Average daily glucocorticoid dose, number of prescription days, and cumulative dose in the initial 90 days of glucocorticoid therapy are associated with subsequent hip and clinical vertebral fracture risk: a retrospective cohort study using a nationwide health insurance claims database in Japan

PURPOSE

Fracture risk assessment is recommended at three months after glucocorticoid (GC) therapy initiation. This study aimed to assess whether GC exposure in the initial 90 days of GC therapy is associated with subsequent hip and clinical vertebral fracture risk using the nationwide health insurance claims database of Japan (NDBJ).

METHODS

Patients aged ≥ 50 years who were prescribed GC (≥ 70 mg prednisolone or equivalent; PSL) in the initial 90 days of GC therapy and were followed for hip and clinical vertebral fracture incidences for the subsequent 1080 days were selected from NDBJ. Associations of GC exposure with hip or clinical vertebral fracture risk were evaluated by Cox regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

We selected 316,396 women and 299,871 men for the GC-exposed group and 43,164 women and 33,702 men for the reference group. Higher GC doses and longer prescription days in the initial 90 days of GC therapy were significantly and dose-dependently associated with increased fracture risk relative to the reference group. Patients receiving GC ≥ 5 mg PSL/day had a significantly increased fracture risk in the stratum of 30-59 days of GC prescription. In addition, female patients who received GC (≥ 1 and < 2.5 mg PSL/day) for 90 days in the initial 90 days of GC therapy had a significantly increased fracture risk.

CONCLUSIONS

GC exposure in the initial 90 days of GC therapy was dose-dependently associated with hip and clinical vertebral fracture risk. GC may increase fracture risk with lower doses for shorter durations than previously reported. Fracture risk assessment three months after glucocorticoid (GC) therapy initiation is recommended. We found that GC exposure in the initial 90 days of GC therapy at lower daily doses for shorter durations than previously reported were significantly and dose-dependently associated with fracture risk using a nationwide health insurance claims database.

Association Between Long‑Term Exposure to Air Pollution and the Rate of Mortality After Hip Fracture Surgery in Patients Older Than 60 Years: Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

To enhance postoperative patient survival, particularly in older adults, understanding the predictors of mortality following hip fracture becomes paramount. Air pollution, a prominent global environmental issue, has been linked to heightened morbidity and mortality across a spectrum of diseases. Nevertheless, the precise impact of air pollution on hip fracture outcomes remains elusive.

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study aims to comprehensively investigate the profound influence of a decade-long exposure to 12 diverse air pollutants on the risk of post-hip fracture mortality among older Taiwanese patients (older than 60 years). We hypothesized that enduring long-term exposure to air pollution would significantly elevate the 1-year mortality rate following hip fracture surgery.

METHODS

From Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we obtained the data of patients who underwent hip fracture surgery between July 1, 2003, and December 31, 2013. Using patients' insurance registration data, we estimated their cumulative exposure levels to sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), particulate matter having a size of <10 μm (PM10), particulate matter having a size of <2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOX), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), total hydrocarbons (THC), nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHC), and methane (CH4). We quantified the dose-response relationship between these air pollutants and the risk of mortality by calculating hazard ratios associated with a 1 SD increase in exposure levels over a decade.

RESULTS

Long-term exposure to SO2, CO, PM10, PM2.5, NOX, NO, NO2, THC, NMHC, and CH4 demonstrated significant associations with heightened all-cause mortality risk within 1 year post hip fracture surgery among older adults. For older adults, each 1 SD increment in the average exposure levels of SO2, CO, PM10, PM2.5, NOX, NO, NO2, THC, NMHC, and CH4 corresponded to a substantial escalation in mortality risk, with increments of 14%, 49%, 18%, 12%, 41%, 33%, 38%, 20%, 9%, and 26%, respectively. We further noted a 35% reduction in the hazard ratio for O3 exposure suggesting a potential protective effect, along with a trend of potentially protective effects of CO2.

CONCLUSIONS

This comprehensive nationwide retrospective study, grounded in a population-based approach, demonstrated that long-term exposure to specific air pollutants significantly increased the risk of all-cause mortality within 1 year after hip fracture surgery in older Taiwanese adults. A reduction in the levels of SO2, CO, PM10, PM2.5, NOX, NO, NO2, THC, NMHC, and CH4 may reduce the risk of mortality after hip fracture surgery. This study provides robust evidence and highlights the substantial impact of air pollution on the outcomes of hip fractures.

Association of tramadol use with risk of hip fractures in patients with osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

OBJECTIVE

Many studies have reported conflicting results for the use of tramadol with the risk of fractures, especially hip fractures. This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate the association of tramadol use versus codeine use with the risk of hip fracture for the first time.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were searched with specific keywords to find studies that examined the association of tramadol use with hip fracture risk in patients with osteoarthritis up to May 2023. The risk of hip fracture secondary to tramadol versus codeine use was estimated based on age and sex. This systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA checklist. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated using Cochran's Q and I2 tests. Egger's test was used to check publication bias. The Newcastle-Ottawa Checklist (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the studies.

FINDINGS

Ten studies with 1,939,293 participants were reviewed. The majority of participants were female. Based on the study evaluation checklist, most studies were of good quality. Tramadol use significantly increases the overall risk of hip fracture. (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.51, P: 0.001, I2:19.3%) Tramadol use significantly increases the risk of hip fracture in men (HR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.73, P: 0.001 I2:35%) and age ≤65 years (HR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.45, 1.80, P: 0.001, I2:0%).

CONCLUSION

The use of tramadol significantly increases the risk of hip fracture. This increased risk of hip fracture was greater in males younger than 65 years.

Ferric derisomaltose and tranexamic acid, combined or alone, for reducing blood transfusion in patients with hip fracture (the HiFIT trial): a multicentre, 2 × 2 factorial, randomised, double-blind, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Anaemia and blood transfusion are associated with poor outcomes after hip fracture. We evaluated the efficacy of intravenous iron and tranexamic acid in reducing blood transfusions after hip fracture surgery.

METHODS

In this double-blind, randomised, 2 × 2 factorial trial, we recruited adults hospitalised for hip fractures in 12 medical centres in France who had preoperative haemoglobin concentrations between 9·5 and 13·0 g/dL. We randomly allocated participants (1:1:1:1), via a secure web-based service, to ferric derisomaltose (20 mg/kg intravenously) and tranexamic acid (1 g bolus followed by 1 g over 8 h intravenously at inclusion and 3 g topically during surgery), iron plus placebo (normal saline), tranexamic acid plus placebo, or double placebo. Unmasked nurses administered study drugs; participants and other clinical and research staff remained masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients transfused during hospitalisation (or by day 30). The primary analysis included all randomised patients. This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02972294) and is closed to new participants.

FINDINGS

Of 413 patients (51-104 years old, median [IQR] 86 [78-91], 312 [76%] women, 101 [24%] men), 104 received iron plus tranexamic acid, 103 iron plus placebo, 103 tranexamic acid plus placebo, and 103 double placebo between March 31, 2017 and June 18, 2021 (study stopped early for efficacy after the planned interim analysis done on the first 390 patients included on May 25, 2021). Data for the primary outcome were available for all participants. Among patients on double placebo, 31 (30%) were transfused versus 16 (15%) on both drugs (relative risk 0·51 [98·3% CI 0·27-0·97]; p=0·012). 27 (26%) participants on iron (0·81 [0·50-1·29]; p=0·28) and 28 (27%) on tranexamic acid (0·85 [0·54-1·33]; p=0·39) were transfused. 487 adverse events were reported with similar event rates among the groups; among prespecified safety endpoints, severe postoperative anaemia (haemoglobin <8 g/dL) was more frequent in the double placebo group. Main common adverse event were sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary infection, with similar rates among all groups.

