Calcium homeostasis of an elderly population upon admission to a nursing home

Ground-Level Falls at Skilled Nursing Facilities Are Associated With More Serious Lower Extremity Injuries Compared With Home

Ground-level falls (GLFs) are the number one cause of injury and death in the older adult population. We compared injury profiles of GLFs at SNFs to those at homes, hypothesizing that GLFs at SNFs would lead to higher risks for serious (AIS ≥ 3) traumatic brain injury (TBI) and lower extremity (LE) injuries compared to GLFs at home. The 2015-2016 Trauma Quality Improvement Program was used to compare patients sustaining GLFs at home and SNFs. From 15,873 patients sustaining GLFs, 14,306 (90.1%) occurred at home while 1,567 (9.9%) at SNFs. More patients with GLFs at SNFs were female, older, and had greater incidence of congestive heart failure, end-stage renal disease, and dementia ( p < 0.001) compared to those at home. Although, GLF SNF patients had lower injury severity scores (9 vs. 10, p < 0.001) and incidence for TBI (28.0% vs 33.4%, p < 0.001), they had a higher rate of femur fractures (55.1% vs. 38.9%, p < 0.001). After controlling for female, end stage renal disease, smoking, dementia, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, and stroke, patients falling at SNFs had an increased risk of sustaining serious LE injury AIS (OR 1.64, p < 0.001), but not serious TBI AIS (OR 0.89, p = 0.073). In conclusion, compared to GLFs at home, those at SNFs have a higher risk for serious LE injury, with femur fractures being the most common. However, GLFs at SNFs and homes had no significant difference in risk for serious TBI. Future studies are warranted to evaluate preventative measures to reduce LE injuries at SNFs.

High Prevalence of Hypovitaminosis D in Institutionalized Elderly Individuals is Associated with Summer in a Region with High Ultraviolet Radiation Levels

Vitamin D may play a significant role in regulating the rate of aging. The objective of the study was to assess vitamin D status and its associated factors in institutionalized elderly individuals. A total of 153 elderly individuals living in Nursing Homes (NH) were recruited into the study. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration was used as the biomarker of vitamin D status, and it was considered as the dependent variable in the model. The independent variables were the type of NH, age-adjusted time of institutionalization, age, sex, skin color, body mass index, waist and calf circumference, physical activity practice, mobility, dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium, vitamin D supplementation, use of antiepileptics, and season of the year. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations less than or equal to 29 ng/mL were classified as insufficient vitamin D status. The prevalences of inadequate dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium were 95.4% and 79.7%, respectively. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 71.2%, and the mean serum concentration of 25(OH)D was 23.9 ng/mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.8-26.1). Serum 25(OH)D concentration was associated with the season of summer (p = 0.046). There were no associations with other independent variables (all p > 0.05). The present results showed that a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was significantly associated with summer in institutionalized elderly individuals.

The Association Between Vitamin D Status, Vitamin D Supplementation, Sunlight Exposure, and Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND This literature review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the association between deficiency of vitamin D, or 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and Parkinson's disease, and whether vitamin D from supplements and sunlight improves the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS A literature review and meta-analysis were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Systematic literature review was performed using databases that included the Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase. The Jadad scale (the Oxford quality scoring system) and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) were used to evaluate the quality of the studies. RESULTS Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. Both 25-hydroxyvitamin D insufficiency (<30 ng/mL) (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.29-2.43; P<0.001) and deficiency (<20 ng/mL) (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.98-3.27; P<0.001) were significantly associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease when compared with normal controls Sunlight exposure (³15 min/week) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease (OR, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.00-0.10; P<0.001). The use of vitamin D supplements was effective in increasing 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (SMD, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.40-2.18; P<0.001), but had no significant effect on motor function (MD, -1.82; 95% CI, -5.10-1.45; P=0.275) in patients with Parkinson's disease. CONCLUSIONS Insufficiency and deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and reduced exposure to sunlight were significantly associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. However, vitamin D supplements resulted in no significant benefits in improving motor function for patients with Parkinson's disease.

Prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in European women aged over 80 years

Inadequate vitamin D status is associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism and increased bone turnover and bone loss, which in turn increases fracture risk. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of inadequate vitamin D status in European women aged over 80 years. Assessments of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (25(OH)D) were performed on 8532 European women with osteoporosis or osteopenia of which 1984 were aged over 80 years. European countries included in the study were: France, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Hungary, United Kingdom, Spain and Germany. Two cut-offs of 25(OH)D inadequacy were fixed: <75 nmol/L (30 ng/ml) and <50 nmol/L (20 ng/ml). Mean (SD) age of the patients was 83.4 (2.9) years, body mass index was 25.0 (4.0) kg/m(2) and level of 25(OH)D was 53.3 (26.7) nmol/L (21.4 [10.7] ng/ml). There was a highly significant difference of 25(OH)D level across European countries (p<0.0001). In these women aged over 80 years, the prevalence of 25(OH)D inadequacy was 80.9% and 44.5% when considering cut-offs of 75 and 50 nmol/L, respectively. In the 397 (20.0%) patients taking supplemental vitamin D with or without supplemental calcium, the mean serum 25(OH)D level was significantly higher than in the other patients (65.2 (29.2) nmol/L vs. 50.3 (25.2) nmol/L; P<0.001). This study indicates a high prevalence of vitamin D (25(OH)D) inadequacy in old European women. The prevalence could be even higher in some particular countries.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and association with functional status in newly admitted male veteran nursing home residents

OBJECTIVES

To provide the first report on prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in newly admitted nursing home (NH) residents and associations with functional disabilities and chronic diseases.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Nursing home (NH).

PARTICIPANTS

Male veterans newly admitted to a NH for rehabilitation, skilled-nursing care, intermediate care, or respite care between January 2011 and June 2012.

MEASUREMENTS

Total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured on admission. Vitamin D supplement users and those without 25(OH)D measurement within 7 days of admission were excluded, leaving an analytical sample of 104 residents. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D less than 20 ng/mL. Data were collected on age, ethnicity, season, body mass index (BMI), functional disability in activities of daily living (ADLs) (mobility, bathing, dressing, toileting, continence, and feeding), and prevalent chronic diseases.

RESULTS

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 49.0%. In multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for age, ethnicity, and BMI, vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with number of ADL disabilities (odds ratio (OR) = 1.4 for each 1-point increase in ADL disability score, P = .03) and prevalent diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.0, P = .03). In regression models using each ADL disability as a separate variable, only disability in feeding (OR = 4.7, P = .05) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.9, P = .04) remained significant.

CONCLUSION

Almost half the individuals entering the NH and not taking vitamin D supplements had vitamin D deficiency. Greater number of ADL disabilities, disability in feeding, and prevalent diabetes mellitus were independently associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D reduces falls and hip fractures in vascular Parkinsonism but not in Parkinson's disease

Purpose

Vitamin D supplementation is suggested to reduce the risk of falls in older institutionalized or ambulatory individuals by 20%. The present study was undertaken to address the reduced risk, by vitamin D supplementation, of falls and hip fractures in patients with vascular Parkinsonism (VP) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Patients and methods

In the open-label-study, 94 elderly patients with VP and 92 age-matched patients with PD were followed for 2 years. All patients received 1200 IU ergocalciferol daily. The number of falls per person and incidence of hip fractures were compared between the two groups.

