1
|
Caffarelli C, Al Refaie A, Mondillo C, Manasse G, Versienti A, Tomai Pitinca MD, Conticini E, Frediani B, Gonnelli S. The Advantages of Radiofrequency Echographic MultiSpectrometry in the Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density in a Population with Osteoarthritis at the Lumbar Spine. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:523. [PMID: 38472995 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14050523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) in the lumbar spine can potentially lead to an overestimation of bone mineral density (BMD), and this can be a challenge in accurately diagnosing conditions like osteoporosis, where precise measurement of BMD is crucial. Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) is being recognized as an innovative diagnostic tool for assessing bone status. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the use of REMS may enhance the identification of osteoporosis in patients with osteoarthritis. METHODS A cohort of 500 patients (mean age: 63.9 ± 11.2 years) diagnosed with osteoarthritis and having a medical prescription for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were recruited for the study. All patients underwent BMD measurements at lumbar spine and femoral sites by both DXA and REMS techniques. RESULTS The T-score values for BMD at the lumbar spine (BMD-LS) by DXA were significantly higher with respect to BMD-LS by REMS across all OA severity scores, and the differences were more pronounced in patients with a higher degree of OA severity (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the percentage of subjects classified as "osteoporotic", on the basis of BMD by REMS was markedly higher than those classified by DXA, both when considering all skeletal sites (39.4% vs. 15.1%, respectively) and the lumbar spine alone (30.5% vs. 6.0%, respectively). A similar pattern was observed when OA patients were grouped according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading score. CONCLUSIONS The findings from our study indicate that, in a population with varying severity levels of osteoarthritis, REMS demonstrated a higher capability to diagnose osteoporosis compared to DXA, and this could lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes for patients with bone fragility, reducing the likelihood of fractures and associated complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Mondillo
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giuditta Manasse
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Versienti
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Edoardo Conticini
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Bruno Frediani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Caffarelli C, Al Refaie A, Mondillo C, Versienti A, Baldassini L, De Vita M, Tomai Pitinca MD, Gonnelli S. Radiofrequency Echographic Multispectrometry (REMS): A New Option in the Assessment Bone Status in Adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. J Imaging 2023; 9:210. [PMID: 37888317 PMCID: PMC10607336 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging9100210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the utility of the Radiofrequency Echographic Multispectrometry (REMS) approach in the assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) in subjects with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). In 41 subjects (40.5 ± 18.7 years) with OI and in 36 healthy controls, we measured BMD at the lumbar spine (LS-BMD), femoral neck (FN-BMD) and total hip (TH-BMD), employing a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry tool. Additionally, REMS scans were also performed at the lumbar and femoral sites. The presence and number of reported fractures were assessed in the study population. Patients characterized by a history of fragility fractures represented 84.5% of the study population. OI subjects showed significantly reduced BMD values both at the level of the lumbar spine and the femoral subregions (p < 0.01) compared to healthy controls when performed using both the DXA and the REMS method. Dividing OI patients on the basis of the Sillence classification, no differences were found between the LS-BMD values carried out using the DXA technique between the OI type I group and OI Type III and IV groups. On the contrary, the OI Type III and IV groups presented significantly lower values of both Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) and LS-BMD through REMS with respect to OI type I patients (p < 0.05). Based on the data of this study, it is possible to conclude that even the new REMS assessment, which does not use ionizing radiation, represents an excellent method for studying the bone status in subjects affected by OI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.A.R.); (C.M.); (L.B.); (M.D.T.P.); (S.G.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Al Refaie A, Baldassini L, Mondillo C, Giglio E, De Vita M, Tomai Pitinca MD, Gonnelli S, Caffarelli C. Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (R.E.M.S.): New Frontiers for Ultrasound Use in the Assessment of Bone Status-A Current Picture. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13101666. [PMID: 37238151 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13101666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a frequently occurring skeletal disease, and osteoporosis-related fractures represent a significant burden for healthcare systems. Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is the most commonly used method for assessing bone mineral density (BMD). Today, particular attention is being directed towards new technologies, especially those that do not use radiation, for the early diagnosis of altered bone status. Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) is a non-ionizing technology that evaluates the bone status at axial skeletal sites by analyzing raw ultrasound signals. In this review, we evaluated the data on the REMS technique present in the literature. The literature data confirmed diagnostic concordance between BMD values obtained using DXA and REMS. Furthermore, REMS has adequate precision and repeatability characteristics, is able to predict the risk of fragility fractures, and may be able to overcome some of the limitations of DXA. In conclusion, REMS could become the method of choice for the assessment of bone status in children, in women of childbearing age or who are pregnant, and in several secondary osteoporosis conditions due to its good precision and replicability, its transportability, and the absence of ionizing radiation. Finally, REMS may allow qualitative and not just quantitative assessments of bone status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Al Refaie
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Baldassini
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Mondillo
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Elisa Giglio
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Michela De Vita
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Carla Caffarelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Caffarelli C, Al Refaie A, De Vita M, Tomai Pitinca MD, Goracci A, Fagiolini A, Gonnelli S. Radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry (REMS): an innovative technique for the assessment of bone status in young women with anorexia nervosa. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:3207-3213. [PMID: 35896857 PMCID: PMC9803747 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01450-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increase risk of fragility fracture are common complication of anorexia nervosa (AN). BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) present several limits in subjects with AN. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the new Radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry (REMS) technique in the assessment of bone status in young women with AN. METHODS In a cohort of 50 subjects with restrictive AN and in 30 healthy controls, we measured BMD at the lumbar spine (LS-BMD), at femoral neck (FN-BMD) and total hip (TH-BMD) using both DXA and REMS technique. RESULTS BMD evaluated by DXA and REMS technique at all measurement sites were all significantly (p < 0.01) lower in subjects suffering from AN subjects than in controls. Good correlations were detected between BMD by DXA and BMD by REMS measurements at LS (r = 0.64, p < 0.01) at FN (r = 0.86, p < 0.01) and at TH (r = 0.84, p < 0.01) in subjects suffering from AN. Moreover, Bland-Altman analysis confirmed the good agreement between the two techniques. The subjects suffering from AN with previous vertebral fragility fractures presented lower values of both BMD-LS and BMD-TH by DXA and by REMS with respect to those without fractures; however, the difference was significant only for BMD-TH by REMS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that REMS technique due to its characteristic of precision and reproducibility may represent an important tool for the evaluation of the changes in bone status in AN young women, especially during the fertile age and in case of pregnancy and breastfeeding. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level of evidence: level III cohort study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Michela De Vita
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Arianna Goracci
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Fagiolini