INTERPRETATION

In patients hospitalised for hip fracture surgery with a haemoglobin concentration 9·5-13·0 g/dL, preoperative infusion of ferric derisomaltose plus tranexamic acid reduced the risk of blood transfusion by 50%. Our results suggest that combining treatments from two different pillars improves patient blood-management programmes. Either treatment alone did not reduce transfusion rates, but we might not have had the power to detect it.

FUNDING

French Ministry of Health, HiFIT trial.

Prescription of vitamin D was associated with a lower incidence of hip fractures

Patients with osteoporosis are prone to fragility fractures. Evidence of the effects of active forms of vitamin D on hip fracture prevention is insufficient. We examined the association between vitamin D prescription and incidence of new fractures using the data of osteoporotic patients from the nationwide health insurance claims database of Japan. The follow-up period was 3 years after entry. The untreated patients were never prescribed vitamin D during follow-up (n = 422,454), and the treated patients had a vitamin D medication possession ratio of ≥ 0.5 at all time points (n = 169,774). Propensity score matching was implemented on these groups, yielding 105,041 pairs, and subsequently, the control and treatment groups were established and analyzed. The incidence of new fractures was significantly lower in the treatment group compared with the control group (6.25% vs. 5.69%, hazard ratio 0.936 [95% confidence interval 0.904-0.970], p < 0.001*). By site, hip fractures significantly decreased (0.89% vs. 0.42%, p < 0.001), but not vertebral and radial fractures. Subgroup analysis by vitamin D type showed a significantly lower incidence of total fractures only in alfacalcidol (hazard ratio 0.676 [95% confidence interval 0.628-0.728], p < 0.001*). The results suggest that vitamin D prescription was associated with a reduced incidence of hip fractures.

Hip and vertebral fracture risk after initiating antidiabetic drugs in Japanese elderly: a nationwide study

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to clarify the risks of initiating antidiabetic drugs for fractures using a nationwide health insurance claims database (NDBJ).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients aged ≥ 65 years initiating antidiabetic drugs at the outpatient department were enrolled after a 180-day period without prescribed antidiabetic drugs and followed with during 2012-2018 using NDBJ. The adjusted hazard risks (HRs) of each antidiabetic drug (thiazolidine, alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 [DPP-4] inhibitor, sulfonylurea, glinide, and insulin) for fractures compared with biguanide were obtained adjusting for age, gender, polypharmacy, dementia, and the other antidiabetic drugs.

RESULTS

The DPP-4 inhibitor was the most often prescribed antidiabetic drug followed by biguanide with prescribed proportions of 71.7% and 12.9%. A total of 4,304 hip fractures and 9,388 vertebral fractures were identified among the 966,700 outpatient participants. Compared with biguanide, insulin, alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, and DPP-4 inhibitor were related to increased hip fracture risks. Vertebral fracture risk was higher in outpatients prescribed with insulin, thiazolidine, and DPP-4 inhibitor compared with biguanide. Patients prescribed insulin for hip and vertebral fractures' adjusted HRs were 2.17 (95% CI 1.77-2.66) and 1.45 (95% CI 1.24-1.70), respectively. Those prescribed DPP-4 inhibitor for hip and vertebral fractures' adjusted HRs were 1.27 (95% CI 1.15-1.40) and 1.20 (95% CI 1.12-1.28), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Initiating insulin increased the risk of not only hip fractures but also vertebral fractures. Patients initiating antidiabetic drugs had increased risks of hip and vertebral fractures compared with those initiating biguanide independently for age, gender, polypharmacy, and dementia in the Japanese elderly.

Risk of subtrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures due to bisphosphonate therapy in asthma: a population-based nested case-control study

Concerns have been raised over the association between bisphosphonates and atypical fractures in subtrochanteric and femoral shaft regions, but the potential risk of these fractures due to bisphosphonate use in asthma has not been examined.

INTRODUCTION

Bisphosphonates are used as first-line treatment for osteoporosis; however, concerns have been raised over their association with atypical subtrochanteric (ST) and femoral shaft (FS) fractures. The potential risk of atypical ST/FS fractures from bisphosphonate use in asthma has not been examined.

METHODS

A nested case-control study was conducted using linked data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) databases. Using an asthma cohort, we identified patients with atypical ST/FS fractures and sex, age, and practice-matched controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to determine the association between bisphosphonate exposure and atypical ST/FS fractures.

RESULTS

From a cohort of 69,074 people with asthma, 67 patients with atypical ST/FS fractures and 260 matched control subjects were identified. Of the case patients, 40.3% had received bisphosphonates as compared with 14.2% of the controls corresponding to an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 4.42 (95%CI, 2.98 to 8.53). The duration of use influenced the risk with long-term users to be at a greater risk (> 5 years vs no exposure; aOR = 7.67; 95%CI, 1.75 to 33.91). Drug withdrawal was associated with diminished odds of atypical ST/FS fractures.

CONCLUSION

Regular review of bisphosphonates should occur in patients with asthma. The risks and benefits of bisphosphonate therapy should be carefully considered in consultation with the patient. To improve AFF prevention, early signs which may warrant imaging, such as prodromal thigh pain, should be discussed.

Tolerability of the first infusion of once-yearly zoledronic acid within one to two weeks after hip fracture surgery

OBJECTIVE

Once-yearly infusions of zoledronic acid (ZA) 5 mg may be optimal for secondary fracture prevention after hip fracture (HF), but there are crucial side effects of ZA. This study assessed the tolerability of the first infusion of once-yearly ZA within one to two weeks after HF surgery and to identify risk factors for acute-phase reactions (APRs) and the decrease in serum calcium (Ca) concentration.

METHODS

We analyzed 84 patients (average age: 83 years, 18 men and 66 women) who met the inclusion criteria. The patients underwent the first infusion of ZA one to two weeks after HF surgery and received antipyretic analgesics and active vitamin D analog.

RESULTS

APRs occurred in ten patients (11.9%) and all these patients had pyrexia (>37.5 °C) and/or other symptoms. The asymptomatic hypocalcemia (serum Ca < 8.3 mg/dL) incidence was 6.0% at 7 days after ZA infusion. Compared with female patients without APRs, female patients with APRs had significantly higher levels of serum 25-dihydroxyvitamin D at baseline and serum C-reactive protein on the day ZA was administered (day 0). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that serum level of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b were significantly associated with an absolute decrease in serum corrected Ca from day 0 to day 7.

CONCLUSIONS

The first infusion of ZA within one to two weeks after HF surgery was well tolerated with the combined use of antipyretic analgesics and active vitamin D analog. Higher inflammatory condition after surgery which is more likely sensitized by ZA administration may increase the risk of APRs, and high bone turnover may increase hypocalcemia risk.

