals aged ≥ 40 years (11.4% men; mean age 64.1 years) who had not received any anti-resorptive therapy in the year prior the baseline DXA. Cohort 2 comprised 22,917 individuals aged ≥ 40 years (6% men, mean age 66.7 years) undergoing a second DXA visit. Anti-resorptive medication was initiated in the first year after DXA in 13,439 (25%) individuals from Cohort 1 (87.9% bisphosphonates); among Cohort 2 8,864 (38.7%) had received anti-resorptive medication in the year before DXA (77.8% bisphosphonates). Incident major osteoporotic fracture (MOF), hip fracture and any fracture were identified over mean follow up 8.6 and 7.0 years for Cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. Area under the curve showed significant risk stratification for all fracture types and treatment levels, whether treatment was initiated after TBS measurement (Cohort 1) or prior to TBS measurement (Cohort 2). In Cox regression models, without and with covariate adjustment, fracture prediction from TBS was unaffected by anti-resorptive medication use (p-interaction >0.5 for all analyses). In conclusion, TBS was a robust predictor of fracture in models adjusted for clinical risk factors and BMD. The use of anti-resorptive therapy, either in the year before or following TBS measurement, did not attenuate fracture risk prediction by TBS compared to untreated individuals.

Disorganization and Musculoskeletal Diseases: Novel Insights into the Enigma of Unexplained Bone Abnormalities and Fragility Fractures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Describe the potential contribution of disorganized tissue to the pathogenesis of bone abnormalities and fractures. Especially, fractures that are unexplained by bone loss (osteoporosis) or structural deterioration.

RECENT FINDINGS

Currently, bone fragility is primarily viewed as due to loss, or decay (osteoporosis). However, it is also acknowledged that this view is limited because it does not explain many fractures or abnormalities such as necrosis, sclerosis, or infarcts. Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) during antiresorptive therapy are an example. Hence, it is proposed that another distinct mechanism is responsible for bone diseases. A remarkable bone property distinct from mass and decay is the organization (arrangement) of its components. Components must be perfectly assembled or well-stacked to ensure "the right amount of bone, at the right place". Disorganization is an aberration that is conspicuous in many diseases, more so in conditions poorly associated with bone mass and decay such as osteogenesis imperfecta, hypophosphatasia, and AFFs. However, despite the likely critical role of disorganization, this feature has received limited clinical attention. This review focuses on the potential contribution of disorganization to bone in health and diseases. Particularly, we propose that disorganization, by causing ineffective transfer of loads, may produce not only bone abnormalities (pain, necrosis, infarct, sclerosis, delayed healing) but also fractures, especially AFFs or stress fractures. A disorganized element is one that is where it shouldn't be (improperly stacked elements). Hence, disorganization can be measured by quantifying the extent to which a tissue (pixel within an image) is at an incorrect location.

Romosozumab efficacy and safety in European patients enrolled in the FRAME trial

In this post hoc analysis, we assessed romosozumab efficacy and safety in European patients enrolled in FRAME. Romosozumab treatment through 12 months, followed by denosumab for a further 24 months, resulted in early and sustained risk reduction for major fracture categories, associated with large gains in bone mineral density.

INTRODUCTION

In the multinational FRAME phase 3 trial of romosozumab in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, marked differences between clinical and non-vertebral fracture outcomes were observed among patients from Central and Southern America versus rest of world. This post hoc analysis assessed romosozumab efficacy and safety in European patients enrolled in the FRAME trial and extension study.

METHODS

In FRAME (NCT01575834), patients were randomised 1:1 to romosozumab 210 mg or placebo monthly (QM) for 12 months, followed by open-label denosumab 60 mg Q6M to month 36, including a 12-month extension study. We report incidence of major fracture outcomes, bone mineral density (BMD) change from baseline and safety for European patients enrolled in FRAME.

RESULTS

In FRAME, 3013/7180 (41.96%) patients were European; 1494 received romosozumab and 1519 received placebo. Through 12 months, romosozumab reduced fracture risk versus placebo for non-vertebral fracture (1.4% versus 3.0%; p = 0.004), clinical fracture (1.4% versus 3.6%; p &lt; 0.001), new vertebral fracture (0.4% versus 2.1%; p &lt; 0.001) and major osteoporotic fracture (0.9% versus 2.8%; p &lt; 0.001), with results sustained through 36 months following transition to denosumab. Hip fractures were numerically reduced with romosozumab at month 12 (0.2% versus 0.6%; p = 0.092). Romosozumab increased BMD versus placebo at month 12; all patients in the romosozumab and placebo groups experienced further increases by month 36 after transition to denosumab. Adverse events were balanced between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among European patients in FRAME, romosozumab resulted in early and sustained risk reduction for all major fracture categories, associated with large BMD gains that continued after transition to denosumab.