Results

At baseline, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels were in the deficient range (<25 nmol/L) in all patients, and vitamin D treatment enhanced serum 25-OHD and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels in both groups. Improved muscle strength of lower extremities was observed in both groups. There was significant difference between the two groups in the number of falls per subject during the 2 years (1.9 ± 0.5 in the PD group and 0.8 ± 0.4 in the VP group, P < 0.001). Hip fractures occurred in seven of 88 in the PD group and one in 90 of the VP group during the 2-year study period (P = 0.035).

Conclusion

It is suggested that vitamin D decreases falls and hip fractures in VP by increasing muscle strength but not in PD.

Vitamin D supplementation in older adults: searching for specific guidelines in nursing homes

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is very high in the nursing home (NH) population. Paradoxically, vitamin D insufficiency is rarely treated despite of strong clinical evidence and recommendations for supplementation. This review aims at reporting the current knowledge of vitamin D supplementation in NH and proposing recommendations adapted to the specificities of this institutional setting.

DESIGN

Current literature on vitamin D supplementation for NH residents was narratively presented and discussed by the French Group of Geriatrics and Nutrition.

RESULT

Vitamin D supplementation is a safe and well-tolerated treatment. Most residents in NH have vitamin D insufficiency, and would benefit from vitamin D supplement. However, only few residents are actually treated. Current specific and personalized protocols for vitamin D supplementation may not be practical for use in NH settings (e.g., assessment of serum vitamin D concentrations before and after supplementation). Therefore, our group proposes a model of intervention based on the systematic supplementation of vitamin D (1,000 IU/day) since the patient's admission to the NH and throughout his/her stay without the need of a preliminary evaluation of the baseline levels. Calcium should be prescribed only in case of poor dietary calcium intake.

CONCLUSION

A population-based rather than individual-based approach may probably improve the management of vitamin D insufficiency in the older population living in NH, without increasing the risks of adverse health problems. The clinical relevance and cost effectiveness of this proposal should be assessed under NH real-world conditions to establish its feasibility.

FRAX or fiction: determining optimal screening strategies for treatment of osteoporosis in residents in long-term care facilities

OBJECTIVES

To examine screening strategies for osteoporosis and fractures for treatment of long-term care residents.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis to examine screening strategies for treatment.

SETTING

Assisted living and skilled care facilities.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred two frail women aged 65 and older (mean 85), excluding those receiving bisphosphonates.

MEASUREMENTS

Clinical fractures of the hip or spine (Clin Fx); Clin Fx or bone mineral density (BMD); Clin Fx, BMD, or vertebral fractures (VF) assessed according to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-based vertebral fracture assessments; fracture risk algorithm using femoral neck BMD (FRAX-FN); fracture risk algorithm using body mass index (FRAX-BMI); or Clin Fx or heel ultrasound (heel US).

RESULTS

Treatment eligibility ranged from 17% (Clin Fx) to 98% (FRAX-BMI). VFs were found in 47%, 74% of which were silent. Criteria with Clin Fx, BMD, or VF identified 73% of study participants for treatment. FRAX-FN suggested treatment in 81% but would have missed approximately 10% of individuals with silent VFs. Clin Fx or heel US suggested that 39% of participants were eligible for treatment.

CONCLUSION

Long-term care residents eligible for osteoporosis treatment ranged from fewer than 20% to roughly all residents depending on screening criteria. VFs are common and identify a subset of residents missed by conventional BMD scans or FRAX-FN. A reasonable clinical approach could consider treatment for those with Clin Fx of the hip or spine, radiological evidence of a VF, or osteoporosis according to BMD classification. Prospective studies are needed to determine optimal screening strategies for treatment in this cohort.

Lessons learned from an osteoporosis clinical trial in frail long-term care residents

BACKGROUND

Although osteoporosis affects women of all ages, the impact is most pronounced in frail residents in long-term care. Nevertheless, few interventional trials have been performed in this population, and few data on therapeutic alternatives are available in this cohort.

PURPOSE

We describe the challenges and lessons learned in developing and carrying out a trial in frail long-term-care residents.

METHODS

The Zoledronic acid in frail Elders to STrengthen bone (ZEST) study was designed to examine the safety and efficacy of a single-dose therapy for osteoporosis in frail residents in long-term care in the Pittsburgh area. Women with osteoporosis who were 65 years of age and older and currently not on therapy were randomized in a blinded fashion to intravenous zoledronic acid or placebo. Follow-up of each participant was planned for 2 years. All participants received appropriate calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and thirty-three contacts were made with long-term care residents of nine participating facilities. Of 252 women screened, 181 were eligible, enrolled, and randomized. Multiple barriers to research in long-term-care facilities were encountered but overcome with direct communication, information sessions, in-service trainings, and social events. Lessons learned included designing the study in a manner that avoided placing an additional burden on an already overcommitted facility staff, a two-stage consent process to separate screening from randomization, and a flexible examination schedule to accommodate residents while obtaining the necessary outcome measurements. Furthermore, a mobile unit accessible to participants containing state-of-the-art dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), assessment for vertebral fractures, and phlebotomy equipment allows all assessments to be performed on-site at each facility. Serious adverse events are collected from affiliated hospitals in real time with a novel electronic surveillance system.

LIMITATIONS

The major limitation is selection of outcomes that can be assessed at participating facilities and do not require transport of participants to hospitals or clinics.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical research for osteoporosis can be successfully and safely performed with frail residents in long-term care facilities. Lessons learned from this study may inform future investigations among frail elderly residents of these facilities.

The prevention of hip fracture with menatetrenone and risedronate plus calcium supplementation in elderly patients with Alzheimer disease: a randomized controlled trial

A high incidence of fractures, particularly of the hip, represents an important problem in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD), who are prone to falls and have osteoporosis. We previously found that vitamin K deficiency and low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) with compensatory hyperparathyroidism cause reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in female patients with AD. This may modifiable by intervention with menatetrenone (vitamin K2) and risedronate sodium; we address the possibility that treatment with menatetrenone, risedronate and calcium may reduce the incidence of nonvertebral fractures in elderly patients with AD. A total of 231 elderly patients with AD were randomly assigned to daily treatment with 45 mg of menatetrenone or a placebo combined with once weekly risedronate sodium, and followed up for 12 months. At baseline, patients of both groups showed high undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) and low 25-OHD insufficiency with compensatory hyperparathyroidism. During the study period, BMD in the treatment group increased by 5.7% and increased by 2.1% in the control group. Nonvertebral fractures occurred in 15 patients (10 hip fractures) in the control group and 5 patients (2 hip fractures) in the treatment group. The relative risk in the treatment group compared with the control group was 0.31 (95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.81). Elderly AD patients with hypovitaminosis K and D are at increased risk for hip fracture. The study medications were well tolerated with relatively few adverse events and effective in reducing the risk of a fracture in elderly patients with AD.

Amelioration of osteoporosis and hypovitaminosis D by sunlight exposure in Parkinson's disease

A high incidence of fractures, particularly of the hip, represents an important problem in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), who are prone to falls and have osteoporosis. We previously showed that 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) deficiency due to sunlight deprivation with compensatory hyperparathyroidism causes reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly patients with PD. The present study was undertaken to address the possibility that sunlight exposure may maintain BMD and reduce the incidence of hip fracture in elderly patients with PD. In a prospective study, PD patients were assigned to regular sunlight exposure (n=162) or usual lifestyle (n=162), and followed for 2 years. BMD of the second metacarpal bone was measured using a computed X-ray densitometer. Incidence of hip fracture in the two patient groups during the 2 year follow-up period was assessed. At baseline, patients of both groups showed vitamin D deficiency due to sunlight deprivation with compensatory hyperparathyroidism. The exposed group patients were exposed to sunlight (3231 min/year). BMD increased by 3.8% in the sunlight-exposed group and decreased by 2.6% in the usual lifestyle group (p<.0001). Serum 25-OHD level increased from 27 nmol/L to 52 nmol/L in the sunlight-exposed group. Eleven patients sustained hip fracture in the normal lifestyle group, and 3 fractures occurred among the sunlight-exposed group (p=.03; odds ratio=2.4). Sunlight exposure can increase the BMD of vitamin D deficient bone by increasing 25-OHD concentration and leads to the prevention of hip fracture.

