[Vitamin D supplementation in the elderly: guidelines and practice]

OBJECTIVE

In 2008, the Health Council of the Netherlands published an advice on vitamin D supplementation for the elderly. Nevertheless, suspicion arose at the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre that vitamin D supplementation in the elderly is still insufficient. We aimed to determine the extent to which general practitioners and elderly care physicians actually followed the advice of the Health Council.

DESIGN

Questionnaire study.

METHOD

Brief questionnaires were sent to all elderly care physicians in the Netherlands. Some questions were also posed to general practitioners at a network meeting of the Academic Network of GP Practices of the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam.

RESULTS

More than two-thirds of the respondents, both elderly care physicians and general practitioners, are familiar with the guidelines of the Health Council of the Netherlands on vitamin D supplementation in the elderly, but about half do not prescribe vitamin D when the guideline advises to do so. When supplementation is prescribed, about half of the elderly care physicians and a fifth of the general practitioners uses an insufficient dose.

CONCLUSION

The guidelines of the Health Council of the Netherlands on vitamin D supplementation in the elderly are not sufficiently followed by elderly care physicians and general practitioners. Awareness of and support for the vitamin D supplementation guidelines among health care providers is still limited.

Prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in Dutch psychogeriatric nursing home residents by weekly half-body UVB exposure after showering: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

in older people, induction of cutaneous vitamin D production by ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure may be preferable to oral supplementation: it cannot cause toxic levels, it helps to prevent polypharmacy and, moreover, there are indications that UVB exposure has beneficial effects on health and well being by mechanisms other than the vitamin D pathway alone.

OBJECTIVE

the aim of this pilot study is to investigate whether weekly, half-body, UVB irradiation after showering can increase serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) to sufficient levels, in a Dutch psychogeriatric nursing home population.

METHOD

subjects were eight psychogeriatric nursing home patients, mean age: 79 ± 8. Exclusion criteria were going outdoors into the sun more than once a week, the presence of actinic or cancer skin lesions and known resistance to body contact. The intervention consisted of weekly half-body UVB irradiation, after showering, over 8 weeks, with 0.5 minimal erythemal dose (MED). Main outcome measures were change in fasting serum levels of 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) at 0, 2, 4 and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

at baseline, mean serum 25(OH)D was 28.5 nmol/l. Mean serum 25(OH)D levels increased to 46.5 nmol/l. Median serum PTH levels decreased by 20% after 8 weeks of treatment.

CONCLUSION

an 8 week course of weekly, frontal half-body irradiation with UVB, at 0.5 MED, leads to an significant increase in 25(OH)D serum levels, but this period is too short to reach vitamin D sufficiency.

[Degree of discomfort following the decision to discontinue artificial nutrition and hydration in institutionalised psychogeriatric patients with severe dementia who no longer or scarcely eat or drink]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the level and course of discomfort after the decision was made to forgo artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) in nursing home patients with severe dementia who scarcely or no longer eat and drink.

DESIGN

Longitudinal questionnaire investigation.

METHOD

In a prospective, longitudinal, observational study conducted in 32 Dutch nursing homes, discomfort was measured in 178 patients using the observational 'Discomfort scale for patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type' (DS-DAT) at various time points: on the day of the decision to discontinue ANH and 2, 5, 9, 14 and 42 days thereafter. Data on factors that may have influenced the degree of discomfort were also collected at all time points.

RESULTS

The decision to forgo ANH occurred most often in severely demented female patients with an acute illness. Overall, 134 patients (75%) died within 1-2 weeks after the decision. The mean level ofdiscomfort was highest on the day of the decision and decreased thereafter. However, the degree of discomfort differed substantially among patients. The presence of dyspnoea, restlessness, and physician-observed pain and dehydration were associated with higher levels of discomfort. Patients who were awake had higher levels of observed discomfort than patients who were asleep.

CONCLUSION

Discontinuing ANH in patients with severe dementia who scarcely or no longer eat or drink was not generally associated with high levels of discomfort and therefore appears to be an acceptable decision. The individual differences emphasise the need for constant attention to distressful symptoms.

[Chronic pain in dementia and in disorders with a high risk for congnitive impairment]

Ageing increases the risk for the etiology of chronic pain and dementia. hence, the increase in the number of elderly people implies that the number of elderly with dementia suffering from chronic pain will increase as well. A key question relates to if and how patients with dementia perceive pain. the inadequateness of pain assessment, particularly in a more advanced stage, is also reflected in a decreased use of analgesics by elderly people with dementia. Insight into possible changes in pain experience as have been observed in the few available clinical studies, could be enhanced by knowledge about the neuropathology which may differ per subtype of dementia. It is striking that pain has not been examined in degenerative diseases of the central nervous system with a high risk for cognitive impairment such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. In these disorders, pain is a prominent clinical symptom and to date it is not known whether the experience of pain will change in a stage in which patients become cognitively impaired. Finally, a number of instruments which are most appropriate to assess pain in communicative and non-communicative patients are discussed.

Down and drowsy? Do apathetic nursing home residents experience low quality of life?

