Impact of cystic fibrosis multidisciplinary virtual clinics on patient experience, time commitments and costs

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The experience of outpatient care may differ for select patient groups. This prospective study evaluates the adult patient experience of multidisciplinary outpatient cystic fibrosis (CF) care with videoconferencing through telehealth compared with face-to-face care the year prior.

METHODS

People with CF without a lung transplant were recruited. Patient-reported outcomes were obtained at commencement and 12 months into the study, reflecting both their face-to-face and telehealth through videoconferencing experience, respectively. Three patient cohorts were analysed: (i) participants with a regional residence, (ii) participants with a nonregional including metropolitan residence and (iii) participants with colonised multiresistant microbiota.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients were enrolled in the study (mean age, 37 ± 11 years; 50% male; mean forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration, 60% [standard deviation, 23]) between February 2020 and May 2021. No differences between models were observed in the participants' rating of the health care team, general and mental health rating, and their confidence in handling treatment plans at home. No between-group differences in the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire - Revised (CFQ-R) were observed. Travel duration and the cost of attending a clinic was significantly reduced, particularly for the regional group (4 h, AU$108 per clinic; P < 0.05). A total of 93% respondents preferred to continue with a hybrid approach.

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, participants' experience of care and quality of life were no different with face-to-face and virtual care between the groups. Time and cost-savings, particularly for patients living in regional areas, were observed. Most participants preferred to continue with a hybrid model for outpatient care.

Impact of Left Heart Disease Risk Factors on Outcomes in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Therapy

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend initial monotherapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with cardiopulmonary comorbidities, despite limited available evidence to guide management.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Do left heart disease (LHD) risk factors have an impact on treatment response and influence applicability of risk assessment in a real-world cohort of patients with PAH?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The Ambrisentan and Tadalafil in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (AMBITION) trial criteria was used to define the phenotype of patients with PAH with risk factors for LHD. Treatment strategy, functional outcome, long-term survival, and risk discrimination were compared with a reference PAH cohort using the Pulmonary Hypertension Society of Australia and New Zealand Registry.

RESULTS

A total of 487 incident patients with PAH diagnosed between 2011 and 2020 were included. Of these, 103 (21.1%) fulfilled the definition of PAH with LHD risk factors, with 384 (78.9%) remaining as the reference group. Patients in the PAH with LHD risk factors group were older (66 ± 13 vs 58 ± 19 years; P < .001), had lower pulmonary vascular resistance (393 ± 266 vs 708 ± 391 dyn.s/cm5; P = .031), and had worse 6-min walk distance (286 ± 130 vs 327 ± 136 m; P = .005) at diagnosis. The PAH with LHD risk factors group was less likely to receive initial combination therapy (27% vs 44%; P = .02). Changes in 6-min walk distance at 12 months were similar in both groups (43 ± 77 m in the PAH with LHD risk factors group and 50 ± 90 m in the reference group; P = .50), including when stratified by initial treatment strategy (PAH with LHD risk factors group vs reference PAH group: monotherapy: 40 ± 81 vs 38 ± 95 m, P = .87; combination therapy: 53 ± 78 vs 64 ± 106 m, P = .511). Functional class improvements were also similar in both groups. REVEAL Registry 2.0 risk score effectively discriminated risk in both populations (C statistic = 0.756 for the PAH with LHD risk factors group and C statistic = 0.750 for the reference PAH group). There was no difference in survival between the two groups (log-rank test, P = .29).

INTERPRETATION

In a real-world cohort, patients with PAH with LHD risk factors were less likely to be exposed to initial combination therapy. Nevertheless, selected patients with PAH with LHD risk factors who were treated with initial combination therapy derived similar functional response compared with the reference group. Further studies are needed to phenotype patients with PAH with cardiopulmonary comorbidities who may benefit from initial combination therapy.

Pulmonary Hypertension Definition, Classification, and Epidemiology in Asia

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is caused by a range of conditions and is important to recognize as it is associated with increased mortality. Pulmonary arterial hypertension refers to a group of PH subtypes affecting the distal pulmonary arteries for which effective treatment is available. The hemodynamic definition of pulmonary arterial hypertension has recently changed which may lead to greater case recognition and earlier treatment. The prevalence of specific PH etiologies may differ depending on geographic region. PH caused by left heart disease is the most common cause of PH worldwide. In Asia, there is greater proportion of congenital heart disease- and connective tissue disease- (especially systemic lupus erythematosus) related PH relative to the West. This review summarizes the definition, classification, and epidemiology of PH as it pertains to Asia.

Diagnosis of myositis-associated interstitial lung disease: Utility of the myositis autoantibody line immunoassay

OBJECTIVES

The detection of myositis autoantibodies (MA) in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) has major implications for diagnosis and management, especially amyopathic and forme frustes of idiopathic inflammatory myositis-associated ILD (IIM-ILD). Use of the MA line immunoblot assay (MA-LIA) in non-rheumatological cohorts remains unvalidated. We assessed the diagnostic performance of the MA-LIA and explored combined models with clinical variables to improve identification of patients with IIM-ILD.

METHODS

Consecutive patients referred to a specialist ILD clinic, with ILD-diagnosis confirmed at multidisciplinary meeting, and MA-LIA performed within six months of baseline were included. Pre-specified MA-LIA thresholds were evaluated for IIM-ILD diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total 247 ILD patients were included (IIM-ILD n = 12, non-IIM connective tissue disease-associated ILD [CTD-ILD] n = 52, idiopathic interstitial pneumonia [IIP] n = 115, other-ILD n = 68). Mean age was 64.8 years, with 45.3% female, mean FVC 75.5% and DLCO 59.2% predicted. MA were present in 13.8% overall and 83.3% of IIM-ILD patients. The most common MA in IIM-ILD and non-IIM ILD patients were anti-Jo-1 (prevalence 40%) and anti-PMScl (29.2%) autoantibodies respectively. The pre-specified low-positive threshold (>10 signal intensity) had the highest discriminative capacity for IIM-ILD (AUC 0.86). Combining MA-LIA with age, gender, clinical CTD-manifestations and an overlap non-specific interstitial pneumonia/organising pneumonia pattern on HRCT improved discrimination for IIM-ILD (AUC 0.96).

CONCLUSION

The MA-LIA is useful to support a diagnosis of IIM-ILD as a complement to multi-disciplinary ILD assessment. Clinical interpretation is optimised by consideration of the strength of the MA-LIA result together with clinical and radiological features of IIM-ILD.