What are the beliefs, attitudes and practices of front-line staff in long-term care (LTC) facilities related to osteoporosis awareness, management and fracture prevention?

BACKGROUND

Compared to the general elderly population, those institutionalized in LTC facilities have the highest prevalence of osteoporosis and subsequently have higher incidences of vertebral and hip fractures. The goal of this study is to determine how well nurses at LTC facilities are educated to properly administer bisphosphonates. A secondary question assessed was the nurse's and PSW's attitudes and beliefs regarding the role and benefits of vitamin D for LTC patients.

METHODS

Eight LTC facilities in Hamilton were surveyed, and all nurses were offered a survey. A total 57 registered nurses were surveyed. A 21 item questionnaire was developed to assess existing management practices and specific osteoporosis knowledge areas.

RESULTS

The questionnaire assessed the nurse's and personal support worker's (PSWs) education on how to properly administer bisphosphonates by having them select all applicable responses from a list of options. These options included administering the drug before, after or with meals, given with or separate from other medications, given with juice, given with or without water, given with the patient sitting up, or finally given with the patient supine. Only 52% of the nurses and 8.7% of PSWs administered the drug properly, where they selected the options: (given before meals, given with water, given separate from all other medications, and given in a sitting up position). If at least one incorrect option was selected, then it was scored as an inappropriate administration. Bisphosphonates were given before meals by 85% of nurses, given with water by 90%, given separately from other medication by 71%, and was administered in an upright position by 79%. Only 52% of the nurses and 8.7% of PSWs surveyed were administering the drug properly. Regarding the secondary question, of the 57 nurses surveyed, 68% strongly felt their patients should be prescribed vitamin D supplements. Of the 124 PSWs who completed the survey, 44.4% strongly felt their patients should be prescribed vitamin D supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Bisphosphonates are quite effective in increasing the bone mineral density of LTC patients, and may reduce fracture rates, but it is only effective if properly administered. In our study, proper administration of bisphosphonate therapy was less than optimal. In summary, although the education of health providers has improved since the mid-1990's, this area still requires further attention and the subject of future quality assurance research.

RETRACTED: Beneficial effect of etidronate therapy in chronically hospitalized, disabled patients with stroke

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief due to data fabrication, systematic authorship misconduct, text duplication, concerns about data integrity, and scientific misconduct. In addition, several publications reporting non-randomized research by members of this group of investigators have been retracted.

A scoping review of strategies for the prevention of hip fracture in elderly nursing home residents

BACKGROUND

Elderly nursing home residents are at increased risk of hip fracture; however, the efficacy of fracture prevention strategies in this population is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a scoping review of randomized controlled trials of interventions tested in the long-term care (LTC) setting, examining hip fracture outcomes.

METHODS

We searched for citations in 6 respective electronic searches, supplemented by hand searches. Two reviewers independently reviewed all citations and full-text papers; consensus was achieved on final inclusion. Data was abstracted in duplicate.

FINDINGS

We reviewed 22,349 abstracts or citations and 949 full-text papers. Data from 20 trials were included: 7--vitamin D (n = 12,875 participants), 2--sunlight exposure (n = 522), 1--alendronate (n = 327), 1--fluoride (n = 460), 4--exercise or multimodal interventions (n = 8,165), and 5--hip protectors (n = 2,594). Vitamin D, particularly vitamin D(3) > or = 800 IU orally daily, reduced hip fracture risk. Hip protectors reduced hip fractures in included studies, although a recent large study not meeting inclusion criteria was negative. Fluoride and sunlight exposure did not significantly reduce hip fractures. Falls were reduced in three studies of exercise or multimodal interventions, with one study suggesting reduced hip fractures in a secondary analysis. A staff education and risk assessment strategy did not significantly reduce falls or hip fractures. In a study underpowered for fracture outcomes, alendronate did not significantly reduce hip fractures in LTC.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention with the strongest evidence for reduction of hip fractures in LTC is Vitamin D supplementation; more research on other interventions is needed.

Accelerated bone remodeling in patients with poststroke hemiplegia

A significant bone-mass reduction occurs on the hemiplegic side of stroke patients because of disuse and vitamin D deficiency. This may explain why hip fractures in poststroke patients occur almost exclusively on the hemiplegic side. To further evaluate this osteopenia, bone mineral density (BMD) in both second metacarpals was assessed in 61 patients and 28 control subjects. Serum concentrations of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OC), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), and calcium also were determined. The patients' BMD values were higher on the hemiplegic side than on the nonhemiplegic side. BMD on the hemiplegic side correlated positively with serum concentrations of PTH, OC and TRAP, which exceeded those in control subjects. Serum 25-OHD was low in patients, correlating negatively with BMD on the hemiplegic side. Serum PTH correlate positively with the levels of OC and TRAP and negatively with 25-OHD concentrations. The results indicate that skeletal remodeling is accelerated in patients with hemiplegia, with resorption predominating. We concluded that vitamin D deficiency and compensatory secondary hyperparathyroidism stimulating skeletal turnover is an important cause of osteopenia in the hemiplegic limbs of stroke patients. This osteopenia might be corrected by administration of etidronate to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption together with a vitamin D supplement.

Osteoporosis in Long-Term Care Residents with Multiple Sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the fracture risk of long-term care residents with multiple sclerosis (MS) using ultrasound heel-scan technology and identification of risk factors and areas where intervention by a pharmacist might affect patient outcomes.

DESIGN

Bilateral-heel scans were performed on all patients who consented to take part in the study. A retrospective review of each subject's medical records was performed to identify known risk factors for osteoporosis.

SETTING

A long-term care facility in Omaha, Nebraska.

PARTICIPANTS

All patients with a primary diagnosis of MS residing at the facility were eligible for participation. Of 11 patients identified, 10 consented to participate.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

T-scores of the right and left heel as determined by ultrasound-heel scan were used to determine if study participants met criteria for osteopenia or osteoporosis as set forth by the World Health Organization.

CONCLUSION

Patients in our population who have MS are at high risk for fracture. There are several areas in which pharmacists can intervene to prevent fracture and improve patient outcomes, including administration of heel scans for persons believed to be at risk, recommendation of over-the-counter supplements, and education of both patients and health care practitioners.