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Caffarelli C, Pitinca MDT, Refaie AA, Giglio E, Lombardi FA, Gonnelli S. LBODP055 Discrimination Effectiveness Of Radiofrequency Echographic Multispectrometry As Non Invasive Method For Osteoporosis Diagnosis Applied To Elderly Women With Type 2 Diabetes. J Endocr Soc 2022. [PMCID: PMC9629359 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvac150.565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of fracture, although bone mineral density (BMD) is unaltered or higher in diabetic patients, measured by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This paradox could be explained from compromise bone microarchitecture that induce abnormal bone cell function and matrix structure, with increased osteoblast apoptosis, diminished osteoblast differentiation, and enhanced osteoclast-mediated bone resorption.1 In this context, a non-invasive method for assessing the bone density and quality on the axial reference sites (lumbar spine and proximal femur) called Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS), has been introduced and clinically validated. This study aimed to evaluate whether the use of the REMS technique may improve the identification of osteoporosis in T2DM patients. A cohort of ABOUT 100 elderly women with T2DM and mean age 70.5 (± 7.6) years, and 100 healthy age-matched controls underwent DXA and REMS scans on the same anatomical sites (lumbar spine and proximal femur). DXA measurements were all higher in T2DM than controls; instead, all REMS measurements were lower in T2DM than controls. Moreover, the percentage of T2DM women classified as "osteoporotic", on the basis of BMDREMS was markedly higher with respect to those classified by BMDDXA (47. 0% vs 28. 0%, respectively). On the contrary, the percentage of T2DM women classified as osteopenic or normal by BMDDXA was higher with respect by BMDREMS (48.8% and 23.2% vs 38.6% and 14.5%, respectively). T2DM women with fragility fractures presented lower values of both BMDDXA and BMDREMS at the lumbar spine with respect to those without fractures; however, the difference was significant only for BMDREMS (p<0. 05). In conclusion, BMDDXA, as expected, were higher in women with T2DM, while BMDREMS were lower in women with T2DM with respect to controls. Therefore, the data suggest that REMS could be a good diagnostic tool in demonstrating the diabetes-associated bone disease, due to its ability to assess bone quality2 and that may represent a useful approach to enhance the diagnosis of osteoporosis in patients with T2DM.1. Sanches, C. P., et al. The impact of type 2 diabetes on bone metabolism. Diabetol. Metab. Syndr. 9, 1-7 (2017).2. Adami, G. et al. Radiofrequency echographic multi spectrometry for the prediction of incident fragility fractures: A 5-year follow-up study. Bone 134, 115297 (2020). Presentation: No date and time listed
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Italy, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Antonella A Refaie
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Italy, Siena, Italy
| | - Elisa Giglio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Italy, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Italy, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Caffarelli C, Tomai Pitinca MD, Al Refaie A, De Vita M, Catapano S, Gonnelli S. Could radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry (REMS) overcome the overestimation in BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the lumbar spine? BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:469. [PMID: 35590362 PMCID: PMC9118880 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05430-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) and vertebral fractures at the lumbar spine lead to an overestimation of bone mineral density (BMD). Recently, a new approach for osteoporosis diagnosis, defined as radiofrequency echographic multi-spectrometry (REMS), represents an innovative diagnostic tool that seems to be able to investigate bone quality and provide an estimation of fracture risk independent of BMD. The aim of this paper was to evaluate whether the use of REMS technology can favor the diagnosis of osteoporosis in subjects with an apparent increase in BMD. METHODS In a cohort of 159 postmenopausal (66.2 ± 11.6 yrs) women with overestimated BMD by DXA at the lumbar spine, we performed an echographic scan with the REMS technique. RESULTS The mean values of BMD at different skeletal sites obtained by the DXA and REMS techniques showed that the BMD T-scores by REMS were significantly lower than those obtained by the DXA technique both at the lumbar spine (p < 0.01) and at all femoral subregions (p < 0.05). In OA subjects, the percentage of women classified as "osteoporotic" on the basis of BMD by REMS was markedly higher with respect to those classified by DXA (35.1% vs 9.3%, respectively). Similarly, the REMS allows a greater number of fractured patients to be classified as osteoporotic than DXA (58.7% vs 23.3%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS REMS technology by the analysis of native raw unfiltered ultrasound signals appears to be able to overcome the most common artifacts, such as OA and vertebral fracture of the lumbar spine, which affect the value of BMD by DXA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Michela De Vita