Impact of bisphosphonates and comorbidities on initial hip fracture prognosis

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of bisphosphonate treatment on the prognosis of patients with initial hip fracture. Patients aged fifty years and older with initial hip fracture were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 2002 and 2011. A multi-state model was established to evaluate the transition between "first to second hip fracture", "first hip fracture to death", and "second hip fracture to death". Transition probability and cumulative hazards were used to compare the prognosis of initial hip fracture in a bisphosphonate treated cohort versus non-treated cohort. In addition, Deyo-Charlson comorbidities, both vertebral and non-vertebral fractures, and cataracts were also included for analysis. After 10-year follow-up, there is decreased cumulative transition probability for both second hip fracture and mortality after both first and second hip fracture in the bisphosphonate treated cohort. Multivariable, transition-specific time-dependent Cox model revealed that bisphosphonate treatment significantly reduced risk for second hip fracture in the first 5 years of the treatment (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.79-0.99; P: 0.034), first hip fracture mortality (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.83-0.93; P < 0.001), and second hip fracture mortality in the first 2 years of the treatment (HR 0.78; 95% CI 0.65-0.95; P = 0.011). Female sex, both vertebral and non-vertebral fractures, cataracts, dementia in the first 2 years, and DM with complication were all significantly associated with risk of a second hip fracture. Cerebrovascular disease and hemiplegia comorbidities had less risk of a second hip fracture. The risk of mortality after both first and second hip fracture was significantly associated with congestive heart failure, renal disease, myocardial infarction, and moderate to severe liver disease. Our study demonstrated that bisphosphonate treatment and strict management of comorbidities after the initial hip fracture significantly decrease the risk for a second hip fracture and mortality.

Association between Anti-Psychotic Drugs Use and Hip Fractures in Patients with Dementia: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Background: People with dementia are a high-risk group for hip fractures. Although the increased risk of hip fractures associated with antipsychotic drugs (APD) is found in older populations, little is known about the risk for people with dementia living in Asia. We aimed to investigate the association between hip fractures and the characteristics of APD use in patients with dementia. Methods: A nested case-control analysis was conducted on a nationwide cohort in Taiwan. People with diagnoses of dementia during 2003–2012 were identified. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed, and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to estimate the risk of hip fractures. Results: APD use was associated with an increased risk of hip fractures in patients with dementia; current use or combined use of first and second generations of APDs had even higher risks. Regarding the duration of APD use, a U-shape curve of hip fracture risk was noted, and the risk peaked during 0–15 days and >215 days of exposure (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.37–1.57; aOR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.37–1.58; respectively). Considering the doses of APDs, the hip fracture risk was significantly increased with all four levels of the cumulative doses and average daily doses and peaked in the group with the highest average daily dose. Conclusions: The findings suggest that caution must be taken when initiating APD use in patients with dementia, even in a small dose, and mixed types of APD prescriptions should be administered with care. Furthermore, frequent evaluation of the possibility of tapering or withdrawal of the medication is necessary, as the risk does not attenuate after long-term use.

Meta-regression analysis of the efficacy of alendronate for prevention of glucocorticoid-induced fractures

BACKGROUND

What affects the efficacy of alendronate for prevention of glucocorticoid-induced (GI) fractures remains unclear. We aimed to explore the factors affecting alendronate's efficacy, and further identify subgroup effects of alendronate in preventing GI fractures.

METHODS

We searched 3 databases. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each endpoint. Meta-regression analysis was used to explore sources of heterogeneity, and subgroup analysis was used to address heterogeneity and evaluate subgroup effects. We detected publication bias using funnel plots and Egger tests.

RESULTS

We included 13 papers from 12 unique studies involving 46431 participants. Glucocorticoid (GC) dosage (P = .053) and proportion of previous vertebral fracture (PVF) (P = .047) were probably 2 sources of heterogeneity in meta-analysis for vertebral fractures, while GC duration (P = .020) was probably 1 for nonvertebral fractures. Alendronate reduced vertebral fractures in the high dosage subgroup (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44-0.86), but didn't in the low dosage subgroup (RR 1.56, 95% CI 0.20-12.02). Alendronate reduced vertebral fractures (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.40-0.68) in the subgroup of PVF proportion <5%, but didn't (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.42-1.37) in the subgroup of this proportion ≥5%. Alendronate reduced nonvertebral and hip fractures, whether in primary or in secondary prevention subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings in our study support that alendronate is used for the primary and secondary prevention of GI fractures, but do not support that alendronate is recommended as a first-line agent for patients receiving a low dose of GCs or patients with PVF.

Association between proton pump inhibitors use and risk of hip fracture: A general population-based cohort study

Previous studies comparing risk of fracture among Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) users with that among non-users were susceptible to confounding by indication. Epidemiologic studies of this association using an active medication as a comparator would appropriately address this bias. We conducted a propensity-score matched cohort study to compare the risk of incident fracture over five years among initiators of PPIs with initiators of histamine 2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) using data collected from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database in the United Kingdom (2000-2016). The prevalence of PPIs prescription increased 3.8-fold from 2000 (7.9%) to 2012 (30.3%) and remained stable since then. Of the 50,265 propensity-score matched participants in each cohort (mean age was 65 years, and 57% were women), 370 (1.9/1000 person-years) incident hip fracture occurred in the PPIs initiators and 294 (1.5/1000 person-years) in the H2RA initiators during the follow-up period. The rate difference of incident hip fracture for PPIs initiation was 0.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2-0.7)/1000 person-years compared with H2RA initiation and the corresponding hazard ratio (HR) was 1.27 (95%CI: 1.09-1.48). Compared with non-PPI use, multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of hip fracture were 1.17 (95%CI: 0.94-1.46), 1.55 (95%CI: 1.23-1.96), and 1.67 (95%CI: 1.33-2.10) for 1-2, 3-9 and ≥ 10 prescriptions of PPIs, respectively (P for trend = 0.001). We found that PPIs prescription has been increasing rapidly over the past decade in the United Kingdom, and the initiation of PPIs was associated with a higher risk of hip fracture than initiation of H2RA.

Effects of Systemic Glucocorticoid Use on Fracture Risk: A Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Long-term glucocorticoid use increases fracture risk by reducing bone mass. This study evaluated the relationship between hip and vertebral fractures and the total amount of systematic glucocorticoid use.

METHODS

We randomly selected 1,896,159 people aged 20 to 100 years who participated in the National Health Checkup program in 2006. The amount of glucocorticoids prescribed was calculated based on the defined daily dose (DDD). The total DDD was obtained by adding oral and parenteral glucocorticoids for 6 months from the index date. Subjects were categorized into four groups according to total glucocorticoid DDDs: non-users (DDDs=0), low users (0&lt; DDDs ≤45), intermediate users (45&lt; DDDs ≤90), and high users (90&lt; DDDs). We followed them for 2 years. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the effects of the total amount of glucocorticoid use on hip and vertebral fractures.

RESULTS

Higher glucocorticoid use was associated with a higher risk of vertebral fracture. Relative to non-users, the vertebral fracture risk was 1.39 times higher in the low-user group, 1.94 times higher in the intermediate-user group, and 2.43 times higher in the highuser group. The risk of hip fracture was 1.72 times higher in intermediate users and 3.28 times higher in high users than in non-users.

CONCLUSION

As the amount of glucocorticoid use for 6 months increased, the risk of hip and vertebral fractures became higher. In order to prevent fractures, it is necessary for doctors to evaluate the total amount of glucocorticoid prescribed to the patient and to provide appropriate treatment.

Proton pump inhibitor use is associated with hip fracture development: a nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use on the risk of hip fracture is controversial. This study aimed to clarify the association between PPI use and hip fracture risk using a large cohort.

METHODS

This study recruited participants from the nationwide cohort (n = 1,025,340). After exclusion of participants who had hip fractures or were aged less than 40 years during the baseline period (2002 to 2004), 371,806 participants were followed to 2013. Participants prescribed PPIs for more than 90 days during baseline period were defined as users. Fracture cases were defined when participants were hospitalized with claims of a hip fracture.