Highest prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in institutionalized women compared with noninstitutionalized women: a case-control study

The reduced capacity of older skin to synthesize vitamin D(3) under the influence of ultraviolet light makes older persons at risk of vitamin D deficiency. The risk could even be increased in institutionalized persons owing to their lower sunshine exposure. It has been reported that an inadequate vitamin D level is associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism, increased bone turnover, and bone loss, which increase fracture risk. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of inadequate serum vitamin D levels in institutionalized, postmenopausal, osteoporotic women. Assessment of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was performed in 445 institutionalized, osteoporotic women from nine countries (Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain and UK). For each institutionalized woman, three age-matched, noninstitutionalized, osteoporotic controls were also included. Four cutoffs of 25(OH)D inadequacy were fixed: less than 80, less than 75, less than 50 and less than 30 nmol/l. Mean age was 79.7 years (standard deviation [SD] = 5.8) for the institutionalized women and 79.5 years (SD = 5.5) for the noninstitutionalized women (p = 0.45). Significantly fewer institutionalized women received vitamin D supplements (13.2 vs 24.0%; p < 0.0001). In women without vitamin D supplements, the level of 25(OH)D was significantly lower in institutionalized women (56.9 [SD = 23.9] nmol/l) compared with noninstitutionalized women (63.2 [SD = 22.0] nmol/l; p < 0.0001). In institutionalized women (without vitamin D supplements), the prevalence of 25(OH)D inadequacy was 10.4, 41.2, 80.3 and 84.2% when considering cutoffs of 80, 75, 50 and 30 nmol/l, respectively. In the control group, the prevalence was 2.7, 22.9, 74.4 and 81.7%, respectively. The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy was significantly higher in institutionalized women when considering the 75, 50 and 30 nmol/l cutoffs but not when considering the 80 nmol/l cutoff. This study highlights a high prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in institutionalized, osteoporotic women. Compared with age-matched osteoporotic controls, the prevalence of severe vitamin D inadequacy was substantially more important in institutionalized women. We believe that a greater awareness of the importance of vitamin D inadequacy is needed in order to address this public health problem.

Could a policy of provision of hip protectors to elderly nursing home residents result in cost savings in acute hip fracture care? The case of Ontario, Canada

Hip fractures are an important problem in nursing homes. Hip protectors are external devices that decrease the risk of hip fracture in elderly nursing home residents. We estimated the overall healthcare cost savings from a hypothetical strategy of provision of hip protectors to elderly nursing home residents in Ontario, Canada. In a recent meta-analysis, we determined that a strategy of provision of hip protectors decreases the risk of hip fracture in nursing home residents.

INTRODUCTION

Our objective was to determine whether the provision of hip protectors to all Ontario nursing home residents aged > or =65 years could result in cost savings, stemming from reductions in initial hospitalizations for hip fracture.

METHODS

We conducted a cost analysis from a Ministry of Health perspective (one year cycle length). The efficacy of the intervention was estimated from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

RESULTS

A strategy of provision of hip protectors to all 60,775 elderly Ontario nursing home residents could result in an overall mean cost savings of 6.0 million Canadian dollars in one year (95% credibility interval, -26.4 million, 39.7 million), with a probability of cost savings of 0.63 (assuming no additional labor costs). In sensitivity analyses, decreasing hip protector price increased cost savings, whereas additional labor expenditures for application for hip protectors decreased cost savings.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, if hip protectors can be provided to elderly Ontario nursing home residents without additional labor expenditures, there is a reasonable probability that such a strategy may result in healthcare cost savings.

The use of hip protectors in long-term care facilities: a survey of nursing home staff

OBJECTIVES

To determine the level of exposure to hip protectors and barriers to their use in nursing homes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We conducted a written survey of 160 staff (including administrators) in 5 nursing homes in the Hamilton-Wentworth region, Ontario, Canada.

MEASUREMENTS

The results of primary analyses were expressed as percentage of respondents.

RESULTS

Among respondents of respective institutions, the rate of prior exposure to hip protectors varied from 40.9% to 100.0% and the rate of prior experience applying these devices varied from 14.3% to 80.0%. The most frequently cited main barriers to the use of hip protectors in long-term care facilities included physicians not thinking to prescribe them, expense, lack of evidence of benefit in this population, wearer discomfort, and wearer removal. A lack of staff time to apply these devices was rarely cited. The majority of staff believed that nursing home residents with a prior history of fracture, those who fall frequently, or those who are unsteady on their feet should wear hip protectors.

CONCLUSIONS

The exposure of surveyed nursing home staff to hip protectors was variable but most agreed that residents who are at increased risk of hip fracture should wear them. Some identified barriers to the use of hip protectors in long-term care facilities were physicians not thinking to prescribe them, expense, lack of evidence of benefit in this population, wearer discomfort, and wearer removal. Such barriers need to be addressed for hip protector implementation strategies to be successful in nursing homes.

Hypovitaminosis D in an Italian population of healthy subjects and hospitalized patients

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and seasonal variation of hypovitaminosis D (defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level below 30 nmol/l) among healthy subjects and hospitalized patients living in central Italy. We studied 297 subjects, 131 in February 1997 and 166 in July 1997, subdivided into four groups: (a) young healthy blood donors; (b) healthy postmenopausal women; (c) inpatients with various medical diseases and (d) inpatients engaged in long-term rehabilitation programmes because of various neurological disorders. In all subjects and patients serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured by radioimmunoassay. We found a significant seasonal variation (P< 0·0001) of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, mean values being higher in summer in all groups, except in patients with a longer hospitalization time (group (d)). In each group, a significantly higher prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was found in winter compared with summer time (P< 0·001), being unexpectedly high in postmenopausal women (winter 32 % and summer 4·5 %); furthermore, in both seasons, inpatients were characterized by the highest incidences of hypovitaminosis, particularly those in group (d) (winter 82·3 % and summer 57·8 %). The results of the present study emphasize the importance of 25-hydroxyvitamin D measurement, and the need to increase vitamin D intake in Italy; foodstuff fortification and supplement use must be considered in order to prevent negative effects of vitamin D deficiency on skeletal integrity.

A Quality Improvement Study on Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation in Long-term Care

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of a quality improvement (QI) study on improving calcium and vitamin D supplementation in a long-term care setting.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

An academic long-term care facility that specializes in dementia care in St Louis, MO.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants consisted of 83 long-term care residents.

INTERVENTION

The quality improvement team created an educational letter that was signed by the medical director and sent to the facilities' primary care physicians. This letter provided clinicians with the rationale and method to achieve adequate calcium supplementation, assess vitamin D status, and provide adequate vitamin D supplementation in our long-term care setting. Following the letter, the facility pharmacist reviewed the orders during monthly medication reviews and faxed requests to the primary care physicians for appropriate supplements or laboratory tests when necessary.

MEASUREMENTS

We reviewed the charts for the presence of calcium supplementation orders, vitamin D levels, and vitamin D supplementation before and after our QI intervention.

RESULTS

Of the 83 resident charts that were reviewed, only 37 (44.6%) had calcium supplementation, 19 (22.8%) had assessment of their vitamin D status, and 29 (34.9%) had ongoing vitamin D supplementation prior to implementation of the study. After the QI intervention, calcium supplementation was present in 66 residents (79.5%), vitamin D status had been assessed in 61 residents (73.4%), and vitamin D supplementation had been initiated in 65 residents (78.3%). These changes were statistically significant (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

A quality improvement project that used an educational letter from the medical director combined with a medication and laboratory review by the pharmacist was able to increase the number of residents in our long-term care setting with calcium supplementation, increase the number of residents who had vitamin D status assessed, identify many residents with low vitamin D levels, and increase supplementation of vitamin D when indicated.