Waitlist and post-transplant outcomes for eisenmenger syndrome: A comparison of transplant strategies

BACKGROUND

End-stage Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) due to unrepaired atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD) is an indication for lung transplantation (LTx) or heart-lung transplantation (HLTx). Limited evidence exists as to the optimal transplant strategy for this unique population.

AIM

To describe waitlist characteristics and post-transplant outcomes in patients with ES-ASD or ES-VSD.

METHODS

Using the ISHLT Registry, data were extracted for all ES-ASD or ES-VSD patients who underwent transplantation between 1987 and 2018. Additional data were sought for patients listed for LTx or HLTx in the OPTN Registry during the same period. Early era was defined as 1987-2004, and current era was defined as 2005-2018.

RESULTS

In the current era, patients with ES-ASD or ES-VSD represented a lessening proportion of all LTx and HLTx. Compared to LTx for other indications, the odds of transplantation were significantly less for both ES-ASD 0.18 [0.07-0.50] and ES-VSD 0.03 [0.004-0.22]. In the early era, an equivalent survival was observed for ES-ASD who underwent HLTx versus LTx (p = 0.47), and superior survival for ES-VSD (p = 0.015). In contrast, ES-ASD patients who underwent LTx from the current era displayed better survival compared with HLTx, 10-year survival 52% vs 30% p = 0.036. Similar survival were observed for ES-VSD for both transplant strategies (p = 0.68).

CONCLUSION

LTx shows superior survival outcomes in the current era for ES ASD patients, and equivalent outcomes for ES-VSD. In the current era, ES-ASD or ES-VSD patients were less likely to be transplanted than other candidates for LTx.

Baseline Characteristics and Survival of an Australian Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune Features Cohort

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The research term "interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features" (IPAF) encompasses interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients with autoimmune features not meeting diagnostic criteria for a defined connective tissue disease (CTD). It remains unclear if IPAF is a distinct disease entity with implications for management and prognosis. We describe an Australian IPAF population and compare their baseline characteristics and outcomes with distinct cohorts of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP), CTD-ILD, and unclassifiable ILD.

METHODS

Review of 291 consecutive patients attending a specialist ILD clinic was performed. Patients with a diagnosis of IIP, CTD-ILD, and unclassifiable ILD by ILD-multidisciplinary meeting (ILD-MDM) were included. Patients meeting the IPAF criteria were identified. Baseline clinical data, survival, and progression were compared between ILD groups.

RESULTS

226 patients were included, 36 meeting the IPAF criteria. IPAF patients demonstrated a high prevalence of autoantibodies to tRNA synthetase (35.3%), Ro52 (27.8%), and neutrophilic cytoplasmic antigens (ANCA; 20.0%). IPAF and CTD-ILD patients demonstrated similar clinical characteristics (mean age 66.6 and 63.7 years, respectively, female predominant, frequent CTD-manifestations). Lung function did not differ between ILD groups. Disease severity, pulmonary hypertension (PH), and ILD-MDM diagnosis were strong predictors of worse transplant-free survival (TFS). Meeting the IPAF criteria was not associated with TFS.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified IPAF as a heterogeneous phenotype that overlaps considerably with CTD-ILD. Disease severity, PH, and ILD-MDM diagnosis were more powerful predictors of survival outcomes than meeting the IPAF criteria.

Priorities and expectations of patients attending a multidisciplinary interstitial lung disease clinic

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The significant and progressive morbidity associated with ILD mean that patients often struggle with the impact of this disease on their QOL and independence. To date, no studies have investigated the importance of multidisciplinary care on patient experience in ILD. We aimed to determine the expectations and priorities of patients attending a tertiary referral centre multidisciplinary ILD clinic. In particular, we sought to learn how important the multidisciplinary element of the clinic was to patients and which aspects of the clinic were most valued.

METHODS

An 18-item patient questionnaire was developed in conjunction with expert physicians and specialist nurses involved in the ILD clinic and sent to all patients on the centre's ILD registry at the time of the study (n = 240). Patients rated the importance of different aspects of their experience of attending the clinic. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Comparisons across disease severity were made using two-sided Z-tests for independent proportions.

RESULTS

A total of 100 respondents comprised the study group. Almost all respondents valued the multidisciplinary aspect of the clinic. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis and improving their disease understanding was most important to respondents. The importance of the ILD specialist nurse for both education and support increased with worsening disease severity.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that a multidisciplinary approach to the management of ILD with additional focus on patient education, as well as tailoring care to disease severity, is a plausible pathway to improving the patient experience with ILD.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension with below threshold pulmonary vascular resistance

Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) >3 Wood units is a criterion of the haemodynamic definition of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, this cut-off is conservative and arbitrarily defined. Data is lacking on the natural history, response to therapy and survival of patients diagnosed with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) with mild or borderline elevation of PVR.In Australia, PAH therapy could be prescribed solely on mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) criteria. Using the Australian and New Zealand Pulmonary Hypertension Registry, we aimed to study a population diagnosed with PAH between January 2004 and December 2017 with the pre-defined haemodynamic characteristics of mean PAP ≥25 mmHg, PAWP ≤15 mmHg and PVR <3 Wood units.Eighty-two patients met the pre-defined haemodynamic inclusion criteria (mean age 63±11 years; 67 females). Underlying aetiologies included idiopathic disease (n=39), connective tissue disease (CTD; n=42) and HIV infection (n=1). At diagnosis, mean PAP was 27 mmHg (interquartile range (IQR) 25-30 mmHg), PAWP 13 mmHg (IQR 11-14 mmHg) and PVR 2.2 Wood units (IQR 1.9-2.7 Wood units). Baseline 6-min walk distance (6MWD) was 352 m (IQR 280-416 m) and 77% of subjects were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class 3 or 4. All patients were commenced on initial monotherapy with an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA; n=66) or phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor (PDE5i; n=16). At first re-evaluation, 6MWD increased by 46 m (IQR 7-96 m) and 35% of subjects demonstrated improvement in NYHA functional class. After a median follow-up of 65 months (IQR 32-101 months), 18 out of 82 subjects (22.0%) had died, with estimated 1-year and 5-year survival rates of 98% and 84%, respectively. Death attributed to PAH occurred in six out of these 18 patients (33.3%, 7% of total cohort).Patients with precapillary PH and "borderline" PVR falling outside the current definition have adverse outcomes. Such patients appear to respond to PAH therapy; however, this requires further study in randomised trials.