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between apathy and quality of life (QOL) in nursing home residents (n = 227). In all, 92 residents could be assessed with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Philadelphia Geriatric Centre Morale Scale (PGCMS), and were able to answer a question about overall subjective QOL. Apathetic behaviour and consciousness disorders were measured with the Behaviour Rating Scale for Psychogeriatric Inpatients (GIP). Linear regression analysis was first applied to study the association of cognition, depression and consciousness with apathy. It was then used to study the relationship between apathy and QOL, controlling for the constructs that were associated with apathy. The relationship between apathy and QOL appeared to vary with the cognitive functioning of the residents: In residents with a low level of cognitive functioning, apathetic behaviour was associated with high QOL; in residents with a higher level of cognitive functioning, apathetic behaviour was associated with low QOL. The necessity and nature of interventions aimed at stimulating apathetic residents may depend on the level of cognitive functioning of the residents. Further research is needed to determine if and when apathy interventions are appropriate.

Finding a useful conceptual basis for enhancing the quality of life of nursing home residents

In this article it is depicted that before nursing home staff can effectively contribute to optimising the quality of life (QOL) of nursing home residents, it has to be clear what exactly QOL is and how it can be enhanced. The aim is to identify a QOL framework that provides tools for optimising QOL and can form the basis for the development of guidelines for QOL enhancement. For that purpose, a framework should meet three basic criteria: (1) it should be based on assumptions about comprehensive QOL of human beings in general; (2) it should clearly describe the contribution of each dimension to QOL and identify relationships between the dimensions; (3) it should take individual preferences into account. After the criteria are defined, frameworks identified from a literature search are discussed and evaluated according to these criteria. The most suitable framework appears to be the QOL framework of the theory of Social Production Functions. The implications of this framework in understanding the QOL of nursing home residents are described and recommendations for further research are discussed.

Effects of the implementation of the Resident Assessment Instrument on gaps between perceived needs and nursing care supply for nursing home residents in the Netherlands

This study evaluated the effects of the implementation of the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) on gaps perceived between residents' needs and nursing care received in Dutch nursing homes. In a controlled group design residents were interviewed before and after the implementation. Most gaps were perceived in the psycho-social area rather than physical or needs with aids and facilities. In general, perceived gaps decreased more strongly in the experimental group. The results give an indication that assessment using RAI leads to a better meeting of the residents' perceived needs. More research is needed to investigate the quality of the assessment using RAI in more detail.

Improvements in the quality of co-ordination of nursing care following implementation of the Resident Assessment Instrument in Dutch nursing homes

AIM

To study the effect of implementation of the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) on the quality of co-ordination of nursing care in Dutch nursing homes.

BACKGROUND

The Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) was designed to improve the quality of care and quality of life in nursing homes. Until now, only noncontrolled studies on the effects of implementation of the RAI have been carried out.

DESIGN/METHODS

Quasi-experimental; intervention wards with RAI compared with wards with no intervention. We used the co-ordination of nursing care instrument, which includes measures for case history, care plan, end of shift report, communication, patient allocation and patient report. The scores on these scales represent the quality of nursing procedures on a ward. The measurements were done 1 month before and 8 months after RAI-implementation in 18 wards in 10 nursing homes in the Netherlands.

RESULTS

Out of 348 somatic patients on the participating wards who met the inclusion criteria and signed an informed consent, 278 could be measured at the first and 218 at the second data collection. 175 residents could participate twice. We used a meta-analysis technique to study the mean differences between eight couples of RAI/control wards before and after the intervention. The mean difference scores showed significant positive improvement in the RAI group for case history, there were minor (not statistically significant) improvements for all other scores and the total score. These results are encouraging especially in light of the fact that RAI-implementation in all the experimental wards did not proceed according to plan, owing to staffing and software problems.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the RAI has the potential to improve the quality of co-ordination of care in nursing homes.

Decisions to treat or not to treat pneumonia in demented psychogeriatric nursing home patients: evaluation of a guideline

We evaluated a new guideline, in the form of a "checklist of considerations," to support end-of-life decision making in the treatment of demented patients with pneumonia. Questionnaires were sent to nursing home physicians (NHPs) in The Netherlands at three times: before implementation of the checklist (concerning 91 individual patients), during use of the checklist (concerning another 107 individual patients), and after data collection (concerning the targeted patient category of demented nursing home patients with pneumonia as a whole). In the last questionnaire, one NHP from each nursing home (n = 55 NHPs) gave his or her general opinion about the checklist. We measured the usefulness of the checklist in supporting decision making and its frequency of actual use. The NHPs accepted the contents of the checklist for use in the targeted patient category. It was used in 46% of the incident cases of pneumonia. The checklist was considered more useful in supporting decision making for the targeted patient category (85% of the NHPs) than for the individual patient (47%). Possible explanations for this discrepancy in "usefulness" include the difference in the nature of the outcome measures and the fact that the checklist was used more frequently for the "easier cases." Information on individual patient level, patient category level, and nursing home and NHP characteristics is used to suggest checklist improvements.