RESULTS

During 4,159,343 person-years of follow-up, fractures developed more often in PPI users than in nonusers (relative risk [RR], 1.787; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.260 to 2.534; p = 0.002). The results persisted after adjusting for age, sex, and many drugs relevant to osteoporosis or influential in bone health. Furthermore, fracture risk associated with PPI use increased with duration of use (p trend < 0.001). The fully adjusted RRs of hip fracture development were 1.350 (95% CI, 1.203 to 1.515) for 1- to 90-day users, 1.487 (95% CI, 0.957 to 2.311) for 91- to 180-day users, and 1.771 (95% CI, 0.931 to 3.368) for > 180-day users. The positive association between PPI use and fracture was also confirmed in a subgroup with health screening data where further adjustment for body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and physical activity was available (adjusted RR, 2.025; 95% CI, 1.151 to 3.564, p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

PPI use is associated with hip fracture development.

Medications as a Risk Factor for Fragility Hip Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Fragility hip fractures and their associated morbidity and mortality pose a global healthcare problem. Several pharmaceutical products have been postulated to alter bone architecture and contribute to fragility hip fractures. We searched four electronic databases from inception to September 2017. Inclusion criteria were the following: (1) adult patients with fragility hip fractures, (2) full text in English, (3) minimum one-year follow-up, and (4) reporting of at least one risk factor. To minimize heterogeneity among the studies, we performed subgroup analyses. Whenever heterogeneity remained significant, we employed random effect meta-analysis for data pooling. Thirty-eight studies were included, containing 1,244,155 subjects and 188,966 cases of fragility hip fractures. Following medications were significantly associated with fragility hip fractures: Antidepressants (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.98-2.17), antiparkinsonian drugs (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.15-4.24), antipsychotic drugs (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.50-2.66), anxiolytic drugs (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.19-1.75), benzodiazepines (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.26-2.69), sedatives (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.14-1.54), systemic corticosteroids (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.37-1.99), H₂ antagonists (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.18-1.24), proton pump inhibitors (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.16-1.71), and thyroid hormone (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.13-1.47). Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen (HRT) was associated with decreased risk of hip fracture (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65-0.98). There are several medications associated with sustaining a fragility hip fracture. Medical interventions should be considered for patients on these medications, including information about osteoporosis and fracture prevention.

Proton pump inhibitors and fracture risk. The HUNT study, Norway

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been linked to increased risk of fracture; the data have, however, been diverging. We did not find any increased risk of fractures among users of PPIs in a Norwegian population of 15,017 women and 13,241 men aged 50-85 years with detailed information about lifestyle and comorbidity.

INTRODUCTION

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed and have been linked to increased risk of fracture.

METHODS

We used data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3), The Fracture registry in Nord-Trøndelag, and the Norwegian Prescription Database, including 15,017 women and 13,241 men aged 50-85 years. The study population was followed from the date of participating in HUNT3 (2006-2008) until the date of first fracture (forearm or hip), death, or end of study (31 December 2012). The Cox proportional hazards model with time-dependent exposure to PPIs was applied, and each individual was considered as unexposed until the first prescriptions was filled. To be included, the prescription of PPIs should minimum be equivalent to 90 defined daily doses (DDD) in the period. Individuals were defined as exposed until 6 months after end of drug supply.

RESULTS

The proportion of women and men using PPIs was 17.9% and 15.5%, respectively. During a median of 5.2 years follow-up, 266 women and 134 men had a first hip fracture and 662 women and 127 men, a first forearm fracture. The combined rate/1000 patient-years for forearm and hip fractures in women was 49.2 for users of PPIs compared with 64.1 among non-users; for men 18.6 and 19.8, respectively. The hazard ratios with 95% confidence interval for the first forearm or hip fracture among users of PPIs in the age-adjusted analysis were 0.82 (0.67-1.01) for women and 1.05 (0.72-1.52) for men. Adjusting for age, use of anti-osteoporotic drugs, and FRAX, the HR declined to 0.80 (0.65-0.98) in women and 1.00 (0.69-1.45) in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of PPIs was not associated with an increased risk of fractures.

Association of Receiving Multiple, Concurrent Fracture-Associated Drugs With Hip Fracture Risk

IMPORTANCE

Many prescription drugs increase fracture risk, which raises concern for patients receiving 2 or more such drugs concurrently. Logic suggests that risk will increase with each additional drug, but the risk of taking multiple fracture-associated drugs (FADs) is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate hip fracture risk associated with concurrent exposure to multiple FADs.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study used a 20% random sample of Medicare fee-for-service administrative data for age-eligible Medicare beneficiaries from 2004 to 2014. Sex-stratified Cox regression models estimated hip fracture risk associated with current receipt of 1, 2, or 3 or more of 21 FADs and, separately, risk associated with each FAD and 2-way FAD combination vs no FADs. Models included sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and use of non-FAD medications. Analyses began in November 2018 and were completed April 2019.

EXPOSURE

Receipt of prescription FADs.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Hip fracture hospitalization.

RESULTS

A total of 11.3 million person-years were observed, reflecting 2 646 255 individuals (mean [SD] age, 77.2 [7.3] years, 1 615 613 [61.1%] women, 2 136 585 [80.7%] white, and 219 579 [8.3%] black). Overall, 2 827 284 person-years (25.1%) involved receipt of 1 FAD; 1 322 296 (11.7%), 2 FADs; and 954 506 (8.5%), 3 or more FADs. In fully adjusted, sex-stratified models, an increase in hip fracture risk among women was associated with the receipt of 1, 2, or 3 or more FADs (1 FAD: hazard ratio [HR], 2.04; 95% CI, 1.99-2.11; P < .001; 2 FADs: HR, 2.86; 95% CI, 2.77-2.95; P < .001; ≥3 FADs: HR, 4.50; 95% CI, 4.36-4.65; P < .001). Relative risks for men were slightly higher (1 FAD: HR, 2.23; 95% CI, 2.11-2.36; P < .001; 2 FADs: HR, 3.40; 95% CI, 3.20-3.61; P < .001; ≥3 FADs: HR, 5.18; 95% CI, 4.87-5.52; P < .001). Among women, 2 individual FADs were associated with HRs greater than 3.00; 80 pairs of FADs exceeded this threshold. Common, risky pairs among women included sedative hypnotics plus opioids (HR, 4.90; 95% CI, 3.98-6.02; P < .001), serotonin reuptake inhibitors plus benzodiazepines (HR, 4.50; 95% CI, 3.76-5.38; P < .001), and proton pump inhibitors plus opioids (HR, 4.00; 95% CI, 3.56-4.49; P < .001). Receipt of 1, 2, or 3 or more non-FADs was associated with a small, significant reduction in fracture risk compared with receipt of no non-FADs among women (1 non-FAD: HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.90-0.96; P < .001; 2 non-FADs: HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.81-0.87; P < .001; ≥3 non-FADs: HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.72-0.77; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among older adults, FADs are commonly used and commonly combined. In this cohort study, the addition of a second and third FAD was associated with a steep increase in fracture risk. Many risky pairs of FADs included potentially avoidable drugs (eg, sedatives and opioids). If confirmed, these findings suggest that fracture risk could be reduced through tighter adherence to long-established prescribing guidelines and recommendations.