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Catapano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Caffarelli C, Tomai Pitinca MD, Al Refaie A, Ceccarelli E, Gonnelli S. Ability of radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry to identify osteoporosis status in elderly women with type 2 diabetes. Aging Clin Exp Res 2022; 34:121-127. [PMID: 34050917 PMCID: PMC8795029 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-021-01889-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have an increased or normal BMD; however fragility fractures represent one of the most important complications of T2DM. AIMS This study aimed to evaluate whether the use of the Radiofrequency Echographic multi spectrometry (REMS) technique may improve the identification of osteoporosis in T2DM patients. METHODS In a cohort of 90 consecutive postmenopausal elderly (70.5 ± 7.6 years) women with T2DM and in 90 healthy controls we measured BMD at the lumbar spine (LS-BMD), at femoral neck (FN-BMD) and total hip (TH-BMD) using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device; moreover, REMS scans were also carried out at the same axial sites. RESULTS DXA measurements were all higher in T2DM than in non-T2DM women; instead, all REMS measurements were lower in T2DM than in non T2DM women. Moreover, the percentage of T2DM women classified as "osteoporotic", on the basis of BMD by REMS was markedly higher with respect to those classified by DXA (47.0% vs 28.0%, respectively). On the contrary, the percentage of T2DM women classified as osteopenic or normal by DXA was higher with respect to that by REMS (48.8% and 23.2% vs 38.6% and 14.5%, respectively). T2DM women with fragility fractures presented lower values of both BMD-LS by DXA and BMD-LS by REMS with respect to those without fractures; however, the difference was significant only for BMD-LS by REMS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that REMS technology may represent a useful approach to enhance the diagnosis of osteoporosis in patients with T2DM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Ceccarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tomai Pitinca MD, Fortini P, Gonnelli S, Caffarelli C. Could Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry (REMS) Overcome the Limitations of BMD by DXA Related to Artifacts? A Series of 3 Cases. J Ultrasound Med 2021; 40:2773-2777. [PMID: 33615539 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is considered the gold standard in the evaluation of bone mineral density (BMD) and in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.The diagnostic sensitivity of BMD at lumbar spine is frequently reduced by the presence of artifacts. This study aimed to show the usefulness of radiofrequency echographic multi-spectrometry (REMS) in determining lumbar BMD in the presence of artifacts with DXA measurements. We present 3 cases in which REMS technology, by the analysis of native raw unfiltered ultrasound signals, appears to be able to recognize and overcome the most common artifacts that affect the value of the BMD by DXA, thus allowing a better assessment of fracture risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pietro Fortini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Carla Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gonnelli S, Tomai Pitinca MD, Camarri S, Lucani B, Franci B, Nuti R, Caffarelli C. Pharmacokinetic profile and effect on bone markers and muscle strength of two daily dosage regimens of calcifediol in osteopenic/osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Aging Clin Exp Res 2021; 33:2539-2547. [PMID: 33506314 PMCID: PMC8429405 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-020-01779-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background At present, although cholecalciferol represents the form of vitamin D of choice for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency, there is a growing interest in calcifediol. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of two different daily doses of calcifediol. Methods Fifty osteopenic/osteoporotic women with serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) between 10 and 20 ng/ml were randomized to a 6-month treatment with oral calcifediol 20 µg/day (n = 25) or oral calcifediol 30 µg/day (n = 25). In all, we measured the time course of the levels of 25OHD and other biochemical parameters. Moreover, we evaluated handgrip strength and serum levels of myostatin. Results The peak increase in 25OHD levels was reached after 90 days of treatment in group 1 (59.3 ng/ml) and after only 60 days in group 2 (72.3 ng/ml); thereafter in both groups, the levels of 25OHD showed a tendency towards stabilization. After 30 days, all the patients treated with 30 µg/day had values of 25OHD > 30 ng/ml. Handgrip strength showed a modest but progressive increase which reached the statistical significance in the 30 µg/day group. This latter group also presented a modest and non-significant decrease in serum levels of myostatin. Conclusions Calcifediol is able to rapidly normalize the vitamin D deficiency, and the 30 µg daily dosage could be suggested in those patients who need to rapidly reach optimal 25OHD levels. Moreover, the 6-month treatment with calcifediol at a dose of 30 µg results in a modest but significant increase in upper limb strength.