Relationship between internal risk factors for development of decubitus ulcers and the blood flow response following pressure load

The objective of this study was to investigate the extent to which internal risk factors for the development of decubitus ulcers are related to the blood flow response following the relief of a pressure load. There were 122 nursing home patients (43 men, 69 women, mean age: 81 +/- 8 years; range: 60-97). The following potential, internal risk factors for the development of decubitus ulcers were assessed: chronic disorders (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease [congestive heart failure, history of myocardial infarct or angina pectoris] and cerebrovascular accident), fever, blood pressure, nutritional status, serum hemoglobin concentration, and serum urea and serum creatinine concentrations. Skin temperature response (latency time and total response time) was measured following relief of a 100 kPa test pressure. The presence of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular accident, poor nutritional condition, high serum urea and male gender showed a significant relationship with an impaired blood flow response. The delayed latency found showed a similarity to the so-called "no-reflow phenomenon." The association of cardiovascular disease and a cerebrovascular accident with a delay in the blood flow response may result from endothelial damage. A poor nutritional condition may be associated with a deficit of scavengers of oxygen-derived free radicals. The presence of free radicals may damage endothelium during reperfusion, thus influencing the blood flow response. The association of high serum urea with delayed vasodilatation may theoretically be explained by the association of serum urea and impaired kidney functioning, since the kidney is an important organ in the production of vasoactive substances. Serum urea can also be considered a measure for nutritional condition. Gender may function as a substitute for other, unmeasured factors that are related to blood flow response.

[The role of observer for the reliability of Dutch version of the Discomfort Scale-Dementia of Alzheimer Type (DS-DAT)]

The role of the observer in the reliability of the Dutch Discomfort Scale-Dementia of Alzheimer Type (DS-DAT). The Discomfort Scale of Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (DS-DAT) is an instrument to assess discomfort in severely demented patients. No data on the reliability of assessment using a Dutch translation were available. In this paper, we analyse the role of the observer in the reliability of rating. This is of importance for studies in which many physicians perform multiple assessments. Twenty-eight nursing home physicians in training rated the DS-DAT in five nursing home patients with dementia presented on videotape. This was repeated after five months. All the physicians were previously trained in the use of the instrument. The results were statistically analysed using random effects analysis of variance. The Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was 0.74 for inter-observer reliability and 0.97 for intra-observer reliability. Variance between subsequent assessments was small, but physicians appeared to differ somewhat among themselves in the way they rated the videotaped patients. A future complete reliability assessment of rating the DS-DAT in clinical practice would involve patient variation as well, scoring patients in clinical practice.

The relation between quality of co-ordination of nursing care and quality of life in Dutch nursing homes

Quality of life of nursing home residents is a critical consideration in international health care policies and health care decisions. Yet, there is little relevant research to support decisions about client-tailored and effective nursing care for this population. Because of the permanency of their stay, the care received affects the quality of daily life. This study investigated the quality of co-ordination of care and the way it is related to gaps between needs and care supply, the quality of life and health status of residents living in Dutch nursing homes. To assess the perceived quality of life and experienced discrepancies between needs and care supply, 337 residents of 10 different nursing homes were interviewed. The quality of co-ordination of nursing care was assessed by judgements of the residents and nurses and by analysing the care documents. The results showed a relation between the co-ordination of care and care discrepancies; the higher the quality of co-ordination of care, the fewer the gaps between residents' needs and the care they received. The psycho-social aspects in particular showed a gap between the needs and care supply. As regards the relation between co-ordination of care and quality of life, the strongest positive relations were found between taking case histories, patient allocation and dimensions of quality of life. No direct relations were found between the co-ordination of care and care discrepancies on the one hand and the health status of the residents on the other. In conclusion, this study showed that the quality of co-ordination of care can affect the perceived quality of life of nursing home residents. To meet the residents' needs it is important to assess their physical and psycho-social needs accurately. More research focusing on this assessment is needed in order to improve the quality of life of nursing home residents.

Non-pharmacological interventions

The aim of non-pharmacological intervention for osteoporosis is to prevent, treat or alleviate the consequences of osteoporosis, the main one of which is fracture. Non-pharmacological interventions consist of a wide spectrum of treatment modalities to decrease pain, correct postural change, improve mobility, enable the patient to follow a normal social life and prevent (further) fracture. An exercise programme can increase bone mass in adolescents and adults, but in the elderly its main emphasis should be on improving muscle strength and balance in order to decrease the risk of falls. Physiotherapy is commonly prescribed to mobilize the patient after a fracture, to decrease muscle spasm and pain, and to improve balance and co-ordination. An orthesis or back support may be used to correct kyphosis and decrease pain. Medication for pain is often needed and should cover both acute severe pain following fracture and chronic pain caused by postural change. A hip fracture is the most severe consequence of osteoporosis. The risk of hip fracture can be decreased by pharmacological treatment to increase bone mass and bone strength. However, in the very elderly the occurrence of falling may be more important than the failure of bone strength. Hip protectors have recently become available and have been shown to decrease the risk of hip fracture after a fall. These shunt the energy from the trochanter away to the sides. Non-pharmacological approaches to treatment are often neglected in daily practice, the emphasis being instead on treatment with drugs that decrease bone resorption and thereby increase bone strength.