Case-control study examining the association between hip fracture risk and statins therapy in old people

A population-based case-control study investigated possible association between statin use and risk of hip fracture among the elderly in Taiwan.The Taiwan National Health Insurance Program database was used to identify 7464 subjects aged 65 years or older with newly diagnosed hip fracture in 2000 to 2013. An additional 7464 subjects aged 65 years or older without hip fracture were randomly selected as the control group. Hip fracture cases and controls were matched for sex, age, comorbidities, and index year of hip fracture diagnosis. Statin use was defined as "current," "recent," or "past" if the patient's statin prescription was respectively filled <3, 3 to 6, or ≥6 months before the date of the hip fracture. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for hip fracture associated with statin use was estimated using the logistic regression model.The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the odds of current statin use in cases with hip fracture were lower than the odds of current statin use in subjects without hip fracture (adjusted OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.65, 0.82).The odds of current statin use in cases with hip fracture were lower than the odds of current statin use in subjects without hip fracture in elderly people in Taiwan.

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Fracture Risk: A Review of Current Evidence and Mechanisms Involved

The number of patients with gastroesophageal problems taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is increasing. Several studies suggested a possible association between PPIs and fracture risk, especially hip fractures, but the relationship remains contentious. This review aimed to investigate the longitudinal studies published in the last five years on the relationship between PPIs and fracture risk. The mechanism underlying this relationship was also explored. Overall, PPIs were positively associated with elevated fracture risk in multiple studies (n = 14), although some studies reported no significant relationship (n = 4). Increased gastrin production and hypochlorhydria are the two main mechanisms that affect bone remodeling, mineral absorption, and muscle strength, contributing to increased fracture risk among PPI users. As a conclusion, there is a potential relationship between PPIs and fracture risks. Therefore, patients on long-term PPI treatment should pay attention to bone health status and consider prophylaxis to decrease fracture risk.

Association of High Intakes of Vitamins B6 and B12 From Food and Supplements With Risk of Hip Fracture Among Postmenopausal Women in the Nurses' Health Study

IMPORTANCE

Vitamin supplementation far exceeding recommended doses is popular in segments of the population. However, adverse effects can occur. In a previous secondary analysis of combined data from 2 double-blind randomized clinical trials (RCTs), an unexpected increased risk of hip fracture was found among those treated with high doses of vitamin B6 in combination with vitamin B12.

OBJECTIVES

To study if high intakes of vitamins B6 and B12 from food and supplements were associated with a risk of hip fracture in the Nurses' Health Study and to investigate whether combined high intakes of both vitamins conferred a particularly increased fracture risk.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

In this prospective cohort study, 75 864 postmenopausal women in the United States were followed up from June 1984 through May 2014. The dates of analysis were July 2016 to June 2018. Information on hip fracture and a wide range of potential confounders was collected at baseline and with biennial follow-up questionnaires. Extensive dietary information was collected approximately every 4 years with a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated by Cox proportional hazards regression, with cumulative average intakes of vitamins B6 and B12 as main exposures, adjusting for potential confounders.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE

Hip fracture.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 2304 of 75 864 women had a hip fracture. Among the women with hip fractures, the median (range) age at hip fracture was 75.8 (46.7-93.0) years and the mean (SD) body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) was 24.3 (4.6). Median (interquartile range) cumulative average intakes of total vitamins B6 and B12 were 3.6 (4.8) mg/d and 12.1 (11.7) μg/d, respectively. Both vitamin B6 (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.04-1.59 for an intake of ≥35 vs <2 mg/d; P = .06 for linear trend) and vitamin B12 (RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.98-1.58 for an intake of ≥30 vs <5 μg/d; P = .02 for linear trend) were associated with increased fracture risk. Risk was highest in women with a combined high intake of both vitamins (B6 ≥35 mg/d and B12 ≥20 μg/d), exhibiting an almost 50% increased risk of hip fracture (RR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.15-1.89) compared with women with a low intake of both vitamins (B6 <2 mg/d and B12 <10 μg/d).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, a combined high intake of vitamins B6 and B12 was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. The intakes were far higher than the recommended dietary allowances. These findings add to previous studies suggesting that vitamin supplements should be used cautiously because adverse effects can occur.

Patients with prostate cancer and androgen deprivation therapy have increased risk of fractures-a study from the fractures and fall injuries in the elderly cohort (FRAILCO)

Osteoporosis is a common complication of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). In this large Swedish cohort study consisting of a total of nearly 180,000 older men, we found that those with prostate cancer and ADT have a significantly increased risk of future osteoporotic fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with prostate cancer is associated to increased risk of fractures. In this study, we investigated the relationship between ADT in patients with prostate cancer and the risk of incident fractures and non-skeletal fall injuries both compared to those without ADT and compared to patients without prostate cancer.

METHODS

We included 179,744 men (79.1 ± 7.9 years (mean ± SD)) from the Swedish registry to which national directories were linked in order to study associations regarding fractures, fall injuries, morbidity, mortality and medications. We identified 159,662 men without prostate cancer, 6954 with prostate cancer and current ADT and 13,128 men with prostate cancer without ADT. During a follow-up of approximately 270,300 patient-years, we identified 10,916 incident fractures including 4860 hip fractures.

RESULTS

In multivariable Cox regression analyses and compared to men without prostate cancer, those with prostate cancer and ADT had increased risk of any fracture (HR 95% CI 1.40 (1.28-1.53)), hip fracture (1.38 (1.20-1.58)) and MOF (1.44 (1.28-1.61)) but not of non-skeletal fall injury (1.01 (0.90-1.13)). Patients with prostate cancer without ADT did not have increased risk of any fracture (0.97 (0.90-1.05)), hip fracture (0.95 (0.84-1.07)), MOF (1.01 (0.92-1.12)) and had decreased risk of non-skeletal fall injury (0.84 (0.77-0.92)).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with prostate cancer and ADT is a fragile patient group with substantially increased risk of osteoporotic fractures both compared to patients without prostate cancer and compared to those with prostate cancer without ADT. We believe that this must be taken in consideration in all patients with prostate cancer already at the initiation of ADT.

Proton pump inhibitors and risk of hip fracture: a meta-analysis of observational studies

We performed a meta-analysis of relevant studies to quantify the magnitude of the association between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and risk of hip fracture. Patients with PPIs had a greater risk of hip fracture than those without PPI therapy (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.14-1.28, p < 0.0001). These results could be taken into consideration with caution, and patients should also be concerned about the inappropriate use of PPIs.

INTRODUCTION

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are generally considered as first-line medicine with great safety profile, commonly prescribed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcer disease. However, several epidemiological studies documented that long-term use of PPIs may be associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. Although, the optimal magnitude of the hip fracture risk is still undetermined. We, therefore, performed a meta-analysis of relevant studies to quantify the magnitude of the association between PPIs and risk of hip fracture.

METHODS

We collected relevant articles using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Web of Science from January 1, 1990, to March 31, 2018. We included only the large (n ≥ 500) observational studies with a follow-up duration of at least one year in which the hip fracture patients were identified by a standard procedure. Two of the authors extracted data from each included study independently according to a standardized protocol.

RESULTS

A total of 24 observational studies with 2,103,800 participants (319,568 hip fracture patients) met all the eligibility criteria. Patients with PPIs had a greater risk of hip fracture than those without PPI therapy (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.14-1.28, p < 0.0001). An increased association was also observed in both low and medium doses of PPI taken and hip fracture risk (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05-1.29, p = 0.002; RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.14-1.44, p < 0.0001), but it appeared to be even greater among the patients with higher dose (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.20-1.40, p < 0.0001). Moreover, the overall pooled risk ratios were 1.20 (95% CI 1.15-1.25, p < 0.0001) and 1.24 (95% CI 1.10-1.40, p < 0.0001) for the patients with short- and long-term PPI therapy, respectively, compared with PPI non-users.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that PPI use is significantly associated with an increased risk of hip fracture development, which is not observed in H2RA exposure. Physicians should, therefore, exercise caution when considering a long-term PPI treatment to their patients who already have an elevated risk of hip fracture. In addition, patients should be concerned about the inappropriate use of PPIs; if necessary, then, they should continue to receive it with a clear indication.