Collapse
|
10
|
Tomai Pitinca MD, Caffarelli C, Gonnelli S. Radiofrequency Multi Echographic Spectrometry (REMS) Technology in Patients With Bone Artifacts. J Endocr Soc 2021. [PMCID: PMC8090134 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab048.507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is considered the gold standard examination for the evaluation of bone mineral density (BMD). However, it is known that some conditions, such as arthrosis, vertebral collapse, or vertebroplasty, result in an overestimation of the BMD measured by DXA. Conversely, Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry (REMS) technology is able to automatically discard signals related to bone artifacts, such as calcifications or osteophytes, thanks to the identification of unexpected spectral features (Diez-Perez et al. 2019). The aim of this work is to assess the performance of REMS technology in patients with bone alterations that could alter the densitometric examination. Materials: The bone densitometry exams, both REMS and DXA, of patients with evidences of bone alterations at lumbar vertebrae or femoral neck were analysed. Written patient informed consent was obtained before the scans. Results: Eighty-seven patients with spinal artifacts, including 22 patients with vertebroplasty, 26 patients with bone fracture and 38 patients with osteo-arthrosis were considered. At lumbar spine, the mean BMD and T-score values assessed by REMS was lower than the ones measured by DXA. Moreover, the results obtained by the two technologies were not correlated. On the contrary, the BMD and T-score values measured by REMS and DXA at the femoral site were highly correlated (p<0.01), as well as BMD and the T-score values measured by DXA at the femoral neck and by REMS at the lumbar spine (p<0.01). As concerning artifacts involving femoral site, a patient with an intramedullary gamma nail positioned following a displaced pertrochanteric fracture of the left femur underwent a DXA scan of the right femur and a REMS scan of both femurs. A diagnosis of osteoporosis at the right femur was posed by both technologies. At the left femur with intramedullary gamma nail, REMS only made a diagnosis of osteoporosis highly corresponding with the one performed at right femur. Conclusions: The results from the patient series with spinal artifacts and the clinical case with femoral intramedullary gamma nail show the ability of REMS to evaluate anatomical sites that would not be assessable by DXA, such as in case of implanted nails, or that would give unreliable higher BMD values, such as in case of vertebroplasty, osteo-arthrosis and bone fracture. References: Diez-Perez et al. Aging Clin Exp Res 2019;31(10):1375–89
Collapse
|
11
|
Cameli P, Caffarelli C, Refini RM, Bergantini L, d'Alessandro M, Armati M, Tomai Pitinca MD, Sestini P, Gonnelli S, Bargagli E. Hypercalciuria in Sarcoidosis: A Specific Biomarker With Clinical Utility. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:568020. [PMID: 33195314 PMCID: PMC7658263 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.568020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Changes in calcium metabolism are quite common in sarcoidosis: hypercalciuria is linked to a persistent clinical phenotype and more active disease. No data is yet available on the specificity of parameters of calcium metabolism as biomarkers for distinguishing different chronic interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Here we assessed calcium metabolism in an Italian population of sarcoidosis patients, which included a group with stage IV fibrotic disease, and compared the results with those of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (cHP) patients. Population and Methods: We recruited sarcoidosis, IPF and cHP patients retrospectively. All patients were diagnosed through multidisciplinary discussion and were monitored at the Regional ILD Referral Centre in Siena. Clinical, radiological, functional, immunological and laboratory parameters were collected and entered in an electronic database for data analysis. Results: A total of 305 patients (237 sarcoidosis, 40 IPF and 28 cHP) were enrolled. Sarcoidosis patients included a predominance of females and were significantly younger than IPF and cHP patients (p < 0.0001 for both). In the sarcoidosis population, 17 patients (7.2%) showed radiological evidence of lung fibrosis, according the Scadding classification; fibrotic disease was also confirmed by CT scan. Concerning calcium metabolism, sarcoidosis patients showed significantly higher serum and urinary concentrations of calcium than IPF and cHP patients (p = 0.0004 and p < 0.0001, respectively). These findings were also confirmed when comparing groups with fibrotic sarcoidosis, IPF and cHP (p = 0.0237 and p = 0.0138). According to receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, urinary calcium showed better diagnostic accuracy than serum calcium in discriminating sarcoid and non-sarcoid lung fibrosis (AUC 0.7658 vs. 0.6205; p = 0.0026 vs. p = 0.1820). Discussion: Our results confirmed that changes in calcium metabolism, particularly hypercalciuria, occur in a substantial percentage of patients with sarcoidosis. Higher serum and urinary concentrations of calcium were found than in IPF and cHP; the same results were observed when the comparison was limited to patients with fibrotic sarcoidosis, supporting the hypothesis that dysregulation of calcium metabolism may be a special feature of sarcoid granulomas. Hypercalciuria distinguished fibrotic sarcoidosis from IPF and cHP, suggesting that assessment of calcium metabolism may be useful in the diagnostic pathway of ILDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cameli