Diagnostic delay in pulmonary arterial hypertension: Insights from the Australian and New Zealand pulmonary hypertension registry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Early diagnosis of PAH is clinically challenging. Patterns of diagnostic delay in Australian and New Zealand PAH populations have not been explored in large-scale studies. We aimed to evaluate the magnitude, risk factors and survival impact of diagnostic delay in Australian and New Zealand PAH patients.

METHODS

A cohort study of PAH patients from the PHSANZ Registry diagnosed from 2004 to 2017 was performed. Diagnostic interval was the time from symptom onset to diagnostic right heart catheterization as recorded in the registry. Factors associated with diagnostic delay were analysed in a multivariate logistic regression model. Survival rates were compared across patients based on the time to diagnosis using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression.

RESULTS

A total of 2044 patients were included in analysis. At diagnosis, median age was 58 years (IQR: 43-69), female-to-male ratio was 2.8:1 and majority of patients were in NYHA FC III-IV (82%). Median diagnostic interval was 1.2 years (IQR: 0.6-2.7). Age, CHD-PAH, obstructive sleep apnoea and peripheral vascular disease were independently associated with diagnostic interval of ≥1 year. No improvement in diagnostic interval was seen during the study period. Longer diagnostic interval was associated with decreased 5-year survival.

CONCLUSION

PAH patients experience significant diagnostic interval, which has not improved despite increased community awareness. Age, cardiovascular and respiratory comorbidities are significantly associated with longer time to diagnosis. Mortality rates appear higher in patients who experience longer diagnostic interval.

Retrospective Validation of the REVEAL 2.0 Risk Score With the Australian and New Zealand Pulmonary Hypertension Registry Cohort

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) prognosis has improved with targeted therapies; however, the long-term outlook remains poor. Objective multiparametric risk assessment is recommended to identify patients at risk of early morbidity and mortality, and for optimization of treatment. The US Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL) 2.0 risk score is a new model proposed for the follow-up of patients with PAH but has not been externally validated.

METHODS

The REVEAL 2.0 risk score was applied to a mixed prevalent and incident cohort of patients with PAH (n = 1,011) from the Pulmonary Hypertension Society of Australia and New Zealand (PHSANZ) Registry. Kaplan-Meier survival was estimated for each REVEAL 2.0 risk score strata and for a simplified three-category (low, intermediate, and high risk) model. Sensitivity analysis was performed on an incident-only cohort.

RESULTS

The REVEAL 2.0 model effectively discriminated risk in the large external PHSANZ Registry cohort, with a C statistic of 0.74 (both for full eight-tier and three-category models). When applied to incident cases only, the C statistic was 0.73. The three-category REVEAL 2.0 model demonstrated robust separation of 12- and 60-month survival estimates (all risk category comparisons P < .001). Although the full eight-tier REVEAL 2.0 model separated patients at low, intermediate, and high risk, survival estimates overlapped within some of the intermediate- and high-risk strata.

CONCLUSIONS

The REVEAL 2.0 risk score was validated in a large external cohort from the PHSANZ Registry. The REVEAL 2.0 model can be applied for risk assessment of patients with PAH at follow-up. The simplified three-category model may be preferred for clinical use and for future comparison with other prognostic models.

Medical Therapy Versus Balloon Angioplasty for CTEPH: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

A significant number of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients will have an inoperable disease. Medical therapy and balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) have provided alternate therapeutic options for patients with inoperable CTEPH, although there are a limited number of published studies examining the outcomes. Thus, our study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of medical therapy and BPA in patients with inoperable CTEPH.

METHODS

An electronic search of six databases was performed and the search results were screened against established criteria for inclusion into this study. Data was extracted and meta-analytical techniques were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Pooled data from RCTs revealed that medical therapy, compared with a placebo, was associated with a significant improvement of at least one functional class (p=0.038). With regards to pulmonary haemodynamics, medical therapy also resulted in a significant reduction in both mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) (p=0.002) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (p<0.001). From the included observational studies, the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) significantly increased following medical therapy by an average of 22.8% (p<0.001). The pooled improvement in 6MWD was found to be significantly higher in the BPA group when compared to medical therapy for CTEPH (p=0.001). Pooled data from available observational studies of medical therapy or BPA all demonstrated significant improvements in mPAP and PVR for pre versus post intervention comparisons. The improvement in mPAP (p=0.002) and PVR (p=0.002) were significantly greater for BPA intervention when compared to medical therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

High-quality evidence supports the use of targeted medical therapy in improving haemodynamics in patients with inoperable CTEPH. There is only moderate-quality evidence from observational studies supporting the efficacy of BPA in improving both haemodynamics and exercise capacity. Further RCTs and prospective observational studies comparing medical therapy and BPA in patients with inoperable CTEPH are required.

Clinical phenotypes and outcomes of heritable and sporadic pulmonary veno-occlusive disease: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Bi-allelic mutations of the EIF2AK4 gene cause heritable pulmonary veno-occlusive disease and/or pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis (PVOD/PCH). We aimed to assess the effect of EIF2AK4 mutations on the clinical phenotypes and outcomes of PVOD/PCH.

METHODS

We did a population-based study using clinical, functional, and haemodynamic data from the registry of the French Pulmonary Hypertension Network. We reviewed the clinical data and outcomes from all patients referred to the French Referral Centre (Pulmonary Department, Hospital Kremlin-Bicêtre, University Paris-Sud) with either confirmed or highly probable PVOD/PCH with DNA available for mutation screening (excluding patients with other risk factors of pulmonary hypertension, such as chronic respiratory diseases). We sequenced the coding sequence and intronic junctions of the EIF2AK4 gene, and compared clinical characteristics and outcomes between EIF2AK4 mutation carriers and non-carriers. Medical therapies approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension (prostacyclin derivatives, endothelin receptor antagonists and phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors) were given to patients according to the clinical judgment and discretion of treating physicians. The primary outcome was the event-free survival (death or transplantation). Secondary outcomes included response to therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension and survival after lung transplantation. A satisfactory clinical response to specific therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension was defined by achieving New York Heart Association functional class I or II, a 6-min walk distance of more than 440 m, and a cardiac index greater than 2·5 L/min per m² at the first reassessment after initiation of specific therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

FINDINGS

We obtained data from Jan 1, 2003, to June 1, 2016, and identified 94 patients with sporadic or heritable PVOD/PCH (confirmed or highly probable). 27 (29%) of these patients had bi-allelic EIF2AK4 mutations. PVOD/PCH due to EIF2AK4 mutations occurred from birth to age 50 years, and these patients were younger at presentation than non-carriers (median 26·0 years [range 0-50.3] vs 60·0 years [6·7-81·4] years; p<0·0001). At diagnosis, both mutations carriers and non-carriers had similarly severe precapillary pulmonary hypertension and functional impairment. 22 (81%) of mutations carriers and 63 (94%) of non-carriers received therapy approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Drug-induced pulmonary oedema occurred in five (23%) of treated EIF2AK4 mutations carriers and 13 (21%) of treated non-carriers. Follow-up assessment after initiation of treatment showed that only three (4%) patients with PVOD/PCH reached the predefined criteria for satisfactory clinical response. The probabilities of event-free survival (death or transplantation) at 1 and 3 years were 63% and 32% in EIF2AK4 mutations carriers, and 75% and 34% in non-carriers. No significant differences occurred in event-free survival between the 2 groups (p=0·38). Among the 33 patients who had lung transplantation, estimated post-transplantation survival rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were 84%, 81%, and 73%, respectively.