Decisions to treat or not to treat pneumonia in demented psychogeriatric nursing home patients: development of a guideline

Non-treatment decisions concerning demented patients are complex: in addition to issues concerning the health of patients, ethical and legal issues are involved. This paper describes a method for the development of a guideline that clarifies the steps to be taken in the decision making process whether to forgo curative treatment of pneumonia in psychogeriatric nursing home patients. The method of development consisted of seven steps. Step 1 was a literature study from which ethical, juridical and medical factors concerning the patient's health and prognosis were identified. In step 2, a questionnaire was sent to 26 nursing home physicians to determine the relative importance of these factors in clinical practice. In a meeting of nine experienced physicians (step 3), the factors identified in step 2 were confirmed by most of these professionals. To prevent the final guideline being too directive, a concept guideline that included ethical and legal aspects was designed in the form of a "checklist of considerations" (step 4). Experts in the fields of nursing home medicine, ethics and law reviewed and commented on the concept guideline (step 5). The accordingly adapted "checklist of considerations" was tested in a pilot study (step 6), after which all experts endorsed the checklist (step 7). The resulting "checklist of considerations" structures the decision making process according to three primary domains: medical aspects, patient's autonomy, and patient's best interest (see annex at end of paper).

Predictors of fractures in elderly women

In a prospective study of 348 apparently healthy women, aged 70 years and over (mean 80.3 years), we examined bone mineral density (BMD), biochemical markers of bone metabolism, and some easily measurable predictors in relation to hip and osteoporotic fractures. In addition, we constructed risk profiles for hip and osteoporotic fractures. At baseline, BMD at both hips, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, body height and body weight were measured. At the same time, serum and urine samples were obtained for biochemical analysis. Serum samples were analyzed for vitamin D metabolites, sex hormone binding globulin, serum intact parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, phosphate, albumin, calcium and creatinine. In 2 h fasting urine, hydroxyproline, type I collagen crosslinked N-telopeptide (NTx) and calcium excretion were measured. Furthermore, easily measurable predictors, such as previous fracture, body mass index (BMI) and mobility were assessed. During the follow-up period (mean duration 5.0 years), hip and any osteoporotic fracture (wrist, humerus or hip fracture) occurred in 16 and 33 participants, respectively. Data were analyzed using Cox regression analysis. BMD of the trochanter (per 1 SD decrease) and previous fracture were most strongly associated with hip fractures (adjusted relative risk (RR) = 3.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-6.6; RR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.5-11.6, respectively) and osteoporotic fractures (RR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-2.8; RR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.5-5.7, respectively). Previous fracture, BMI and mobility were identified as easily measurable predictors for hip fractures, whereas previous fracture, use of loop diuretics and age were predictors for osteoporotic fractures in the risk profile model. The risk of fractures can be predicted with three easily measurable predictors. This study confirms the importance of previous fracture as a predictor for hip fractures and other fractures. It also shows that the use of loop diuretics is a predictor for osteoporotic fractures.

The Dutch pressure sore assessment score or the Norton scale for identifying at-risk nursing home patients?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the usefulness of a Dutch pressure sore risk assessment scale--the Centraal Begeleidingsorgaan voor de Intercollegiale Toetsing (CBO; National Organization for Quality Assurance in Hospitals) score--in the detection of patients at risk of developing pressure sores after admission to a nursing home. As the Norton score is the standard method of risk assessment, we also investigated which score (Norton or CBO) has the stronger relationship to the development of pressure sores.

DESIGN

Longitudinal cohort design.

PATIENTS

220 nursing home patients, 80 men, 140 women, mean age 79 years (standard deviation 3).

MEASURES

Admission assessments for the presence of pressure sores, CBO and Norton scores, preventive measures and demographic characteristics. We made observations every week for 4 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Presence or absence of pressure sores.

MAIN RESULTS

54 patients (25%) developed a pressure sore. A significant, nonlinear relationship was found between the CBO score on admission and the development of pressure ulcers for the first 2 weeks after admission. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only mobility (odds ratio = 3.6, P = 0.0001) and mental state (odds ratio = 2.0, P = 0.03) showed a significant relationship with the development of pressure ulcers. The CBO score was no better in risk assessment than the Norton score.

CONCLUSIONS

The CBO score can be used for assessment of the risk of developing pressure ulcers in the first 2 weeks after admission to a nursing home, but is no better than the Norton score. Since the Norton score is easier to use, it is slightly preferable for use in this setting. However, neither score is a good indicator of patients at risk. Physicians should not depend solely on risk scores when prescribing preventive measures.

Stimulation of cartilage differentiation by osteogenic protein-1 in cultures of human perichondrium

Exposure of progenitor cells with chondrogenic potential to recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 [rhOP-1, or bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7] may be of therapeutic interest in the regeneration of articular cartilage. Therefore, in this study, we examined the influence of rhOP-1 on cartilage formation by human perichondrium tissue containing progenitor cells with chondrogenic potential in vitro. Fragments of outer ear perichondrium tissue were embedded in clotting autologous blood to which rhOP-1 had been added or not (controls), and the resulting explant was cultured for 3 weeks without further addition of rhOP-1. Cartilage formation was monitored biochemically by measuring [&sup35;S]sulfate incorporation into proteoglycans and histologically by monitoring the presence of metachromatic matrix with cells in nests. The presence of rhOP-1 in the explant at the beginning of culture stimulated [&sup35;S]sulfate incorporation into proteoglycans in a dose-dependent manner after 3 weeks of culture. Maximal stimulation was reached at 40 microgram/ml. Histology revealed that explants treated with 20-200 microgram/ml rhOP-1, but not untreated control explants, contained areas of metachromatic-staining matrix with chondrocytes in cell nests. These results suggest that rhOP-1 stimulates differentiation of cartilage from perichondrium tissue. The direct actions of rhOP-1 on perichondrium cells to stimulate chondrocytic differentiation and production of cartilage matrix in vitro provide a cellular mechanism for the induction of cartilage formation by rhOP-1 in vivo. Thus, rhOP-1 may promote early steps in the cascade of events leading to cartilage formation. Therefore, rhOP-1 could be an interesting factor for regeneration of cartilage in articular cartilage defects.