Alendronate and vitamin D2 for prevention of hip fracture in Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial

Incidence of a fracture, particularly in the hip joint, is high in elderly women with Parkinson's disease (PD), and this is due to the immobilization-induced bone resorption and vitamin D deficiency with reduced bone mineral density (BMD). The objective of this study was to address the possibility that treatment with alendronate and vitamin D2 may reduce the incidence of hip fractures in elderly women with PD. PD patients were randomly assigned to daily treatment with 5 mg alendronate (n = 144) or a placebo combined with 1,000 IU of vitamin D2 (n = 144) and followed for 2 years. Incidence of hip fractures in the two patient groups during the 2-year follow-up period was studied. At baseline, both groups of patients had low BMD with high levels of serum-ionized calcium and urinary deoxypyridinoline (D-Pyr). Hip fractures occurred in 14 patients in the placebo group and 4 in the alendronate group. The relative risk for hip fractures in the alendronate group as compared with the placebo group was 0.29 (95% CI, 0.10-0.85). The number of hip fracture per 1,000 patient-years was 14 and 49 for the alendronate and placebo groups, respectively. In the alendronate group, serum calcium and urinary D-Pyr levels decreased significantly during the follow-up period, while the levels in the placebo group were increased. BMD increased by 3.1% in the alendronate group and decreased by 2.8% in the placebo group (P < 0.01). Treatment with alendronate and vitamin D2 increases BMD in elderly women with PD and leads to the prevention of hip fractures.

RETRACTED: Etidronate for fracture prevention in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Corresponding Author, Yoshihiro Sato, and the co-authors have been informed. Dr. Sato wishes to retract this article on the grounds that it contains fabricated clinical trial data, which he was responsible for producing. In addition, Dr. Sato claims he listed all of the named co-authors without their consent. The co-authors were therefore unaware of the presence of fabricated data in this publication and their participation in the publication. This retraction was initiated by Dr. Sato, and the Editor-in-Chief of Bone was informed by the author directly.

Longitudinal study of bone and calcium metabolism and fracture incidence in spinocerebellar degeneration

Little is known about bone and calcium metabolism and fracture incidence in spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD) despite frequent falls and immobilization. To address bone and calcium metabolism and fracture incidence in SCD, we conducted a 10-year prospective study in a cohort of adult patients with SCD. Bone mineral density (BMD) and serum levels of ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and pyridinoline cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) were followed in 110 patients with SCD for 10 years. Age-matched healthy volunteers (n = 110) served as controls. At baseline, the SCD patients had a low BMD with high levels of serum ionized calcium and ICTP which correlated with the degree of immobilization (Barthel index). Over 10 years, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D decreased to the osteomalacic level (<5 ng/ml), and calcium and ICTP further increased in accordance with a decreased Barthel index score. The BMD decreased by 15.2% in men and by 24.6% in women. The incidence of fractures in the patients was significantly higher as compared with the control group (men 8/49 vs. 1/42, p = 0.0428; women 16/49 vs. 2/48, p = 0.0026). Over 10 years, the BMD was significantly reduced in the SCD patients, particularly in women, which increased the risk of a fracture. Vitamin D deficiency due to sunlight deprivation, increased bone resorption due to immobilization, and frequent falls are probable causes of osteoporosis and fractures in these patients. Hypovitaminosis D and increased bone resorption may be corrected readily by the routine use of vitamin D supplements together with bisphosphonate.

Between-meal risedronate does not alter bone turnover in nursing home residents

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of between-meal weekly risedronate and daily calcium 630 mg and vitamin D 400 IU on bone turnover markers.

DESIGN

Randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Skilled nursing home (NH).

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty skilled-NH residents (46 men, 14 women), mean age+/-standard deviation of 76+/-6, were randomized to receive risedronate 30 mg (n=31) or matching placebo (n=29) once weekly for 12 weeks. All received 315 mg calcium with 200 IU vitamin D twice daily.

MEASUREMENTS

Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (NTx), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), and parathyroid hormone were measured at baseline and 6 and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Risedronate reduced BSAP significantly more than placebo (P<.05) at 6 weeks but not at 12 weeks; no treatment effect on serum NTx was observed. Defining hypovitaminosis D as a serum 25OHD concentration below 32 ng/mL, 50 of 53 (94%) study participants were low at baseline (mean 25OHD 19 ng/mL). Vitamin D levels remained insufficient in 74% of participants after 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

In this NH population, weekly risedronate administered using a between-meal dosing schedule reduced serum BSAP at 6 weeks of treatment; this effect was not observed at 12 weeks. The overall lack of change in bone turnover markers suggests that this risedronate dose and schedule would not be expected to increase bone density or reduce fracture risk in this population. Hypovitaminosis D was common and not reliably corrected by 400 IU of vitamin D daily. Despite an extremely high osteoporotic fracture risk in NH residents, additional study is required to determine under which conditions pharmacological treatment is efficacious in this population and define approaches that assure vitamin D repletion.

A Quality Improvement Study on Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation in Long-term Care

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of a quality improvement (QI) study on improving calcium and vitamin D supplementation in a long-term care setting.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

An academic long-term care facility that specializes in dementia care in St Louis, MO.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants consisted of 83 long-term care residents.

INTERVENTION

The quality improvement team created an educational letter that was signed by the medical director and sent to the facilities' primary care physicians. This letter provided clinicians with the rationale and method to achieve adequate calcium supplementation, assess vitamin D status, and provide adequate vitamin D supplementation in our long-term care setting. Following the letter, the facility pharmacist reviewed the orders during monthly medication reviews and faxed requests to the primary care physicians for appropriate supplements or laboratory tests when necessary.

MEASUREMENTS

We reviewed the charts for the presence of calcium supplementation orders, vitamin D levels, and vitamin D supplementation before and after our QI intervention.

RESULTS

Of the 83 resident charts that were reviewed, only 37 (44.6%) had calcium supplementation, 19 (22.8%) had assessment of their vitamin D status, and 29 (34.9%) had ongoing vitamin D supplementation prior to implementation of the study. After the QI intervention, calcium supplementation was present in 66 residents (79.5%), vitamin D status had been assessed in 61 residents (73.4%), and vitamin D supplementation had been initiated in 65 residents (78.3%). These changes were statistically significant (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

A quality improvement project that used an educational letter from the medical director combined with a medication and laboratory review by the pharmacist was able to increase the number of residents in our long-term care setting with calcium supplementation, increase the number of residents who had vitamin D status assessed, identify many residents with low vitamin D levels, and increase supplementation of vitamin D when indicated.

Abnormal bone and calcium metabolism in immobilized Parkinson's disease patients

To elucidate the influence of immobilization-induced hypercalcemia on bone metabolism in Parkinson's disease (PD), we measured serum biochemical indexes and bone mineral density (BMD) in the second metacarpals of 142 elderly PD patients and 99 age-matched healthy controls. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-[OH](2)D), ionized calcium, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), and intact bone Gla protein (BGP) were measured. Urinary deoxypyridinoline (D-Pyr) was also measured. Increased serum calcium levels (mean, 1.27 mmol/L) were observed in PD patients, and the levels correlated negatively with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III (UPDRS III), indicating the presence of immobilization-induced bone resorption with resultant hypercalcemia. Decreased serum concentrations of 1,25-[OH](2)D (mean, 88.7 pmol/L) and 25-OHD (mean, 29.7 nmol/L) were noted. Serum PTH was decreased (mean, 25.2 ng/L). Serum BGP was decreased while urinary D-Pyr concentration elevated. A negative correlation was observed between 1,25-[OH](2)D levels and serum calcium or UPDRS III (P < 0.0001). In disabled PD patients, immobilization-induced hypercalcemia may inhibit secretion of PTH, which in turn suppresses 1,25-[OH](2)D production. 25-OHD insufficiency may also contribute to decreased 1,25-[OH](2)D. These abnormalities may be corrected by the suppression of bone resorption with bisphoshonate, and supplementations of calcium and vitamin D should be avoided in these patients.