INTERPRETATION

Heritable PVOD/PCH due to bi-allelic EIF2AK4 mutations is characterised by a younger age at diagnosis but these patients display similar disease severity compared with mutation non-carriers. Response to therapy approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension in PVOD/PCH is rare. PVOD/PCH is a devastating condition and lung transplantation should be considered for eligible patients.

FUNDING

None.

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare form of pulmonary hypertension (PH) characterised by preferential remodelling of the pulmonary venules. In the current PH classification, PVOD and pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis (PCH) are considered to be a common entity and represent varied expressions of the same disease. The recent discovery of biallelic mutations in the EIF2AK4 gene as the cause of heritable PVOD/PCH represents a major milestone in our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of PVOD. Although PVOD and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) share a similar clinical presentation, with features of severe precapillary PH, it is important to differentiate these two conditions as PVOD carries a worse prognosis and life-threatening pulmonary oedema may occur following the initiation of PAH therapy. An accurate diagnosis of PVOD based on noninvasive investigations is possible utilising oxygen parameters, low diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and characteristic signs on high-resolution computed tomography of the chest. No evidence-based medical therapy exists for PVOD at present and lung transplantation remains the preferred definitive therapy for eligible patients.

Genetic counselling in a national referral centre for pulmonary hypertension

Genetic causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) have been identified, leading to a growing need for genetic counselling.Between 2003 and 2014, genetic counselling was offered to 529 PAH and 100 PVOD patients at the French Referral Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension.Mutations in PAH-predisposing genes were identified in 72 patients presenting as sporadic PAH (17% of cases; 62 mutations in BMPR2, nine in ACVRL1 (ALK1) and one in ENG) and in 94 patients with a PAH family history (89% of cases; 89 mutations in BMPR2, three in ACVRL1 (ALK1) and two in KCNK3). Bi-allelic mutations in EIF2AK4 were identified in all patients with a family history of PVOD (n=19) and in seven patients (8.6%) presenting as sporadic PVOD. Pre-symptomatic genetic diagnosis was offered to 272 relatives of heritable PAH patients, identifying mutations in 36.4% of them. A screening programme is now offered to asymptomatic mutation carriers to detect PAH in an early phase and to identify predictors of outcomes in asymptomatic BMPR2 mutation carriers. BMPR2 screening allowed us to offer pre-implantation diagnosis to two couples with a BMPR2 mutation.Genetic counselling can be implemented in pulmonary hypertension centres.

Occupational exposure to organic solvents: a risk factor for pulmonary veno-occlusive disease

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare form of pulmonary hypertension characterised by predominant remodelling of pulmonary venules. Bi-allelic mutations in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α kinase 4 (EIF2AK4) gene were recently described as the major cause of heritable PVOD, but risk factors associated with PVOD remain poorly understood. Occupational exposures have been proposed as a potential risk factor for PVOD, but epidemiological studies are lacking.

A case–control study was conducted in consecutive PVOD (cases, n=33) and pulmonary arterial hypertension patients (controls, n=65). Occupational exposure was evaluated via questionnaire interview with blinded assessments using an expert consensus approach and a job exposure matrix (JEM).

Using the expert consensus approach, PVOD was significantly associated with occupational exposure to organic solvents (adjusted OR 12.8, 95% CI 2.7–60.8), with trichloroethylene being the main agent implicated (adjusted OR 8.2, 95% CI 1.4–49.4). JEM analysis independently confirmed the association between PVOD and trichloroethylene exposure. Absence of significant trichloroethylene exposure was associated with a younger age of disease (54.8±21.4 years, p=0.037) and a high prevalence of harbouring bi-allelic EIF2AK4 mutations (41.7% versus 0%, p=0.015).

Occupational exposure to organic solvents may represent a novel risk factor for PVOD. Genetic background and environmental exposure appear to influence the phenotypic expression of the disease.

Criteria for diagnosis of exercise pulmonary hypertension

The previous definition of exercise pulmonary hypertension (PH) with a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) >30 mmHg was abandoned because healthy individuals can exceed this threshold at high cardiac output (CO). We hypothesised that incorporating assessment of the pressure–flow relationship using the mPAP/CO ratio, i.e. total pulmonary resistance (TPR), might enhance the accuracy of diagnosing an abnormal exercise haemodynamic response.

Exercise haemodynamics were evaluated in 169 consecutive subjects with normal resting mPAP ≤20 mmHg. Subjects were classified into controls without heart or lung disease (n=68) versus patients with pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) (n=49) and left heart disease (LHD) (n=52).

TPR and mPAP at maximal exercise produced diagnostic accuracy with area under the receiver operating curve of 0.99 and 0.95, respectively, for discriminating controls versus patients with PVD and LHD. The old criterion of mPAP >30 mmHg had sensitivity of 0.98 but specificity of 0.77. Combining maximal mPAP >30 mmHg and TPR >3 mmHg·min·L−1 retained sensitivity at 0.93 but improved specificity to 1.0. The accuracy of the combined criteria was high across different age groups, sex, body mass index and diagnosis (PVD or LHD).

Combining mPAP >30 mmHg and TPR >3 mmHg·min·L−1 is superior to mPAP >30 mmHg alone for defining a pathological haemodynamic response of the pulmonary circulation during exercise.