Association between use of antidepressants or benzodiazepines and the risk of subsequent fracture among those aged 65+ in the Netherlands

This is the first study to examine the association between antidepressant and benzodiazepine use following a MOF and risk of subsequent fracture in those 65+. Using national data, drug use following MOF showed that the 1-year fully adjusted risk of subsequent MOF in those on antidepressants was more than doubled.

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the association between the use of antidepressants or benzodiazepines and the risk of a subsequent major osteoporotic fracture.

METHODS

A cohort study was performed using the Dutch PHARMO Database Network. Between 2002 and 2011, a total of 4854 patients sustained a first major osteoporotic fracture after the age of 65 years, of which 1766 sustained a hip fracture. Incidence rates and adjusted hazard ratios were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Within 1 year following a major osteoporotic fracture, 15% (95% CI 13.7-15.7) and 31% (95% CI 30.1-32.8) of patients were dispensed an antidepressant or benzodiazepine, respectively. Current use of antidepressants in the first year following a major osteoporotic fracture was associated with subsequent fracture (adjusted HR 2.17 (95% CI 1.37-3.43)). Recent and past use of antidepressants were also associated with an increased risk of subsequent fracture. When the complete follow-up period was included, only the current use of antidepressants was associated with subsequent fracture following a major osteoporotic fracture (adjusted HR 1.48; 95% CI 1.06-2.06). Current benzodiazepine use was not associated with an increased risk of fracture within 1 year following a major osteoporotic fracture (adjusted HR 1.18; 95% CI 0.76-1.81) or during the complete follow-up period (adjusted HR 1.18; 95% CI 0.90-1.55).

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that antidepressants should be used with caution following a major osteoporotic fracture. It provides needed insights that can be used to inform clinicians when assessing subsequent fracture risk in patients.

Proton pump inhibitor use and the risk of osteoporosis and fracture in stroke patients: a population-based cohort study

A considerable proportion of stroke survivors are prescribed with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Our study indicated that PPI use is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, hip fracture, and vertebral fracture in stroke patients. The risk tends to increase as the cumulative doses of PPIs increase.

INTRODUCTION

A considerable proportion of stroke survivors are prescribed with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Our study investigated the association between PPI use and the risk of osteoporosis and fracture among stroke survivors.

METHODS

A population-based propensity-matched retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Patients diagnosed with a new stroke between 2000 and 2012 were identified. After propensity score matching, 10,596 patients were enrolled, and 5298 patients were each assigned to the PPI user and non-user groups. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for the risk of osteoporosis, hip fracture, and vertebral fractures according to PPI use or non-use. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the dose effects of PPI.

RESULTS

PPI use after stroke was associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, hip fracture, or vertebral fracture, with an adjusted HR (aHR) of 1.28 (P < 0.001). The aHRs were also significant for each outcome: osteoporosis, 1.26 (P < 0.001); hip fracture, 1.18 (P = 0.048); vertebral fracture, 1.33 (P < 0.001). A pattern of dose effect was identified. For any event (osteoporosis/hip fracture/vertebral fracture), the aHR for PPI use of 1-90, 91-365, and > 365 cDDDs was 1.22 (P < 0.001), 1.27 (P < 0.001), and 1.66 (P < 0.001), respectively. For each outcome, the highest dose was associated with the highest risk, with aHR of 1.79 (P < 0.001), 1.41 (P = 0.039), and 1.82 (P < 0.001) for osteoporosis, hip fracture, and vertebral fracture, respectively. Age- and sex-stratified analyses revealed similar patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

PPI use is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, hip fracture, and vertebral fracture in stroke patients.

Atypical subtrochanteric fractures in Korean hip fracture study

In Korean, atypical subtrochanteric fractures (ASF) were rare. Higher BMI and use of bisphosphonate were significant risk factors of ASF.

INTRODUCTION

Recently, ASF have been reported to increase among patients on bisphosphonate. However, the incidence of ASF and the association between ASF and bisphosphonate use have not been well defined in Asian population. Our purposes are (1) to estimate the proportion of ASF among Korean patients with proximal femur fracture and (2) to determine the associated risk factors of ASF in the Korean patients.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter (16 academic hospitals), prospective Korean hip fracture study on hip fracture in a cohort of patients aged 50 years or older from South Korea between July 2014 and May 2016. As a part of Korean hip fracture study, primary analysis examined the proportion of ASF among proximal femur fracture. To identify ASF, according to the definition by ASBMR task force, all radiographs of subtrochanteric fracture were reviewed. Associated risk factors for occurrence of ASF were also evaluated by using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among 1361 patients with proximal femoral fractures due to low-energy trauma, 17 fractures (1.2%) were identified as ASF. Higher BMI and use of bisphosphonate before injury were independent risk factors of ASF.

CONCLUSION

In Korean, ASF were rare. Higher BMI and use of bisphosphonate were significant risk factors of ASF.

Association Between Alendronate Use and Hip Fracture Risk in Older Patients Using Oral Prednisolone

IMPORTANCE

Oral glucocorticoid treatment increases fracture risk, and evidence is lacking regarding the efficacy of alendronate to protect against hip fracture in older patients using glucocorticoids.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether alendronate treatment in older patients using oral prednisolone is associated with decreased hip fracture risk and adverse effects.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective cohort study using a national database (N = 433 195) of patients aged 65 years or older undergoing a health evaluation (baseline) at Swedish health care facilities; 1802 patients who were prescribed alendronate after at least 3 months of oral prednisolone treatment (≥5 mg/d) were identified. Propensity score matching was used to select 1802 patients without alendronate use from 6076 patients taking prednisolone with the same dose and treatment time criteria. Follow-up occurred between January 2008 and December 2014.

EXPOSURES

Alendronate vs no alendronate use; no patients had previously taken alendronate at the time of prednisolone initiation.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was incident hip fracture.

RESULTS

Of the 3604 included patients, the mean age was 79.9 (SD, 7.5) years, and 2524 (70%) were women. After a median follow-up of 1.32 years (interquartile range, 0.57-2.34 years), there were 27 hip fractures in the alendronate group and 73 in the no-alendronate group, corresponding to incidence rates of 9.5 (95% CI, 6.5-13.9) and 27.2 (95% CI, 21.6-34.2) fractures per 1000 person-years, with an absolute rate difference of -17.6 (95% CI, -24.8 to -10.4). The use of alendronate was associated with a lower risk of hip fracture in a multivariable-adjusted Cox model (hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.22-0.54). Alendronate treatment was not associated with increased risk of mild upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms (alendronate vs no alendronate, 15.6 [95% CI, 11.6-21.0] vs 12.9 [95% CI, 9.3-18.0] per 1000 person-years; P = .40) or peptic ulcers (10.9 [95% CI, 7.7-15.5] vs 11.4 [95% CI, 8.0-16.2] per 1000 person-years; P = .86). There were no cases of incident drug-induced osteonecrosis and only 1 case of femoral shaft fracture in each group.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among older patients using medium to high doses of prednisolone, alendronate treatment was associated with a significantly lower risk of hip fracture over a median of 1.32 years. Although the findings are limited by the observational study design and the small number of events, these results support the use of alendronate in this patient group.