Ultraviolet irradiation corrects vitamin D deficiency and suppresses secondary hyperparathyroidism in the elderly

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of ultraviolet radiation (UV) and oral vitamin D3 on the vitamin D status and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration in elderly nursing home patients. The design of the study was a randomized clinical trial. The setting was a psychogeriatric nursing home. Subjects included 45 female psychogeriatric patients with a mean age of 85 years. Exclusion criteria were going outdoors more than once a week and the presence of actinic or cancer skin lesions. Intervention was random allocation of UV-B irradiation at half the minimal erythemal dose of the lower back, three times per week during 12 weeks (UV-B), or oral vitamin D3 400 IU/day during 12 weeks (VIT-D), or no treatment (CONTR). Main outcome measures were change in fasting serum levels of vitamin D metabolites at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks in the treatment groups, compared with the control group. PTH(1-84) was measured at 0 and 12 weeks. Baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was lower than 30 nmol/l in 95% of the participants. It increased to a median value of around 60 nmol/l after 12 weeks both in the UV-B and VIT-D groups, whereas there was no change in the CONTR group. Serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D increased significantly in the UV-B group. Serum calcium increased significantly in both treatment groups. Serum PTH decreased more than 30% in both treatment groups (p < 0.001), whereas there was no significant change in the control group. Irradiation with UV-B in the very elderly for a few minutes per day leads to adequate improvement of the vitamin D status. It is as effective as oral vitamin D3 in increasing serum 25(OH)D and suppressing secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Immunization with human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) oncoprotein-loaded dendritic cells as well as protein in adjuvant induces MHC class I-restricted protection to HPV16-induced tumor cells

Human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 oncoproteins are attractive targets for T-cell-based immunotherapy of cervical cancer. In this study, we demonstrate that dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with HPV16 E7 protein are not only recognized in vitro by E7-specific CTLs but also elicit E7-specific CTL responses in vivo, associated with protection against a challenge with syngeneic HPV16-induced tumor cells. Vaccination with soluble E7 protein in incomplete Freund's adjuvant likewise induces E7-specific CTL responses associated with tumor protection. The presence of HPV16 E7-specific CTLs in vivo and the observation that depletion of CD8+ cells completely abolishes tumor protection demonstrate that CTLs are the major effector cells in mediating antitumor activity. The in vivo involvement of DCs in the activation of protective CTLs is suggested by the surface display of E7 peptide-loaded MHC class I molecules on these cells after E7 protein immunization. These data show that HPV16 E7 protein-pulsed DCs, as well as the administration of E7 protein antigen in adjuvant, can effectively stimulate tumor-specific MHC class I-restricted CD8+ T-cell-mediated protective immunity to HPV16-induced cancers.

[Abbreviated form of the Informant Questionnaire on cognitive decline in the elderly]

This study evaluated some psychometric qualities of the Dutch short form Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE-N). The score profile on the short form IQCODE-N was comparable in two outpatient populations. Short form and regular IQCODE-N are equivalent, as they were highly correlated (r = 0.97). However, using IQCODE-N cut-off scores the short form appeared to be more strict in defining 'decline'. A moderately high correlation was found between informant ratings and dementia screening tests CST (r = -0.47) and ADS (r = -0.46). Informant ratings were not influenced by patient's age or level of education. The short form IQCODE-N describes cognitive change in everyday activities of elderly patients and can be an efficient rating scale for clinical assessment of dementia.

The effect of vitamin D supplementation on the bone mineral density of the femoral neck is associated with vitamin D receptor genotype

Recent studies suggest that variations of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are related to bone mineral density (BMD). In this study, we examined the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on BMD at the femoral neck in relation to VDR genotype. We analyzed 81 women, age 70 years and over, who participated in a placebo-controlled clinical trial on the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation (400 IU daily for at least 2 years) on BMD and fracture incidence. VDR genotype was based on the presence (b) or absence (B) of the BsmI restriction site. Mean BMD of the right and left femoral neck was measured at baseline and after 1 and 2 years. Dietary calcium, body mass index, and years since menopause were assessed at baseline while biochemical markers were measured at baseline and after 1 year. There was no difference among the BB, Bb, and bb genotype for baseline measurements of BMD at the femoral neck (mean and SD, g/cm2: 0.70 (0.10), 0.71 (0.12), and 0.69 (0.10), respectively), nor for any of the biochemical indices. The mean increase of BMD in the vitamin D group relative to the placebo group, expressed as percentage of baseline BMD, was significantly higher (p = 0.03) in the BB (delta BMD: 4.4%, p = 0.04) and Bb genotype (delta BMD: 4.2%, p = 0.007) compared with the bb genotype (delta BMD: -0.3%, p = 0.61). No significant changes were found for any of the other measured parameters. The VDR genotype-dependent effect of vitamin D supplementation in these elderly subjects suggest a functional involvement of VDR gene variants in determining BMD.