The effect of oral salmon calcitonin delivered with 5-CNAC on bone and cartilage degradation in osteoarthritic patients: a 14-day randomized study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of oral salmon calcitonin (oSCT) administered over 14 days to men and women presenting with osteoarthritis (OA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was a phase-I, 2-week, placebo-controlled, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, gender-stratified study including 73 subjects aged 57-75 years. Patients had painful OA with a Kellgren and Lawrence index score of I-III. Treatment allocations were; 0.6 mg, 0.8 mg of oSCT, or placebo. Treatment was given twice daily for 14 days. The morning dose was administered between 07:00 and 08:00 at least 30 min before breakfast. The second dose was administered 30 min before evening dinner. On treatment day 1 and 14, the morning dose was followed by 5h of fasting, and blood samples and urine were collected immediately prior to dosing and according to the protocol. Study parameters were: plasma sCT levels, bone resorption by CTX-I (serum C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I), bone formation by osteocalcin (serum OC), and cartilage degradation by CTX-II (urine C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type II) (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00486369).

RESULTS

Doses of 0.8 mg compared with 0.6 mg produced significantly higher C(max) and AUC(0-4 hrs), of calcitonin, P=0.03. This resulted in significant reductions in CTX-I and CTX-II, [P<0.0001; P=0.007]. No differences were observed between baseline and follow-up at day 14 in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters. Gender had no observable influence on results.

CONCLUSIONS

oSCT given twice daily with a pre-dinner and morning fasting dosing resulted in reductions in markers of bone resorption and cartilage degradation.

Large-scale association study between two coding LRP5 gene polymorphisms and bone phenotypes and fractures in men

Herein we investigated the association between polymorphisms in the LRP5 gene and bone phenotypes and fractures in three large male cohorts based on the rationale that mutations in LRP5 cause severe bone phenotypes. Results showed an association of the Val667Met SNP with spine BMD in 3,800 young and elderly men.

INTRODUCTION

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5)-Wnt signalling system is of importance for regulating osteoblastic activity, which became clear after findings that inactivating mutations in LRP5 cause osteoporosis. The overall aim of this study was to investigate the association between polymorphisms in the LRP5 gene and bone mineral density (BMD) in three large cohorts of young and elderly men.

METHODS

The cohorts used were MrOS Sweden (n = 3014, aged 69-81 years) and MrOs Hong Kong (n = 2000, aged > 65 years) and the Swedish GOOD study (n = 1068, aged 18-20 years). The polymorphisms Val667Met and Ala1330Val were genotyped using a TaqMan assay.

RESULTS

When combining the data from the Swedish cohorts in a meta-analysis (n = 3,800), men carrying the 667Met-allele had 3% lower BMD at lumbar spine compared with non-carriers (p < 0.05). The Val667Met SNP was not polymorphic in the Hong Kong population and thus were not included. There were no associations between the Ala1330Val SNP and bone phenotypes in the study populations. No associations between the LRP5 polymorphisms and self-reported fractures were seen in MrOs Sweden.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from these three large cohorts indicate that the Val667Met polymorphism but not the Ala1330Val contributes to the observed variability in BMD in the Swedish populations.

Is dietary counselling effective in increasing dietary calcium, protein and energy intake in patients with osteoporotic fractures? A randomized controlled clinical trial

To determine the feasibility of increasing the calcium, protein and calorie intake of osteoporotic fracture patients by repeated dietary counselling delivered by a dietitian, a randomized controlled trial was conducted. Among 189 patients presenting with osteoporotic fractures to an Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department of a large regional hospital, 98 patients were randomized to the intervention group and 91 were randomized to the control group (with usual care). Intervention group received three sessions of dietary counselling with tailored made recommendations over a period of 4 months, while the control group only received dietary assessment and pamphlets on the prevention of osteoporosis. Almost all subjects in both intervention and control groups had calcium intake below the recommended level of 1000 mg at baseline. Half and 60% of subjects in both groups had total energy and protein intake below recommended levels respectively. The mean weights of control and intervention groups at baseline were 51.5 and 50.9 kg respectively, while the body mass index (BMI) were 22.6 (kg m(-2)) and 22.6 (kg m(-2)) respectively. After dietary intervention, significant increase of intake was seen in calcium intake (P = 0.0095 by t-test) in the intervention group. No significant increase was seen in protein or calorie intake. No significant change was observed in the body weight or BMI although there was a positive trend in the intervention group for all these parameters. We concluded that there was general malnutrition in Chinese elderly who presented with osteoporotic fractures. Dietary calcium could be increased by repeated professional dietary counselling. Future studies with longer duration and more objective clinical outcomes will be helpful to further demonstrate the long-term effects of dietary intervention on osteoporosis and other chronic diseases.

Immunohistochemical Demonstration of Leptin in Pancreatic Islets of Non-Obese Diabetic and CD-1 mice: Co-localization in Glucagon Cells and its Attenuation at the Onset of Diabetes

Leptin is a 16 kD polypeptide hormone produced predominantly by white adipose tissue and exerts profound effects on food intake and energy balance. More recent studies have shown extra sites of leptin production in human and rodent tissues and have ascribed additional roles for the hormone, e.g., in immune and reproductive functions. A role for the hormone has also been implicated in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse. However, whether leptin originates from islet cells of the mouse is not known. Here dual-label immunohistochemistry was employed to examine leptin expression in islet cells, and its distribution and cellular sources in pancreatic sections of female NOD/Ak and CD-1 mice of various ages. For comparison, leptin immunolabelling was examined in adult pancreatic sections from male NOD/Ak CD-1, Balb/c and FVB/N mice and female severe combined immunodeficient CB. 17 mice. Pancreatic tissues from adult female guinea pig, sheep and cattle and neonatal pigs were also studied. Our results show that in the day 1 NOD and CD-1 mice, leptin immunolabelling was observed in selective glucagon cells within the developing islets while at days 15 and 22, it became more intense and co-incident. This pattern of staining was maintained at days 40, 90, 150 and 250. In the female NOD mouse, leptin was absent in intra-islet immune cells. Its expression was variable in islets from male NOD and CD-1 mice. In spontaneously diabetic female NOD mice and following acceleration of diabetes with cyclophosphamide, despite the persistence of strong immunolabelling for glucagon in the re-distributed alpha cells, leptin expression was either absent, diminished or present in only a proportion of alpha cells. The reduction in leptin labelling was often associated with diabetic islets which had insulitis in association with only a small number of residual beta cells. Leptin expression was absent in guinea pig, ovine, bovine and neonatal porcine islet cells, despite the expression of intensely labelled glucagon cells. The present results demonstrate leptin co-localization in glucagon cells of the mouse islet. Its expression diminishes in the presence of inadequate insulin. Leptin produced within the mouse islet may have bi-directional influences on leptin and insulin regulation and may play local functions in islet development and metabolism.