Risk factors of osteoporosis in institutionalized older Thai people

INTRODUCTION

There are very few published studies on osteoporosis among the institutionalized elderly in Asian countries, where the incidence of osteoporosis is increasing rapidly. Our objectives were to determine both the prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis, as assessed by calcaneal bone mineral density (BMD) measurements, in a Thai nursing home.

METHODS

Activities of daily living, the Mini-Mental State Examination, blood chemistry, body composition analysis, calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and serum C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (serum beta-CTx) were assessed in 108 older people living in the largest nursing home for the elderly in Bangkok. Calcaneal BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

RESULTS

The prevalence of osteoporosis, as defined by a calcaneal BMD T-score <1.6, was 79.6%. The prevalence of low bone mass, as defined by a T-score of broadband ultrasound attenuation <1.0, was 80.6%. The prevalence of osteoporosis detected by these two methods was not significantly different (p=1.00). The prevalence of increased bone turnover [with the cutoff point being the mean + 2 standard deviation (SD) of the serum beta-CTx level of a sex- and age-matched control group] was 13.9%. In multiple linear regression analysis, five risk factors -- serum beta-CTx, mental health, mobility index, height and lean body mass -- were able to predict calcaneal BMD at a coefficient of determination R(2)) of 0.54.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate the importance of mental health and self-care ability as factors associated with osteoporosis. Increased bone turnover was also a significant risk factor of low bone mass. Calcaneal QUS was a useful screening tool for diagnosing osteoporosis in this population and was comparable to calcaneal DXA.

Low-Dose Vitamin D Prevents Muscular Atrophy and Reduces Falls and Hip Fractures in Women after Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Vitamin D supplementation is suggested to reduce the risk of falls among ambulatory or institutionalized elderly subjects. The present study was undertaken to address the reduced risk of falls and hip fractures in patients with long-standing stroke by vitamin D supplementation.

METHODS

Ninety-six elderly women with poststroke hemiplegia were followed for two years. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the two groups, and 48 patients received 1,000 IU ergocalciferol daily, and the remaining 48 received placebo. The number of falls per person and incidence of hip fractures were compared between the two groups. Strength and tissue ATPase of skeletal muscles on the nonparetic side were assessed before and after the study.

RESULTS

At baseline, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were in the deficient range (<10 ng/ml) in all patients; and vitamin D treatment enhanced serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels. Vitamin D treatment accounted for a 59% reduction in falls (95% CI, 28-81%; p = 0.003). There were increases in the relative number and size of type II muscle fibers and improved muscle strength in the vitamin D-treated group. Hip fractures occurred in 4 of 48 placebo group and 0 in 48 vitamin D2 group during the 2-year study period (log-rank, p = 0.049).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D may increase muscle strength by improving atrophy of type II muscle fibers, which may lead to decreased falls and hip fractures.

Amelioration of osteoporosis and hypovitaminosis D by sunlight exposure in hospitalized, elderly women with Alzheimer's disease: a randomized controlled trial

In a random and prospective study, Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients were assigned to regular sunlight exposure (n = 132) or sunlight deprivation (n = 132) and followed for 1 year. Serum 25-OHD level increased by 2.2-fold in the sunlight-exposed group. Eleven patients sustained fractures in the sunlight-deprived group, and three fractures occurred among the sunlight-exposed group (p = 0.0362; odds ratio = 3.7).

INTRODUCTION

A high incidence of fractures, particularly of the hip, represents an important problem in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), who are prone to falls and have osteoporosis. We previously showed that 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) deficiency caused by sunlight deprivation with compensatory hyperparathyroidism causes reduced BMD in elderly women with AD. This study was undertaken to address the possibility that sunlight exposure with calcium supplementation may maintain BMD and reduce the incidence of nonvertebral fractures in elderly women with AD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a random and prospective study, AD patients were assigned to regular sunlight exposure (n = 132) or sunlight deprivation (n = 132) and followed for 1 year. BMD of the second metacarpal bone was measured using a computed X-ray densitometer (CXD). The CXD method measures BMD and cortical thickness at the middle of the second metacarpal bone on a radiogram of the hand and an aluminum step wedge as a standard (20 steps; 1 mm/step). Incidence of nonvertebral fractures in the two patient groups during the 1-year follow-up period was assessed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

At baseline, average hospitalization period was 1.7 years in both groups, and activity of daily living (ADL) was decreased. Patients of both groups showed vitamin D deficiency caused by sunlight deprivation and decreased dietary intake of vitamin D with compensatory hyperparathyroidism. The exposed group patients were exposed to sunlight (3615 minutes/year). BMD increased by 2.7% in the sunlight-exposed group and decreased by 5.6% in the sunlight-deprived group (p < 0.0001). Serum 25-OHD level increased from 24.0 to 52.2 nM in the sunlight-exposed group. Eleven patients sustained fractures in the sunlight-deprived group, and three fractures occurred among the sunlight-exposed group (p = 0.0362; odds ratio = 3.7). Sunlight exposure can increase the BMD of vitamin D-deficient bone by increasing 25-OHD concentration and lead to the prevention of nonvertebral fractures.

RETRACTED: Vitamin K deficiency and osteopenia in elderly women with Alzheimer’s disease

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editors. Numerous concerns have been raised and verified regarding this paper, including authorship, lack of credible IRB review, and implausible or impossible data.

RETRACTED: Menatetrenone and vitamin D2 with calcium supplements prevent nonvertebral fracture in elderly women with Alzheimer's disease

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Corresponding Author, Yoshihiro Sato, and the co-authors have been informed. Dr. Sato wishes to retract this article on the grounds that it contains fabricated clinical trial data, which he was responsible for producing. In addition, Dr. Sato claims he listed all of the named co-authors without their consent. The co-authors were therefore unaware of the presence of fabricated data in this publication and their participation in the publication. This retraction was initiated by Dr. Sato, and the Editor-in-Chief of Bone was informed by the author directly.

Risk factors for hip fracture among elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease

Incidence of hip fracture among patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), especially in elderly patients, is high. To analyze risk factors of hip fracture, we prospectively studied a cohort of elderly female patients with AD. Subjects studied were 225 female patients with AD, and the average age was 76 years old. At baseline, we recorded body mass index (BMI), a score of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and bone mineral density (BMD), and measured serum concentrations of ionized calcium, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), intact bone Gla protein (BGP), 25-hydroxyvitamin (25-OHD) and 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1, 25-[OH]2D). The patients were followed for 2 years. During the 2-year study, hip fractures occurred in 29 patients. We compared baseline variables between the 29 patients with and 176 patients without hip fracture. AD patients with lower BMD, low concentrations of serum ionized calcium and 25-OHD (mean 3.0 ng/ml) with compensatory hyperparathyroidism were found to have an increased risk of hip fracture. Also, concentrations of serum ICTP and BGP were higher in the fracture group than in the nonfracture group. Elderly female AD patients with low BMD and serum 25-OHD concentrations <5 ng/ml with secondary hyperparathyroidism have a high risk of hip fracture, and the risk may be reduced by vitamin D supplementation.