[Short version of the Dutch Behavioral Rating Scale for Psychogeriatric Inpatients (GIP-28)]

This study reports on a new rating scale, the short version (GIP-28) of the Dutch Behavioral Rating Scale for Geriatric Inpatients (GIP). Only a limited number of items was needed to adequately describe GIP variance in two patient samples (n = 2196 and n = 126). Based on previous results factor analysis produced three factors: 'apathy', 'cognitive' and 'affective' symptoms. This led to the construction of new subscales which showed significant differences between persons in different patient settings. Elderly patients with a cognitive disorder or schizophrenia/mood disorder according to DSM-IV criteria, were correctly classified in almost 80% of the cases. We conclude that the GIP-28 is equivalent to the GIP and describes aspects of apathy and cognitive and affective symptoms in elderly patients. A compact rating scale like this might best be used in (routine) screening of cognitive and noncognitive behavioral problems. It may also prove useful for outpatient purposes.

Ultrasound measurements in the calcaneus: precision and its relation with bone mineral density of the heel, hip, and lumbar spine

Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and speed of sound (SOS) in the heel are suggested to measure bone density and structure and to predict fracture risk. Short-term precision (five consecutive measurements in 1 h) and long-term precision (six within 3 months) of ultrasound parameters were studied in 20 healthy subjects. The coefficient of variation (CV) did not change over a 3-month period for SOS (1.3%). Short-term precision of BUA was 3.4% (CV) and long-term precision was 4.9% (CV) (not significantly different: p = 0.09). Relationships between ultrasound parameters and BMD at various sites were examined in 42 subjects. BMD at the heel was assessed at the location corresponding to that of the ultrasound measurements (BMDheel). Correlation coefficients, corrected for imprecision in the measurements, for BUA and SOS vs. BMDheel, were 0.81 and 0.76, respectively. The correlation coefficients between heel measurements (BUA, SOS, and BMDheel) and BMD in the hip and lumbar spine ranged from 0.37 to 0.57. The relationships between BUA, SOS, and BMDheel vs. BMD of the hip were modified by physical activity and body weight. Higher physical activity and body weight were associated with higher BMD values at the hip. BUA values < 60 dB/MHz predicted BMD at the femoral neck < 0.70 g/cm2 with a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 93%, respectively. After the age of 30, 11 participants had sustained vertebral fractures and 12 participants nonvertebral osteoporotic fractures. BUA and SOS values were significantly lower in fracture patients than in participants without fractures. It can be concluded that ultrasound measurements at the heel correlate well to BMD at the same site. BUA can predict BMD at the hip and is lower when the subject has sustained fractures.

Falls in the elderly: a prospective study of risk factors and risk profiles

In this prospective study, the authors determined intrinsic risk factors for falls and recurrent falls and constructed a risk profile that indicated the relative contribution of each risk factor and also estimated the probabilities of falls and recurrent falls. In 1992, over a 28-week period, falls were recorded among 354 elderly subjects aged 70 years or over who were living in homes or apartments for the elderly in Amsterdam and the vicinity. During the study period, 251 falls were reported by 126 subjects (36%), and recurrent falls (> or =2 falls) were reported by 57 subjects (16%). Associations of falls and recurrent falls with potential risk factors were identified in logistic regression models. Mobility impairment regarding one or more of the tested items (i.e., impairment of balance, leg-extension strength, and gait) was associated with falls (adjusted odds ratio (OR) =2.6) and was strongly associated with recurrent falls (OR = 5.0). Dizziness upon standing was associated with falls (OR = 2.1) and recurrent falls (OR = 2.1). However, several risk factors were associated with recurrent falls only: history of stroke (OR = 3.4), poor mental state (OR = 2.4), and postural hypotension (OR = 2.0). The authors constructed a risk profile for recurrent falls that included the five risk factors mentioned above. Inclusion of all risk factors in the profile implied an 84% probability of recurrent falls over a period of 28 weeks, compared with 3% when no risk factor was present. The probability of recurrent falls ranged only from 11% to 29% when predicted by number of falls occurring in the previous year. Physical activity, use of high-risk medication, and the use of vitamin D3, which was randomly allocated to the participants, were not strongly related to either falls or recurrent falls. In conclusion, a large range of probabilities of falls, especially of recurrent falls, was estimated by the risk profiles, in which mobility impairment was the major risk factor. Recurrent fallers may therefore be especially amenable to prevention based on mobility improvement.

Vitamin D supplementation and fracture incidence in elderly persons. A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether vitamin D supplementation decreases the incidence of hip fractures and other peripheral bone fractures.

DESIGN

Prospective, double-blind trial.

SETTING

Community setting (Amsterdam and surrounding area).

PATIENTS

2578 persons (1916 women, 662 men) 70 years of age and older (mean age +/- SD, 80 +/- 6 years) living independently, in apartments for elderly persons, or in homes for elderly persons.