Alendronate for the prevention of bone loss in patients on inhaled steroid therapy

One hundred women on inhaled steroid therapy (dose range from 800 to <1600 microg per day) were randomized to receive 10 mg of oral alendronate or placebo (with 500 mg of calcium in the form of daily calcium carbonate). Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The percentage changes in BMD were -0.80% in the placebo group and 2.99% in the alendronate group at the spine (p < 0.001 by analysis of covariance [ANCOVA]), and were -0.51% in the placebo group and 0.97% in the alendronate group at the femoral neck (p < 0.05 by ANCOVA). Five patients in the alendronate-treated group, and a similar number of patients in the placebo group, complained of mild gastric discomfort. We conclude that women on inhaled steroid therapy were at risk of accelerated bone loss, which could be prevented by a daily dose of 10 mg of alendronate.

Milk supplementation of the diet of postmenopausal Chinese women on a low calcium intake retards bone loss

The Chinese diet is low in calcium (less than 500 mg/day on average), and previous observational studies have suggested an association between a low calcium intake and risk of hip and vertebral fracture. In this study, we randomly assigned 200 postmenopausal Chinese women (age range, 55-59 years) to receive 50 g of milk powder containing 800 mg of calcium per day or to a control group. The following are the mean percentage changes (and SEs) in height and bone mineral density (BMD) over 24 months: for height, -0.1 +/- 0.2 cm in the milk supplementation group and -0.2 +/- 0.1 cm in the control group; for BMD at the total hip, -0.06 +/- 0.22% in the milk supplementation group and -0.88 +/- 0.26% in the control group; for BMD at the spine (L1-L4), -0.56 +/- 0.29% in the milk supplementation group and -1.5 +/- 0.29% in the control group; for total body BMD, -0.32 +/- 0.16% in the milk supplementation group and -1.2 +/- 0.19% in the control group (p < 0.05 by analysis of covariance [ANCOVA] for repeated measures for height and BMD at all sites). The milk supplementation group had less loss in terms of both height and BMD than the control group (p < 0.05 by ANCOVA for repeated measures). Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration was lower and serum 25-hyroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level was higher in the milk supplementation group than the control group at 12 months (p < 0.05 by paired t-test). We conclude that supplementing the diet of postmenopausal Chinese women with high calcium milk powder retards bone loss.

Epidemiology of osteoporosis

The epidemiology of osteoporosis is reviewed in this article. Attempts were made to answer the following questions: How should osteoporosis be defined? How can risk factors and bone mineral density (BMD) measurements be applied to diagnose osteoporosis? How do the rates for osteoporotic fractures vary by country, sex, age and time? What are the costs for osteoporosis in terms of direct and indirect cost, morbidity and mortality? According to the WHO criteria, osteoporosis can be defined as a BMD of 2.5 standard deviations or more below the young normal mean. BMD measurements are predictive of fracture risks. Hip fracture is by far the most costly of osteoporotic fractures, and the rates are highest in Caucasians, intermediate in Asians and lowest in Blacks. Risk factors could be used to assist in the decision to measure BMD.

Estrogen receptor gene polymorphism and bone mineral density in postmenopausal Chinese women

PvuII and XbaI restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) for the estrogen receptor gene (ERG) and its relation to bone mineral density (BMD) were examined in 454 postmenopausal Chinese women, aged 55-79 years. The RFLPs were represented as P or p (PvuII) and X or x (XbaI), with capital letters signifying the absence of and small letters the presence of restriction sites. There was no significant difference in BMD between the PP, Pp, and pp genotypes. However, women of the XX genotype had significantly higher BMD at the spine than women of the Xx or xx genotype. The magnitude of the difference in BMD was 80% of a standard deviation (SD) for BMD in elderly women and 40% of a SD in postmenopausal women. There was no statistically significant interaction between the PvuII genotype and the XbaI genotype in determining BMD. We conclude that postmenopausal Chinese women who were homozygous for the XX genotype had slightly higher BMD than the others. However, the difference in BMD was small and was unlikely to have any clinical significance. The ERG is not a major determinant of BMD in Chinese women in Hong Kong.

Risk factors for hip fracture in Asian men and women: the Asian osteoporosis study

The objectives of the Asian Osteoporosis Study (AOS) were to determine risk factors for hip fracture in men and women in four Asian countries, that is, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. A total of 451 men and 725 women (aged 50 years and over) with hip fractures were compared with an equal number of community controls. A standardized questionnaire was administered by interview. The following relative risks (RRs) were found in women and men by multiple logistic regression: dietary calcium intake < 498 mg/day, 2.0 for women (95% CI, 1.5-2.8) and 1.5 for men (95% CI, 1.0-2.2); no load bearing activity in the immediate past, 2.0 for women (95% CI, 1.4-2.7) and 3.4 for men (95% CI, 2.3-5.1); no vigorous sport activities in young adulthood, 7.2 for women (95% CI, 4.0-13.0) and 2.4 for men (95% CI, 1.6-3.6); cigarette smoking, 1.5 for men (95% CI, 1.0-2.1); alcohol consumption 7 days a week, 2.9 for women (95% CI, 1.0-8.6) and 1.9 for men (95% CI, 1.1-3.2); fell twice or more in the last 12 months, 3.0 for women (95% CI, 1.8-4.8) and 3.4 for men (95% CI, 1.8-6.6); a history of fractures after 50 years of age, 1.8 for women (95% CI, 1.1-2.9) and 3.0 for men (95% CI, 1.6-5.6); a history of stroke, 3.8 for women (95% CI, 2.0-7.1) and 3.6 for men (95% CI, 1.8-7.1); use of sedatives, 2.5 for women (95% CI, 1.0-6.3) and 3.0 for men (95% CI, 1.0-9.7); and use of thyroid drugs, 7.1 for women (95% CI, 2.0-25.9) and 11.8 for men (95% CI, 1.3-106.0). Women who were 1.56 m or taller had an RR of 2.0 (95% CI, 1.3-3.0) for hip fracture and men who were 1.69 m or taller had an RR of 1.9 (95% CI, 1.2-3.1) for hip fracture. Based on these findings, primary preventive programs for hip fracture could be planned in Asia.

[Calcium and bone health in Asians]

A low dietary calcium intake is prevalent among Asian populations. The results of epidemiological studies showed that low dietary calcium intakes may be associated with lower bone mass, and increased fracture risk. The finding from randomised controlled clinical trials consistently show that calcium supplementation may be associated with higher bone mineral density in populations with low calcium intake. A Recommended Dietary Allowance of 1,000 mg or above is appropriate in Asians.