Abnormal calcium homeostasis in disabled stroke patients with low 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Disabled elderly stroke patients occasionally have very low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), which may be due to sunlight deprivation and malnutrition. Many of such patients have very low level of serum 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1, 25-[OH]2D; calcitriol), and immobilization-induced hypercalcemia may be responsible for inhibition of renal synthesis of calcitriol. To elucidate determinants of serum 1, 25-[OH]2D levels in elderly poststroke patients, we measured serum indices of bone and calcium metabolism and metacarpal bone mineral density (BMD). Patients whose serum 1, 25-[OH]2D concentration was below the mean-3 SD of normal control subjects were defined as the low 1, 25-[OH]2D group and the rest of the patients were designated as the normal group. Mean illness duration was 59 months in the normal group and 20 months in the low group. The Barthel index (BI), which predicts the degree of immobilization, was significantly lower in the low group than in the normal group. Mean serum 1, 25-[OH]2D and 25-OHD concentrations in the normal group were 36.7 pg/ml and 4.4 ng/ml, respectively; and those in the low group were 14.2 pg/ml and 1.8 ng/ml, respectively. Multiple regression analysis identified illness duration and calcium level as independent determinants of 1, 25-[OH]2D in both groups, and PTH in the normal group and 25-OHD in the low group were additional independent determinants. BMD in stroke patients was significantly lower than that in controls, and BMD in the normal group was lower as compared to the low group. BMD correlated negatively with 1, 25-[OH]2D and PTH in the normal group, and hyperparathyroidism may contribute to reduced BMD. These results suggest that treatment of decreased bone mass in stroke patients has to be individualized according to vitamin D status and calcium homeostasis.

Serum Vitamin D and Falls in Older Women in Residential Care in Australia

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in older people in residential care and the influence that the level of vitamin D may have on their incidence of falls.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort.

SETTING

Residential care facilities for older people in several states of Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

Six hundred sixty-seven women in low-level care and 952 women in high-level care, mean age 83.7 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) levels and recognized risk factors for falls including current medication use, a history of previous fractures, weight, tibial length (as a surrogate for height), cognitive function, walking ability, and frequency of going outdoors were determined. The women in low-level care and high-level care were followed for an average of 145 and 168 days, respectively. Falls were recorded prospectively in diaries completed monthly by residential care staff.

RESULTS

Vitamin D deficiency (defined as a serum 25D level below 25 nmol/L) was present in 144 (22%) women in low-level care and 428 (45%) in high-level care. After excluding 358 bed-bound residents and adjusting for weight, cognitive status, psychotropic drug use, previous Colles fracture, and the presence of wandering behavior, log serum 25D level remained independently associated with time to first fall. The adjusted hazards ratio was 0.74 (95% confidence interval=0.59-0.94; P=.01), implying a 20% reduction in the risk of falling with a doubling of the vitamin D level.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency is common in residential care in Australia. A low level of serum vitamin D is an independent predictor of incident falls.

Fracture risks for women in long-term care: high prevalence of calcaneal osteoporosis and hypovitaminosis D

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of osteoporosis as assessed by peripheral bone mineral density (BMD) in women living in a nursing home, to determine how many women with low BMD had received a diagnosis of osteoporosis, to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, and to seek reasons for vitamin D deficiency.

DESIGN

Measurement of calcaneal BMD and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

SETTING

Skilled nursing facility.

PATIENTS

Forty-nine women aged 68-100 years.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Bilateral calcaneal BMD was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D by radioimmunoassay. Medical records were reviewed to assess osteoporosis risk factors, previous documentation of osteoporosis or malabsorption, and supplemental vitamin D intake. Fifty-nine percent of the 39 women with calcaneal BMD measurements (95% confidence interval [CI] 44-74%) exhibited calcaneal osteoporosis (T score < -2.5). Sixty percent (95% CI 46-74%) had 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of 20 ng/ml or less, which is associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism; only 4% of women had levels above 30 ng/ml, recently recommended as optimal. Vitamin D status was suboptimal even in most women taking multivitamins. Osteoporosis was documented in the records of 17% of 23 women with calcaneal osteoporosis.

CONCLUSION

Osteoporosis was prevalent but poorly documented in women living in the nursing home. Peripheral BMD measurements have the potential to improve the recognition and management of osteoporosis in women in long-term care facilities. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, even in those taking multivitamins, indicates that practical new approaches for vitamin D repletion in this population are urgently needed.

Risk of hip fracture in disabled community-living older adults

OBJECTIVES

To determine the rate of hip fracture and risk factors associated with hip fractures in disabled older persons who enroll in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a program providing comprehensive care to community-living nursing-home-eligible persons.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study between January 1990 and December 1997.

SETTING

The twelve PACE demonstration sites: San Francisco, California; Columbia, South Carolina; Detroit, Michigan; Denver, Colorado; East Boston, Massachusetts; El Paso, Texas; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Oakland, California; Portland, Oregon; Rochester, New York; Sacramento, California; and the Bronx, New York.

PARTICIPANTS

Five thousand one hundred eighty-seven individuals in PACE; mean age 79, 71% female, 49% white, 47% with dementia.

MEASUREMENTS

Functional status, cognitive status, demographics, and comorbid conditions were recorded on all the participants, who were tracked for occurrence of a hip fracture. The goals were to determine the rate of hip fracture and identify risk factors.

RESULTS

Two hundred thirty-eight hip fractures (4.6%) occurred during follow-up. The rate of hip fracture was 2.2% per person-year. Four independent predictors of hip fracture were identified using Cox proportional hazard analysis: age of 75 and older (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4-2.8); white ethnicity (HR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.6-2.8); ability to transfer independently to and from bed, chair, and toilet (HR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.2-7.2); and five or more Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire errors (HR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.3-2.1). The incidence of hip fracture ranged from 0.5% per person-year in persons with zero to one independent risk factors to 4.7% per person-year in those with all four independent risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of hip fracture in this cohort of disabled community-living older adults was similar to that reported in nursing home cohorts. Older age, white race, ability to transfer independently, and cognitive impairment were independent predictors of hip fracture. Persons with these risk factors should be targeted for preventive interventions, which should include strategies for making transferring safer.

Treatment of osteoporosis: current status and recent advances

With the advent of new treatment choices, osteoporosis should no longer be considered an inevitable part of aging but rather a disease that can be treated. This article provides an overview of recent advances in treatment of osteoporosis.

Vitamin K deficiency and osteopenia in vitamin D-deficient elderly women with Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of vitamin K on bone mineral density (BMD) in vitamin-D-deficient women with Parkinson's disease (PD).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Neurology department at a university medical center in Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-two women with PD (mean age, 70.7yr) and 62 age-matched controls. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their functional capabilities: group A (independent: stages I-II of Hoehn and Yahr stages of Parkinson's disease, n = 26); and group B (dependent: Hoehn and Yahr stages 3-5; n = 36).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Sera were analyzed to relate vitamin K concentrations to bone-related biochemical indices. BMD was measured by computed radiograph densitometry.

RESULTS

Group B had significantly lower metacarpal BMD (P <.0001) lower serum concentrations of vitamin K1 (P <.01) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD; P <.0001) than group A. Serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin levels were higher in group B than in group A (P <.0001). The serum concentration of vitamin K1 correlated positively with that of 25-OHD (r =.735, P <.0001), and negatively with undercarboxylated osteocalcin (r = -.751, P <.0001) and Hoehn and Yahr stages (r =.787, P <.0001). Multiple regression analysis identified Hoehn and Yahr stages, vitamin K1, 25-OHD, and undercarboxylated osteocalcin as independent determinants of BMD (P <.0364.0003).

CONCLUSION

In functionally dependent women with PD, nutritional vitamin K1 deficiency is believed to reduce production of fully carboxylated osteocalcin, causing reduced BMD.

Vitamin D deficiency and risk of hip fractures among disabled elderly stroke patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Risk of hip fracture after stroke is 2 to 4 times that in a reference population. Osteomalacia is present in some patients with hip fractures in the absence of stroke, while disabled elderly stroke patients occasionally have severe deficiency in serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) (</=5 ng/mL). To determine the effects of vitamin D status on hip fracture risk, we prospectively studied a cohort of patients with hemiplegia after stroke who were aged at least 65 years.