Opioids increase hip fracture risk: a meta-analysis

The relationship between hip fracture risk and opioid use remains controversial. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the risk of hip fracture among opioid users. PubMed and EMBASE were searched for studies published from the inception of the databases until June 2015. The information was extracted independently by two teams of authors. When the heterogeneity was significant, the random-effects model was used to calculate the overall pooled risk estimates. Ten studies with 697,011 patients were included in the final meta-analysis. The overall combined relative risk for the use of opioids and hip fracture was 1.54 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.34-1.77]. Subgroup analyses revealed sources of heterogeneity, and sensitivity analysis indicated stable results, and no publication bias was observed. This meta-analysis demonstrates that opioids significantly increase the risk of hip fracture.

Benzodiazepines, Z-drugs and the risk of hip fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Hip fractures in the older person lead to an increased risk of mortality, poorer quality of life and increased morbidity. Benzodiazepine (BNZ) use is associated with increased hip fracture rate, consequently Z-drugs are fast becoming the physician’s hypnotic prescription of choice yet data on their use is limited. We compared the risk of hip fracture associated with Z-drugs and BNZ medications, respectively, and examined if this risk varied with longer-term use.

Methods and findings

We carried out a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. MEDLINE and SCOPUS were searched to identify studies involving BNZ or Z-drugs and the risk of hip fracture up to May 2015. Each included study was quality-assessed. A pooled relative risk of hip fracture was calculated using the generic inverse variance method, with a random effects model, with the length of hypnotic usage as a subgroup. Both BNZ, and Z-drug use respectively, were significantly associated with an increased risk of hip fracture (RR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.37–1.68; and RR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.68–2.13). Short-term use of BNZ and Z-drugs respectively, was also associated with the greatest risk of hip fracture (RR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.88–3.05 and RR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.74–3.29).

Conclusions

There is strong evidence that both BNZ and Z-drugs are associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in the older person, and there is little difference between their respective risks. Patients newly prescribed these medicines are at the greatest risk of hip fracture. Clinicians and policy makers need to consider the increased risk of fallings and hip fracture particularly amongst new users of these medications.

Use of antipsychotics increases the risk of fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Our systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies indicated that the use of antipsychotics was associated with a nearly 1.5-fold increase in the risk of fracture. First-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) appeared to carry a higher risk of fracture than second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs).

INTRODUCTION

The risk of fractures associated with the use of antipsychotic medications has inconsistent evidence between different drug classes. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate whether there is an association between the use of antipsychotic drugs and fractures.

METHODS

Searches were conducted through the PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify observational studies that had reported a quantitative estimate of the association between use of antipsychotics and fractures. The summary risk was derived from random effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The search yielded 19 observational studies (n = 544,811 participants) with 80,835 fracture cases. Compared with nonuse, use of FGAs was associated with a significantly higher risk for hip fractures (OR 1.67, 95% CI, 1.45-1.93), and use of second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) was associated with an attenuated but still significant risk for hip fractures (OR 1.33, 95% CI, 1.11-1.58). The risk of fractures associated with individual classes of antipsychotic users was heterogeneous, and odds ratios ranged from 1.24 to 2.01. Chlorpromazine was associated with the highest risk (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.43-2.83), while Risperidone was associated with the lowest risk of fracture (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.95-1.83).

CONCLUSIONS

FGA users were at a higher risk of hip fracture than SGA users. Both FGAs and SGAs were associated with an increased risk of fractures, especially among the older population. Therefore, the benefit of the off-label use of antipsychotics in elderly patients should be weighed against any risks for fracture.

Association Between Dabigatran vs Warfarin and Risk of Osteoporotic Fractures Among Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

IMPORTANCE

The risk of osteoporotic fracture with dabigatran use in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk of osteoporotic fracture with dabigatran vs warfarin in patients with NVAF.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective cohort study using a population-wide database managed by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority. Patients newly diagnosed with NVAF from 2010 through 2014 and prescribed dabigatran or warfarin were matched by propensity score at a 1:2 ratio with follow-up until July 31, 2016.

EXPOSURES

Dabigatran or warfarin use during the study period.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Risk of osteoporotic hip fracture and vertebral fracture was compared between dabigatran and warfarin users using Poisson regression. The corresponding incidence rate ratio (IRR) and absolute risk difference (ARD) with 95% CIs were calculated.

RESULTS

Among 51 496 patients newly diagnosed with NVAF, 8152 new users of dabigatran (n = 3268) and warfarin (n = 4884) were matched by propensity score (50% women; mean [SD] age, 74 [11] years). Osteoporotic fracture developed in 104 (1.3%) patients during follow-up (32 dabigatran users [1.0%]; 72 warfarin users [1.5%]). Results of Poisson regression analysis showed that dabigatran use was associated with a significantly lower risk of osteoporotic fracture compared with warfarin (0.7 vs 1.1 per 100 person-years; ARD per 100 person-years, -0.68 [95% CI, -0.38 to -0.86]; IRR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.22 to 0.66]). The association with lower risk was statistically significant in patients with a history of falls, fractures, or both (dabigatran vs warfarin, 1.6 vs 3.6 per 100 person-years; ARD per 100 person-years, -3.15 [95% CI, -2.40 to -3.45]; IRR, 0.12 [95% CI, 0.04 to 0.33]), but not in those without a history (0.6 vs 0.7 per 100 person-years; ARD per 100 person-years, -0.04 [95% CI, 0.67 to -0.39]; IRR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.45 to 1.96]) (P value for interaction, <.001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among adults with NVAF receiving anticoagulation, the use of dabigatran compared with warfarin was associated with a lower risk of osteoporotic fracture. Additional study, perhaps including randomized clinical trials, may be warranted to further understand the relationship between use of dabigatran vs warfarin and risk of fracture.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and atypical femoral fracture (AFF) in an osteoporotic patient chronically treated with bisphosphonates

The aim of the study is to report the rare association of two complications of long-term treatment of osteoporosis with bisphosphonates in the same Caucasian elderly patient. A female patient of Italian descent, age 87 years, consulted in February 2013. She had a history of osteoporosis and had taken alendronate weekly for 7 years (1999-2006). Due to low back pain, an orthopedist had indicated i.v. zoledronic acid, 5 mg/year for 3 years (2006-2008). She received occasional supplements of ergocalciferol. In 2009, she suffered a fall and sustained a subtrochanteric fracture of the left femur. She was operated on and recovered uneventfully. In 2012, she consulted a dentist due to loose teeth. She underwent the removal of a molar and was given a denture. She had discomfort when using the prosthesis, and developed an ulceration in the gum of the mandible, which exposed the bone and did not heal for 2 months. After radiologic studies, the diagnosis was osteonecrosis of the jaw. She improved after surgical debridement and local and systemic antibiotics. In early 2013, laboratory tests were normal except for a slight elevation of serum PTH and CTX-I. Calcitriol 0.25 mcg/day was prescribed; after 3 months serum calcium, phosphate, PTH, and CTX-I showed no variation. Two years later, she experienced acute low back pain after a fall; MRI showed recent crushing of D12, and chronic deformities of D11 and L1. Bone densitometry of her right hip (DXA) showed a T-score of -2.3 at the femoral neck. An X-ray film of the right femur showed diffuse thickening of both cortices. She was treated with nasal calcitonin and analgesics. After the back pain subsided, she was treated with s.c. denosumab. Although the association of ONJ and AFF was known in cancer patients treated with high doses of bisphosphonates, it is very rare in patients with osteoporosis receiving these drugs at usual doses. Only three cases have been reported, all in oriental women. This appears to be the first reported case in a Caucasian woman.