Coronary artery bypass performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with reduced cerebral microemboli and improved clinical results

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Strokes and neurocognitive dysfunction have been correlated with cerebral microemboli produced during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The purpose of this study was to determine whether, and to what extent, off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) reduces the occurrence of cerebral microemboli compared with traditional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with CPB and to compare clinical results.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

A retrospective review of 137 patients undergoing elective CABG was performed, 70 of whom underwent traditional CABG and 67 of whom underwent OPCAB. Using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, 40 patients (20 CABG, 20 OPCAB) were continuously monitored intraoperatively for the occurrence and pattern of cerebral microemboli.

SETTING

Private, university-affiliated tertiary care hospitals.

RESULTS

There was no statistical difference in the age, sex, or underlying comorbidities between those patients undergoing CABG and OPCAB. CABG patients did have a slightly lower preoperative ejection fraction (50.9% vs 55.5%, p = 0.03). Despite these similar preoperative characteristics, the OPCAB group experienced significant reductions in cerebral microemboli (27 vs 1,766, p = 0.003), transfusion requirements (29.9% vs 47.1%, p = 0.04), intubation time (3.3 vs 9.5 h, p < 0.001), ICU length of stay (1.5 vs 2.8 days, p = 0.02), and overall hospitalization (4.9 vs 6.6 days, p = 0.01) without an increase in mortality. Fewer strokes and deaths were observed in the OPCAB group, but these trends failed to reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

In similar patient populations, OPCAB was associated with significantly fewer cerebral microemboli and improved clinical results without an increase in mortality. We believe that these early results support OPCAB as a viable and potentially safer alternative to traditional CABG.

The incidence of hip fracture in four Asian countries: the Asian Osteoporosis Study (AOS)

The Asian Osteoporosis Study (AOS) is the first multicenter study to document and compare the incidence of hip fracture in four Asian countries. Hosital discharge data for the year 1997 were obtained for the Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand (Chiang Mai). The number of patients who were 50 years of age and older and who were discharged with a diagnosis of hip fracture (ICD9 820) was enumerated. The age-specific incidence rates were deduced and were directly adjusted to the US white population in 1989. The age-adjusted rates for men and women (per 100,000) are as follows: Hong Kong, 180 and 459; Singapore, 164 and 442; Malaysia, 88 and 218; Thailand, 114 and 289; compared with US White rates of 187 in men and 535 in women, published in 1989. We conclude that there is moderate variation in the incidence of hip fracture among Asian countries. The rates were highest in urbanized countries. With rapid economic development in Asia, hip fracture will prove to be a major public health challenge.

Alendronate prevents bone loss in Chinese women with osteoporosis

The objectives of the Hong Kong study are to investigate the efficacy of 10 mg alendronate in preventing bone loss at the hip and spine in osteoporotic Chinese women. One hundred osteoporotic Chinese women, aged 60-79 years, were randomized to receive 10 mg of alendronate or placebo, with 500 mg elemental calcium. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine and hip were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Seventy-eight subjects completed the study. The alendronate-treated group gained more bone at both the spine (p < 0.01) and femoral neck (p < 0.001), with a mean difference (+/-SE) of 2.4% (+/-0.86%) at the spine and 3.98% (+/-0.95%) at the femoral neck. Of the 100 patients, 6 subjects in the alendronate group and 5 subjects in the placebo group had mild gastrointestinal symptoms. We conclude that alendronate (10 mg) was effective in preventing bone loss in postmenopausal osteoporotic Chinese women.

Vertebral deformity in chinese men: prevalence, risk factors, bone mineral density, and body composition measurements

The prevalence and risk factors for vertebral deformity were studied in 396 community-dwelling Chinese men aged 70-79 years. Anterior to posterior (H(a)/H(p)), middle to posterior (H(m)/H(p)) and posterior to posterior (H(p)/H(p - 1) or H(p)/H(p + 1)) ratios from T5 to L5 were derived from lateral spine X-ray films, using standardized digitization methods. Using values of 3 standard deviations (SD) or more below the mean and 4 SD or more below the mean as the cutoff, 16% and 7% of these men, respectively, were deemed to have one or more deformed vertebra. Heavy cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and working as a heavy manual worker were risk factors for vertebral deformity. Men with severe vertebral deformity (VHR < mean - 4 SD below mean) had much lower body weight, fat mass, and bone mineral density (BMD) than controls. The odds ratios for severe vertebral deformity was 9.9 (95% CI 2.1-45.7) in the lowest quartile of femoral neck BMD.

Hip fracture in Hong Kong over the last decade--a comparison with the UK

BACKGROUND

Hip fracture is a major public health problem in Asia and the UK. The objectives of this study were to describe the trends of hip fracture in Hong Kong over the last decade, and to compare the incidence in Hong Kong with that from the Wessex Health Region of the UK in 1995.

METHODS

The number of hip fractures was calculated using hospital discharge records for all public hospitals in Hong Kong in 1991 and 1995. Age-specific incidence rates were then calculated using the mid-year census population for the two years. These rates were presented with previously reported age-specific rates for Hong Kong in 1966 and 1985. These age-specific rates for Hong Kong in 1995 were compared with rates for the Wessex Health Region of the UK. The total number of hip fracture expected in 2010 was calculated by applying the age-specific rates of 1995 to the projected population for 2010.

RESULTS

In 1995, a total of 1138 men and 2782 women in Hong Kong fractured their hip. The age-specific rates had remained static from 1985 to 1995, after substantial rise from 1966 to 1985. In 1995, the rates of hip fracture rates were 11/1000 in women and 5/1000 in men who were 70 years and older. These rates were almost identical to those observed in the Wessex Health Region of the UK.

CONCLUSION

The age-specific incidence rates of hip fracture had not risen in Hong Kong in the last decade. The incidence of hip fracture in Hong Kong was similar to that in the UK in 1995. The total number of patients with hip fracture in Hong Kong will increase substantially in the future, as a result of the ageing of the population.

The prevalence of osteoporosis in the Hong Kong Chinese female population

OBJECTIVES

This paper aims to present population-based age-related bone mass values in the Hong Kong Chinese female population, and to assess the number and proportion of Chinese women considered osteoporotic according to the WHO diagnostic guidelines.

METHODS

A total of 769 community-based female subjects were recruited. Social demographic characteristics of these subjects were similar to the Hong Kong general population. All bone mass measurements were performed by means of a dual energy X-ray densitometry (Norland XR 26) at two sites: lumbar vertebrae L2-L4 and left hip. These values were expressed as T-scores, with reference to the mean bone mineral density (BMD) values of the group aged 21-40 years.