METHODS

We compared baseline serum indices of bone metabolism, bone mineral density, and hip fracture occurrence in stroke patients with serum 25-OHD </=25 nmol/L (</=10 ng/mL; deficient group, n=88) with findings in patients from the same cohort who had 25-OHD levels 26 to 50 nmol/L (10 to 20 ng/mL; insufficient group, n=76) or >/=51 nmol/L (>/=21 ng/mL; sufficient group, n=72).

RESULTS

Over a 2-year follow-up interval, hip fractures on the paretic side occurred in 7 patients in the deficient group and 1 patient in the insufficient group (P<0.05; hazard ratio=6.5), while no hip fractures occurred in the sufficient group. The 7 hip fracture patients in the deficient group had an osteomalacic 25-OHD level of <5 ng/mL. Higher age and severe immobilization were noted in the deficient group. Serum 25-OHD levels correlated positively with age, Barthel Index, and serum parathyroid hormone.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly disabled stroke patients with serum 25-OHD concentrations </=12 nmol/L (</=5 ng/mL) have an increased risk of hip fracture. Immobilization and advanced age cause severe 25-OHD deficiency and consequent reduction of BMD.

Beneficial effect of intermittent cyclical etidronate therapy in hemiplegic patients following an acute stroke

Significant decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) occur on the hemiplegic side in chronic stroke patients, which correlate with the degree of paralysis and hypovitaminosis D. In this double-blind, randomized, and prospective study of 98 patients with hemiplegia involving both an upper and lower extremity (55 males and 53 females; mean age, 71.4 +/- 0.6 years) after an acute stroke, 49 were given etidronate for 56 weeks and 49 received a placebo. The BMD was measured by computed X-ray densitometry (CXD) of the second metacarpal bone bilaterally. Forty age-matched control subjects were followed for 56 weeks. At baseline, both groups had 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] insufficiency, increased serum ionized calcium and pyridinoline cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), and low serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], suggesting immobilization-induced hypercalcemia and inhibition of renal synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D. The BMD on the hemiplegic side decreased by 2.3% and 4.8% in the etidronate and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.0003). After treatment, the serum 1,25(OH)2D concentration increased by 62.2% in the etidronate group and decreased by 12.4% in the placebo group. The etidronate group had significant decreases in the serum ionized calcium and ICTP and increases in PTH and bone Gla protein (BGP), whereas the placebo group had higher serum calcium and ICTP concentrations but stable PTH. These results suggest that etidronate can prevent decreases in the BMD in hemiplegic stroke patients because it decreases the serum calcium through inhibition of bone resorption and causes a subsequent increase in the serum 1,25(OH)2D concentration.

Vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism: clinical and biochemical associations in older non-institutionalised Southern Tasmanians

AIM

To determine the prevalence and associations of vitamin D (25-OHD) deficiency in a sample of older Tasmanian subjects.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of: 109 patients with a mean age of 79 years (range 60-101 years) consecutively admitted to a short stay geriatric rehabilitation ward; 52 community dwelling subjects with a mean age of 75 years (range 64-88 years). Subjects answered a questionnaire, had anthropometric measurements and underwent venepuncture.

RESULTS

The main outcome measure was 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) level with deficiency defined as <28 nmol/L. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 67% and secondary hyperparathyroidism in 49% of the hospitalised group. Vitamin D deficiency was also found in 17% of the community group, in particular one in three residents of Independent Living Units was deficient. Subjects who were deficient were older (80 years vs 76 years [p<0.001]), had lower body mass index (23.7 kg/m2 vs 25.9 kg/m2 [p<0.001]) and had a lower serum albumin (35 gm/L vs 39 gm/L [p<0.001]). Deficient subjects had poorer physical functional status (p=0.02) and lower activity levels (p<0.001) and reported less habitual sun exposure (p<0.001). Biochemical measures such as parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase and calcium were weakly predictive of vitamin D levels. By stepwise multiple regression analysis, the only significant predictors of vitamin D levels were the Frenchay Activity Index, albumin and calcium.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism is common in community living older people who are hospitalised in Southern Tasmania and is associated with increasing age, poor physical function and activity and low reported sun exposure.

Abnormal bone and calcium metabolism in patients after stroke

OBJECTIVE

To review how mineral stores and endocrine factors affect bone mass in poststroke patients immobilized by hemiparesis.

DATA SOURCES

Computer databases and published indexes.

STUDY SELECTION

Case-control studies of hemiparetic poststroke patients examined regarding bone metabolism.

DATA EXTRACTION

References were obtained from MEDLINE; all data concerning the objective were used.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Bone loss occurs in affected extremities after stroke. Immobilization from hemiplegia causes hypercalcemia. Insufficiency or deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) is very common in stroke patients and may be caused by poor dietary intake, decreased sunlight exposure, or both. Compensatory hyperparathyroidism may not occur because hypercalcemia inhibits the parathyroid glands even when 25-OHD is in the insufficient range. However, hyperparathyroidism does occur when 25-OHD is in the deficient range, in which case the parathyroid response to hypovitaminosis D overrides effects of hypercalcemia. Increased bone resorption was observed during the first year after stroke, declining to normal during the second year. During the first year, determinants of bone mineral density (BMD) in hands affected by hemiplegia were age, severity of hemiplegia, duration of paralysis, serum calcium concentration, and 25-OHD concentration. In the second year, BMD determinants on the hemiplegic side were severity of hemiplegia and 25-OHD concentration, whereas 25-OHD concentration was the only BMD determinant on the intact side. Administering 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3, vitamin K2, or ipriflavone ameliorated osteopenia on both sides and decreased the frequency of hip fracture on the hemiplegic side.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone remodeling and determinants of bone mass for the affected and unaffected sides after stroke differ between the first and subsequent years.

Falls relate to vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in an Australian nursing home and hostel

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether falling relates to serum levels of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study with retrospective analysis.

SETTING

An aged-care institution in Melbourne Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

Ambulant nursing home and hostel residents (n = 83).

MEASUREMENTS

Frequency of falling, frequency of going outdoors, use of cane or walker, age, sex, weight, type of accommodation, and duration of residence. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Plasma concentrations of albumin, calcium, phosphate, and creatinine. Use of furosemide or non-benzodiazepine anticonvulsants.

RESULTS

Median age of residents was 84 years. The cohort was vitamin D deficient with a median (interquartile range) 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 27 (18-37) nmol/L (one-third the reference range median), P < .001. The median (interquartile range) PTH of 5.2 (3.8-7.7) pmol/L exceeded the reference range median, P < .001. Residents who fell (n = 33) had lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels than other residents (medians 22 vs 29 nmol/L, P = .02) and higher serum PTH levels (medians 6.2 vs 4.8 pmol/L, P < .01). Sixty residents lived in the hostel (72%), and 41 (49%) walked without any walking aid. In a multiple logistic regression for falling, higher serum PTH remained independently associated with falling, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for falling of 5.6 (1.7-18.5) per unit of the natural logarithm of serum PTH. Other terms in the regression were hostel accommodation, odds ratio .04 (.01-.25), and ability to walk without aids, odds ratio .07 (.01-.37).

CONCLUSIONS

In ambulant nursing home and hostel residents, residents who fall have lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and higher serum parathyroid hormone levels than other residents. The association between falling and serum PTH persists after adjustment for other variables.