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences Sciences, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Carla Caffarelli
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences Sciences, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Rosa Metella Refini
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences Sciences, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Bergantini
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences Sciences, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Miriana d'Alessandro
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences Sciences, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Martina Armati
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences Sciences, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences Sciences, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Piersante Sestini
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences Sciences, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences Sciences, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Bargagli
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences Sciences, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Caffarelli C, Gonnelli S, Pitinca MDT, Camarri S, Al Refaie A, Hayek J, Nuti R. Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) mutation type is associated with bone disease severity in Rett syndrome. BMC Med Genet 2020; 21:21. [PMID: 32005172 PMCID: PMC6995101 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-020-0960-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background More than 95% of individuals with RTT have mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), whose protein product modulates gene transcription. The disorder is caused by mutations in a single gene and the disease severity in affected individuals can be quite variable. Specific MECP2 mutations may lead phenotypic variability and different degrees of disease severity. It is known that low bone mass is a frequent and early complication of subjects with Rett syndrome. As a consequence of the low bone mass Rett girls are at an increased risk of fragility fractures. This study aimed to investigate if specific MECP2 mutations may affects the degree of involvement of the bone status in Rett subjects. Methods In 232 women with Rett syndrome (mean age 13.8 ± 8.3 yrs) we measured bone mineral density at whole body and at femur (BMD-FN and BMD-TH) by using a DXA machine (Hologic QDR 4500). QUS parameters were assessed at phalanxes by Bone Profiler-IGEA (amplitude dependent speed of sound: AD-SoS and bone transmission time: BTT). Moreover, ambulation capacity (independent or assisted), fracture history and presence of scoliosis were assessed. We divided the subjects with the most common point mutations in two group based on genotype-phenotype severity; in particular, there has been consensus in recognising that the mutations R106T, R168X, R255X, R270X are considered more severe. Results As aspect, BMD-WB, BMD-FN and BMD-TH were lower in subjects with Rett syndrome that present the most severe mutations with respect to subjects with Rett syndrome with less severe mutations, but the difference was statistically significant only for BMD-FN and BMD-TH (p < 0.05). Also both AD-SoS and BTT values were lower in subjects that present the most severe mutations with respect to less severe mutations but the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, subjects with Rett syndrome with more severe mutations present a higher prevalence of scoliosis (p < 0.05) and of inability to walk (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study confirms that MECP2 mutation type is a strong predictor of disease severity in subjects with Rett syndrome. In particular, the subjects with more severe mutation present a greater deterioration of bone status, and a higher prevalence of scoliosis and inability to walk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Camarri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Al Refaie
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Joussef Hayek
- Paediatrics Neuropsychiatry Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Ranuccio Nuti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Caffarelli C, Giambelluca A, Ghini V, Francolini V, Pitinca MDT, Nuti R, Gonnelli S. In Type-2 Diabetes Subjects Trabecular Bone Score is Better Associated with Carotid Intima-Media Thickness than BMD. Calcif Tissue Int 2017; 101:404-411. [PMID: 28664329 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-017-0297-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Literature data reported that in elderly subjects, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was negatively associated with bone mineral density (BMD). Paradoxically, type-2 diabetes (T2DM) patients, despite having higher BMD, present an increased risk of fragility fractures and cardiovascular complications. Some studies have reported trabecular bone score (TBS), an index of trabecular bone quality, as possibly being reduced in T2DM. This study aimed to evaluate whether in T2DM subjects TBS was better associated with IMT with respect to BMD. In 131 consecutive T2DM subjects (55 men and 76 women; mean age: 60.0 ± 7.3 years) and 265 consecutive non-T2DM subjects (107 men and 158 women; mean age: 58.9 ± 7.8 years) we measured carotid IMT by high-resolution ultrasonography and BMD at lumbar spine (LS-BMD), at femoral neck FN-BMD and total hip TH-BMD; TBS was calculated using TBS iNsight software. LS-BMD, FN-BMD, and TH-BMD were all significantly higher in T2DM than in non-T2DM subjects, whereas TBS was significantly lower in T2DM subjects than in controls and inversely correlated with diabetes duration. In T2DM subjects multiple regression analysis showed that IMT was positively associated with age (b = 0.017; p < 0.001) and inversely associated with TBS (b = -0.473; p = 0.038). In non-T2DM subjects, only age was positively associated with IMT. To sum up, T2DM subjects present higher values of BMD and lower values of TBS with respect to non-diabetic controls. Moreover, in T2DM subjects TBS was found to be independently associated with carotid IMT. These findings suggest that TBS may not only capture bone fragility-related factors, but also some information associated with greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Amalia Giambelluca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Viola Ghini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Valentina Francolini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Ranuccio Nuti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Caffarelli C, Gonnelli S, Tomai Pitinca MD, Francolini V, Fui A, Bargagli E, Refini RM, Bennett D, Nuti R, Rottoli P. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis a rare disease with severe bone fragility. Intern Emerg Med 2016; 11:1087-1094. [PMID: 27393142 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-016-1501-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare form of chronic, progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and fragility fracture in a population of adults with IPF and to identify whether any possible clinical and pulmonary function parameters may be associated with increased bone fragility. In 58 IPF patients (mean age 65.1 ± 9.1 years), we measured bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine, the femoral neck, and the entire hip. Moreover, the presence of vertebral fractures on a lateral chest X-ray study was evaluated, and a vertebral fracture burden was quantified using the spinal deformity index (SDI). As expected, osteoporosis was significantly more frequent in females with respect to males (57.9 vs 20.5 %, respectively), whereas the fractures prevailed in males with respect to females (38.5 vs 26.3 %, respectively). There were positive correlations between BMD at all skeletal sites and respiratory parameters; in particular for FVC % and DLCO % with BMD at femoral sub-regions. Moreover, we compared the average of DLCO (%) measure by values of SDI score that was higher in those patients with lower values of DLCO (%). The study shows a high prevalence of fragility with vertebral fractures in IPF patients, especially in males. Moreover, the vertebral fracture burden is associated with a worsening of FVC (%) and DLCO (%). Therefore, an evaluation of bone status is recommended, especially in those patients who are candidates for lung transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caffarelli
- UOC Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Stefano Gonnelli
- UOC Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Dea Tomai Pitinca
- UOC Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Valentina Francolini
- UOC Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Fui
- UOC Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Bargagli
- UOC Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Rosa Metella Refini
- UOC Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - David Bennett
- UOC Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ranuccio Nuti
- UOC Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Paola Rottoli
- UOC Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gonnelli S, Caffarelli C, Tanzilli L, Alessi C, Tomai Pitinca MD, Rossi S, Campagna MS, Nuti R. The associations of body composition and fat distribution with bone mineral density in elderly Italian men and women. J Clin Densitom 2013; 16:168-77. [PMID: 22575590 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocd.2012.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the associations of body composition and fat distribution with bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly Italian subjects. In 866 women (age 64.2±6.5yr) and 168 men (age 65.1±6.1yr), we measured BMD at lumbar spine, at femur, at the total body, and at the right hand. In all subjects, we also measured sex hormones, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, bone markers, and calcium intake. In both men and women, all body composition parameters had significant positive correlations with BMD at all sites after adjusting for age only; after adjusting also for body weight only lean mass (LM) remained positively associated with BMD at all sites except BMD at lumbar spine. In males, LM was associated with BMD at all sites, whereas android fat was associated with BMD at lumbar spine, at femur, and at whole body. In females, fat mass (FM) was positively and age inversely associated with BMD at all sites, whereas gynoid fat and alkaline phosphatase were inversely associated with BMD at lumbar spine and at femur. In conclusion, the role of LM seems more important in males, whereas in women the role of FM prevails with negative associations between gynoid fat and BMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gonnelli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine-Metabolic Science and Biochemistry, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|