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin D3, 400 IU in one tablet daily, or placebo for a maximum of 3.5 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Dietary calcium intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were estimated in a subset of participants. During follow-up, attention was concentrated on hip fractures and other peripheral fractures. The maximal follow-up period was 4 years. The results were evaluated by survival analysis.

RESULTS

Mean dietary calcium intake from dairy products was 868 mg/d. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration in the third year of the study was 23 nmol/L in the placebo group and 60 nmol/L in the vitamin D group. Median follow-up was 3.5 years, and total follow-up was 8450 patient-years. During follow-up, 306 persons in the placebo group and 282 persons in the vitamin D group died (P = 0.20). Hip fractures occurred in 48 persons in the placebo group and 58 persons in the vitamin D group (P = 0.39, intention-to-treat analysis). Other peripheral fractures occurred in 74 persons in the placebo group and 77 persons in the vitamin D group (P = 0.86).

CONCLUSION

Our results do not show a decrease in the incidence of hip fractures and other peripheral fractures in Dutch elderly persons after vitamin D supplementation.

Different risk profiles for hip fractures and distal forearm fractures: a prospective study

In a prospective cohort of elderly persons, aged 70 years and over, we examined risk indicators for which data could be easily obtained, to construct risk profiles for hip fractures and distal forearm fractures. Participants lived independently, in apartment houses for the elderly or in homes for the elderly. At baseline, information was obtained in 2578 subjects on age, gender, residence, mobility and the frequency of going outdoors. Mobility was measured using a walking score ranging from 1 (not able to walk independently) to 3 (able to walk independently for a fair distance). During the study period (median duration 3.5 years, maximum 4 years) 106 participants sustained a hip fracture and 60 participants suffered a distal forearm fracture. Women compared with men, adjusted for age, had a higher risk of hip fracture (adjusted relative risk (RR) = 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-4.3) and distal forearm fracture (RR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.5-9.2). Age, adjusted for gender, was related to hip fractures only: the relative risk of fracture for those in the highest age category (> 85 years) was 9.5 (95% CI 4.3-21.2) compared with those in the lowest age category (70-75 years). Moderately impaired walking ability compared with normal walking ability, adjusted for age and gender, was associated with a higher risk of hip fracture (RR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.7) but with a lower risk of distal forearm fracture (RR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8). The outdoor score, adjusted for age and gender, was associated with distal forearm fractures only: going outdoors less than once a week, compared with three times or more, was associated with a lower risk of fractures (RR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.9). In those living in homes for the elderly the risk of hip fracture was higher compared with those living independently (RR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.2), adjusted for age and gender. Risk profiles were constructed using stepwise Cox's proportional-hazards regression. The risk profile predicted probabilities of sustaining a hip fracture in a 4-year period ranging from 0.4% to 25.9%, and of distal forearm fractures ranging from 0.2% to 4.5%, depending on the subject's characteristics as defined by the risk indicators. We conclude that easily obtainable risk indicators can be used in the prediction of fractures and can discriminate among fracture types.

Vitamin D status and sex hormone binding globulin: determinants of bone turnover and bone mineral density in elderly women

To examine the relation of the vitamin D status and the remaining estrogen activity with bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly women, BMD was measured at both hips using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and at the distal radius using single photon absorptiometry, in 330 healthy women aged 70 and over. Vitamin D metabolites, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), PTH(1-84), osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, and hydroxyproline and calcium excretion in 2 h fasting urine were measured. Multiple linear regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. In 65% of the women, serum 25(OH)D was below 30 nmol/l. Only values below a threshold for 25(OH)D were negatively related to serum PTH(1-84) (p = 0.02, threshold at 25 nmol/l) and to osteocalcin levels (p = 0.04, threshold at 30 nmol/l). BMD of the femoral neck and trochanter was positively related to serum 25(OH)D (left neck p = 0.001) with thresholds at 30 nmol/l whereas the distal radius was not (p = 0.32). Serum PTH was negatively related to BMD at all measurement sites (all p < 0.001). Serum SHBG, an inverse measure of estrogen activity, was positively related to osteocalcin levels (p = 0.004) and the urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio (p = 0.002) and negatively related to the BMD of the trochanter (left trochanter p = 0.02) and the distal radius (p = 0.001). We conclude that in elderly women, serum 25(OH)D levels below 30 nmol/l are associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism and increased bone turnover. SHBG is positively related to bone turnover.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prevention of bone loss by vitamin D supplementation in elderly women: a randomized double-blind trial

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on bone turnover and bone loss in elderly women. Three hundred forty-eight women, ages 70 yr and older, were randomized to receive 400 IU vitamin D3 per day (n = 177) or placebo (n = 171), double-blind, for a period of 2 yr. Main outcome measures were bone mineral density of both hips (femoral neck and trochanter) and the distal radius, as well as biochemical markers of bone turnover. The effect of vitamin D supplementation was expressed as the difference in mean (percentage) change between the placebo group and the vitamin D group. The measurements were repeated in 283 women after 1 yr and in 248 women after 2 yr. Vitamin D supplementation significantly increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (250HD) (+35 nmol/L) and 1,25-dehydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] (+7.0 pmol/L) levels and urinary calcium/creatinine ratios (+0.5%) and significantly decreased PTH(1-84) secretion (-0.74 pmol/L) after 1 yr. No effect was found for the parameters of bone turnover. The effect on the bone mineral density of the left femoral neck was +1.8% in the first yr, +0.2% in the second yr, and +1.9% during the whole period (95% confidence interval 0.4, 3.4%). At the right femoral neck the effects were +1.5%, +1.1%, and +2.6% (confidence interval 1.1, 4.0%), respectively. No effect was found at the femoral trochanter and the distal radius. Supplementation with 400 IU vitamin D3 daily in elderly women slightly decreases PTH secretion and increases bone mineral density at the femoral neck.