RESULTS

The study revealed that, in women aged 60 years and above, their mean BMD values are 30% lower than the young normal mean. The prevalence of osteoporosis at the spine increased dramatically from about 10% in the age group 50-59 to 45% in the group aged 60-69. In women aged 70 onwards, over half have osteoporosis at the hip. The prevalence of osteoporosis at the spine is relatively stable in the age groups above 60, while that for osteoporosis at the hip increased exponentially with age.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of osteoporosis in Hong Kong women is comparable to that found in Caucasian populations. Prevention of osteoporosis, involving both immediate and long-term measures, and targeting at different age groups, are required to combat this serious public health problem in Hong Kong.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and bone mineral density in elderly Chinese men and women in Hong Kong

Although genetic factors have been strongly implicated in determining bone mineral density (BMD), the role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphism remains controversial. An overall consensus is difficult, as the populations studied have been heterogeneous with respect to menopausal status and ethnicity. Moreover, some studies have examined only small populations, and relatively few studies have been conducted in Asian populations. There is mounting evidence that calcium homeostasis in Asian populations differs from that in Caucasians. This difference may be mediated, in part, through VDR effects. In a cross-sectional study we have examined the relationship between the VDR polymorphism and BMD in 272 women (mean age 75 years) and 237 men (mean age 73 years) of Chinese origin from Hong Kong. Consistent with other studies in Asian populations we found higher frequencies of the T, b and a alleles compared with those reported in Caucasian populations. Moreover, no significant difference in BMD was observed when subjects were grouped by a combination of the genotypes (bbAATT, bbAaTT, bbaaTT, BbAaTt, BbAATt). These results suggest that VDR polymorphism is not associated with BMD in elderly Hong Kong Chinese men and women.

Bone mineral density and body composition in patients with airflow obstruction--the role of inhaled steroid therapy, disease and lifestyle

BACKGROUND

Inhaled steroid therapy has been shown to be associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) in asthmatic patients, but its effect in men has not been specifically studied; and the relative importance of therapy, disease and lifestyle leading to low BMD has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVES

The study was designed to compare BMD in women and men who had airflow obstruction (asthma or COAD with or without inhaled steroid therapy) with normal controls. The role of inhaled steroid treatment, disease severity and lifestyle was studied among patients.

METHODS

One hundred and fourty-four patients (106 on inhaled steroids and 38 not on inhaled steroids) and 212 age-matched controls were studied. Body composition and BMD (at the total body, hip and spine) were measured by dual-X-ray densitometry (DEXA). Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) was measured in patients. A validated questionnaire was administered to measure lifestyle factors.

RESULTS

The body mass indices (BMI) (P < 0.001) and percentage of body fat (P < 0.001) were higher among female patients on inhaled steroids than controls. However, the BMD of the total body (P < 0.05) and spine (P < 0.001) were significantly lower in premenopausal and postmenopausal women than controls, respectively (P < 0.005). The BMD at the spine (P<0.01) and hip (P < 0.01) in male patients were significantly lower than the controls. By multiple regression, age and use of inhaled steroid was negatively associated with BMD at the hip (P < 0.01), but not at the spine (P>0.05). Cigarette smoking was associated with significantly lower BMD at the femoral neck (P < 0.05), and a low dietary calcium intake was associated with lower BMD at the spine (P<0.05). In women, use of inhaled steroid was not associated with significantly lower BMD.

CONCLUSION

Men who had asthma and/or COAD had lower BMD, and this was not attributable entirely to steroid use. Cigarette smoking and a low dietary calcium intake may partially account for this difference. The difference in BMD between female patients and controls, even in those taking inhaled steroid, was small.

The health consequences of vertebral deformity in elderly Chinese men and women

The following health consequences of vertebral deformity in Hong Kong elderly Chinese men and women were studied: the prevalence of back pain, disability due to back pain, and low morale. Lateral X-ray films were taken of the thoracic and lumbar spine of 796 community-dwelling Chinese subjects (396 men, 400 women) (aged 70-79). Subjects with one or more definitely deformed vertebra (reduction in vertebral height 3 SD or more below the mean) were classified as definite cases, those with one or more mildly deformed vertebra (reduction in vertebral height 2-2.99 SD below the mean) as mild cases, and the rest as controls. The prevalence and consequences of back pain were measured by a standardized questionnaire, and morale was measured by the Geriatric Morale Score. The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of having back pain and being depressed were calculated by logistic regression. Classifications included 16% of men and 30% of women as definite cases, 37% of men and 35% of women as mild cases, and 47% of men and 35% of women as controls. The relative risk (RR) of back pain was 2.3 (95% CI 1.4-3.9) (P < 0.05) in women with definite deformity and 1.5 (95% CI 0.9-2.5) (P > 0.05) in women with mild deformity, as compared with controls. Sixty-four percent of all men had back pain. This prevalence was much higher than figures obtained in a previous survey on low back pain. The prevalence of back pain did not differ by deformity status, but more men with vertebral deformity were on analgesic. There was no significant association between disability due to back pain and vertebral deformity in women. The RR for having a low morale score (of 5 and below) was 2.3 (95% CI 1.3-4.1) (P < 0. 05) in women with mild deformity; men with vertebral deformity did not have a low morale. It was concluded that vertebral deformity was associated with significant back pain and psychological morbidity in elderly Chinese women. Although men with vertebral deformity did not report more back pain, more were on analgesics than controls.

Nutrition and osteoporosis

Nutritional factors have a significant influence on the cause of osteoporosis. Calcium supplementation may be particularly effective in populations with a low calcium diet. Supplementations of 500 mg/d may produce about 4% gain in skeletal calcium in adolescents. Supplementations of 800 mg/d may prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women. The results of clinical trials also suggested that such supplementation may prevent hip and vertebral fractures in the elderly. The largest effect of calcium supplementation occurs in the first year of treatment, whereas sustained effects are not proven. Vitamin D supplementation may be particularly useful in vitamin D-deficient elderly. In this group, hip fractures may be prevented by vitamin D administration. Urinary sodium excretion is correlated with urinary calcium excretion in humans, and a direct effect of high sodium intake on loss at the hip has been demonstrated. Observational epidemiologic studies suggested a negative effect of a high protein intake on bone density, although there are no results from clinical trials to support this view. Dietary fiber, phytate, oxalate, and caffeine intake may have a small negative effect on calcium absorption.