Antidepressants and Vertebral and Hip Risk Fracture: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Osteoporosis and Fracture Risk Associated with Novel Antidepressants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The use of antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), has been linked to adverse effects on bone health, but findings are conflicting. This study aimed to quantify the associations between newer antidepressants and bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk through a comprehensive meta-analysis.

METHODS

Observational studies on the association between the use of novel antidepressants and BMD and hip fracture were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to pool results across the eligible studies. The heterogeneity, publication bias, and influence were assessed extensively.

RESULTS

14 eligible studies with 1,417,134 participants were identified. Antidepressant use was associated with significantly lower BMD compared to non-use at all skeletal sites examined, with pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) ranging from -0.02 (total hip) to -0.04 (femoral neck). Importantly, antidepressant use was associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of hip fracture (pooled odds ratio (OR) 2.50, 95% CI 2.26-2.76). While heterogeneity was detected, the overall findings were robust in sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis provided strong evidence that novel antidepressants, especially widely used SSRIs, have detrimental impacts on bone health. The observed associations with decreased BMD and doubled hip fracture risk have important clinical implications.

Pharmacological, Nutritional, and Rehabilitative Interventions to Improve the Complex Management of Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Narrative Review

Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent condition affecting a growing number of patients affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with crucial implications for risk of fragility fractures, hospitalization, and mortality. Several risk factors have been identified to have a role in osteoporosis development in COPD patients, including corticosteroid therapy, systemic inflammation, smoke, physical activity levels, malnutrition, and sarcopenia. In this scenario, a personalized multitarget intervention focusing on the pathological mechanisms underpinning osteoporosis is mandatory to improve bone health in these frail patients. Specifically, physical exercise, nutritional approach, dietary supplements, and smoke cessation are the cornerstone of the lifestyle approach to osteoporosis in COPD patients, improving not only bone health but also physical performance and balance. On the other hand, pharmacological treatment should be considered for both the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in patients at higher risk of fragility fractures. Despite these considerations, several barriers still affect the integration of a personalized approach to managing osteoporosis in COPD patients. However, digital innovation solutions and telemedicine might have a role in optimizing sustainable networking between hospital assistance and community settings to improve bone health and reduce sanitary costs of the long-term management of COPD patients with osteoporosis.

Vertebral Related Diseases in Healthcare: The Role of Pain Management and Rehabilitation

The increase in the life expectancy of the general population implied for vertebral diseases an impacting role for the medical condition of the person, not only in the clinical context, but also from a social and economic point of view, due to the underestimation of primary prevention and complex secondary prevention rehabilitation frameworks [...]