Two bone alkaline phosphatase assays compared with osteocalcin as a marker of bone formation in healthy elderly women

Serum bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP; EC 3.1.3.1) was measured with a wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) precipitation assay and with a new IRMA in a group of healthy elderly women. Both assays were correlated with serum total ALP activity and with osteocalcin. The two bone ALP assays have comparable within- and between-run imprecisions (WGA assay within-run CVs 2.6-5.4% and between-run, 4.0-5.1%; IRMA within-run CV 5.0% and between-run, 3.2%). Comparison of the WGA precipitation assay (x) with the IRMA (y) demonstrated a correlation coefficient of 0.87 [Deming regression equation: y = (0.58 +/- 0.02)x - (4.62 +/- 0.45); n = 101; Sy/x = 1.26; P < 0.001). Correlation studies with osteocalcin and total ALP showed correlation coefficients (all P < 0.001) of 0.34 and 0.65, respectively, for the WGA precipitation assay and of 0.36 and 0.68, respectively, for the IRMA. We conclude that the two bone ALP assays have similar imprecision and that neither can be given preference over the other as a marker of bone turnover.

Two bone alkaline phosphatase assays compared with osteocalcin as a marker of bone formation in healthy elderly women

Serum bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP; EC 3.1.3.1) was measured with a wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) precipitation assay and with a new IRMA in a group of healthy elderly women. Both assays were correlated with serum total ALP activity and with osteocalcin. The two bone ALP assays have comparable within- and between-run imprecisions (WGA assay within-run CVs 2.6-5.4% and between-run, 4.0-5.1%; IRMA within-run CV 5.0% and between-run, 3.2%). Comparison of the WGA precipitation assay (x) with the IRMA (y) demonstrated a correlation coefficient of 0.87 [Deming regression equation: y = (0.58 +/- 0.02)x - (4.62 +/- 0.45); n = 101; Sy/x = 1.26; P &lt; 0.001). Correlation studies with osteocalcin and total ALP showed correlation coefficients (all P &lt; 0.001) of 0.34 and 0.65, respectively, for the WGA precipitation assay and of 0.36 and 0.68, respectively, for the IRMA. We conclude that the two bone ALP assays have similar imprecision and that neither can be given preference over the other as a marker of bone turnover.

The incidence of hip fractures in independent and institutionalized elderly people

The incidence density of hip fractures in the population of Amsterdam, aged 70 years and over, was studied according to the type of residence. In 1989, 655 patients were admitted to nine hospitals within Amsterdam for a hip fracture. Postal codes were used to classify the residence of the population and the hip fracture cases as independent, home for the elderly or nursing home. Stepwise logistic regression was used for data analysis. The risk of hip fracture increased with age and was 1.7 times higher for women than for men. In the age group 70-74 years the relative risk (RR) was 7.6 for those in homes for the elderly and 5.8 for those in nursing homes, when compared with the independent elderly. This RR was approximately 1 for those in homes for the elderly aged 85 years and over. However, in nursing homes the RR was still 2.8 in the age group 95+. We concluded that, despite protective measures against falls, the institutionalized elderly are at greater risk of hip fracture than the independent elderly of the same age and sex. This higher risk is especially apparent in the 'younger' age groups.

Determinants of bone mineral density and risk factors for osteoporosis in healthy elderly women

Bone mineral density (BMD) and risk factors for osteoporosis were assessed in 348 apparently healthy women over 70 years of age (mean 82.3 years). BMD was measured at both hips and the dominant distal radius. With stepwise multiple regression the best determinants of BMD, selected from anthropometric measurements, age, and years since menopause, were body weight and years since menopause (R2 between 0.07 and 0.20, p < 0.001). Risk and protective factors for osteoporosis were analyzed as indicator variables by multiple regression and corrected for confounding by age, years since menopause, and body weight. Significantly lower BMD at the hip was found in participants with impaired mobility (-5%) and users of loop diuretics (-5%). Use of thiazide(like) diuretics did not influence BMD significantly at any site. Users of oral corticosteroids had a significantly lower BMD at the hip and the distal radius (range -9.1 to -24.3%). Participants with a history of Colles' fracture (n = 56) had a significantly lower BMD at the other radius (-12.9%). The mean calcium intake from dairy products was high (mean 921 mg/day), only 11% having an intake below 500 mg. A relation of calcium intake with BMD could not be detected at any measurement site. We conclude that BMD cannot be adequately predicted in elderly women. Risk factors for low BMD in the elderly are low body weight, high number of years since menopause, impaired mobility, and use of loop diuretics and oral corticosteroids. Calcium intake was not a risk factor in this study, but the number of individuals on a low calcium intake was small.