Bone density estimates and risk factors for osteoporosis in young women

The bone mineral density [BMD] of the calcaneus was estimated in 185 young women from the United Arab Emirates, using SAHARA ultrasound. All participants completed a questionnaire on factors potentially associated with osteoporosis. In all, 29 [15.7%] of the women were classified as having osteopenia and none as having osteoporosis. Participants with osteopenia were more likely to have had a later onset of menarche, irregular periods, lower body mass index, and a positive family history of osteoporosis. Only late menarche and low body mass index, however, were independent predictors of osteopenia.

Single photon emission tomography with 99m Tc-HMPAO in Arab patients with depression

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the rate of cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in Arab patients wth depression.

METHODS

Forty-four patients with DSM-III-R major depressive disorders were studied at rest using single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) with 99m Tc-HMPAO in comparison with 20 normal controls. All patients were assessed using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD).

RESULTS

The depressed group showed greater rCBF in left and right posterior frontal and parietal cortical regions than normal controls. Within the depressed group, patients with the least severe illness (HRSD < 20) had significantly lower rCBF than normal controls, whilst those with moderately severe (HRSD 20-29) and severe (HRSD > 30) had significantly greater rCBF in most cortical regions than normal controls. Symptom scores, derived from the HRSD were predicted by rCBF principally increased rCBF in the left frontal cortex.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a generalized cerebral activation principally in the frontal cortex which is in contrast to the results of most previous studies but more in line with the results of studies of induced affect and some studies of depression subsyndromes.