Use of glucose-lowering drugs and risk of fracture in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. The aim of this cohort study was to investigate whether glucose-lowering drugs influence the risk of hip fracture in patients with incident diabetes.

METHODS

A study was performed on a cohort of patients with incident type 2 diabetes. Diabetes diagnosis was defined using information from the Danish National Patient Registry and reimbursement information of glucose-lowering drugs from the Register of Medicinal Product Statistics. The period of observation was from 01.01.1996 till 31.12.2011. The primary exposure was glucose-lowering drugs and the primary endpoint was hip fracture. Unadjusted, adjusted, and propensity score adjusted Cox regressions were performed.

RESULTS

5244 patients with type 2 diabetes with a mean follow up of 5.5years were included in the study. Use of sulphonylureas within the last 90days was associated with hip fracture in patients with type 2 diabetes, hazard ratio 1.64 (95% confidence interval: 1.54,1.75), whereas ever use of sulohonylyreas was not associated with an increased risk of fractures. Use of sulphonylureas within the last 90days was also associated with an increased risk of fractures at other sites. Use of glitazones within the last 90days was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture, hazard ratio 2.07 (95% confidence interval: 1.39,3.07), whereas ever use was not associated with an increased risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Current use of sulphonylureas was associated with hip fracture in patients with type 2 diabetes. Speculatively, this may be due to hypoglycemia resulting in falls.

Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Risk of Hip Fracture in Men: A Meta-Analysis of 14 Prospective Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

Several observational studies have suggested an association between cigarette smoking and risk of hip fracture. However, no formal systematic review or meta-analysis was performed to summarize this risk in men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search was applied to MEDLINE, EMBASE, and web of science (up to November 1 2016). All prospective cohort studies assessing risk of hip fracture with the factor of cigarette smoking in men without language restriction were reviewed, and qualities of all included studies were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Two authors independently assessed literatures and extracted information eligibility, and any disagreement was resolved by consensus. Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale was used to evaluate studies' quality in meta-analyses. We calculated the RR with 95% CIs in a random-effects model as well as the fixed-effects model using the metan command in the STATA version 12.0 (StataCorp, USA).

RESULTS

Fourteen prospective cohort studies were eligible for the present analysis. A meta-analysis of 12 prospective studies showed that the relative risk (RR) for current male smoking was 1.47 [95% confidence interval (CI) (1.28-1.66), p = 0.54; I2 = 0%]. Subgroup analyses show study characteristics (including geography region, length of follow-up, size of cohorts and study quality) did not substantially influence these positive associations. Eight studies reported the RRs for former smokers compared with never smokers and the pooled RR was 1.15 [95% CI, (0.97-1.34), (I2 = 0%, p = 0.975)].

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis of 14 prospective studies suggests that, compared with never smokers, cigarette smoking increases risk of hip fracture in man, specifically in current smokers. However, further larger prospective cohorts with more power or meta-analysis of individual patient data are needed to confirm this association.

Association between allopurinol use and hip fracture in older patients

BACKGROUND

Allopurinol reduces oxidative stress and interacts with purinergic signalling systems important in bone metabolism and muscle function. We assessed whether allopurinol use was associated with a reduced incidence of hip fracture in older people.

METHODS

Analysis of prospective, routinely-collected health and social care data on patients undergoing health and social work assessment in a single geographical area over a 12year period. Exposure to allopurinol was derived from linked community prescribing data, and hospitalisation for hip fracture and comorbid disease was derived from linked hospitalisation data. Fine and Gray modelling was used to model time to hip fracture accounting for the competing risk of death, incorporating previous use of allopurinol, cumulative exposure to allopurinol as a time dependent variable, and covariate adjustments.

RESULTS

17,308 patients were alive at the time of first social work assessment without previous hip fracture; the mean age was 73years. 10,171 (59%) were female, and 1155 (8%) had at least one exposure to allopurinol. 618 (3.6%) sustained a hip fracture, and 4226 (24%) died during a mean follow-up of 7.2years. In fully-adjusted analyses, each year of allopurinol exposure conferred a hazard ratio of 1.01 (95% CI 0.99, 1.02; p=0.37) for hip fracture and 1.00 (0.99, 1.01; p=0.47) for death. Previous use of allopurinol conferred a hazard ratio of 0.76 (0.45, 1.26; p=0.28) for hip fracture and 1.13 (0.99, 1.29; p=0.07) for death.

CONCLUSION

Greater cumulative use of allopurinol was not associated with a reduced risk of hip fracture or death in this cohort.

Proton-pump inhibitors and risk of fractures: an update meta-analysis

To identify the relationship between proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and the risk of fracture, we conducted an update meta-analysis of observational studies. Results showed that PPI use was associated with a modestly increased risk of hip, spine, and any-site fracture.

INTRODUCTION

Many studies have investigated the association of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) with fracture risk, but the results have been inconsistent. To evaluate this question, we performed a meta-analysis of relevant observational studies.

METHODS

A systematic literature search up to February 2015 was performed in PubMed. We combined relative risks (RRs) for fractures using random-effects models and conducted subgroup and stratified analyses.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies involving a total of 244,109 fracture cases were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled analysis showed that PPI use could moderately increase the risk of hip fracture [RR = 1.26, 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) 1.16–1.36]. There was statistically significant heterogeneity among studies (p < 0.001; I 2 = 71.9 %). After limiting to cohort studies, there was also a moderate increase in hip fracture risk without evidence of study heterogeneity. Pooling revealed that short-term use (<1 year) and longer use (>1 year) were similarly associated with increased risk of hip fracture. Furthermore, a moderately increased risk of spine (RR = 1.58, 95 % CI 1.38–1.82) and any-site fracture (RR = 1.33, 95 % CI 1.15–1.54) was also found among PPI users.

CONCLUSION

In this update meta-analysis of observational studies, PPI use modestly increased the risk of hip, spine, and any-site fracture, but no evidence of duration effect in subgroup analysis.

Is allopurinol use associated with an excess risk of osteoporotic fracture? A National Prescription Registry study

Using a Danish Register cohort of 86,039 adult new allopurinol users and propensity score matched controls, we found that gout requiring allopurinol prescription was associated with an increased fracture risk.

PURPOSE

Gout, an acute inflammatory arthritis, is common and associated with elevated serum urate, obesity and high alcohol consumption. The mainstay of therapy is the urate-lowering agent, allopurinol. Here, we report the relationship between allopurinol prescription and fracture in a large registry population.

METHODS

We established a Danish Register cohort of 86,039 adult cases (new allopurinol users) and 86,039 age, sex and propensity score matched controls (not exposed to allopurinol or with a gout diagnosis), with no diagnosis of malignancy in the year prior.

RESULTS

We found a modest adjusted effect of allopurinol prescription on major osteoporotic fractures (hazard ratio (HR) 1.09, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.14, p = 0.04) and on hip fractures (HR 1.07, 95 % CI 1.11-1.14, p < 0.001), robust to adjustment for confounding factors (age, sex, comorbidity, medication use). Associations were stronger in men than women, and among incident allopurinol users whose gout diagnosis had been confirmed by at least one hospital contact. Prespecified subanalyses by filled dose of allopurinol (mg/day in first year of prescription) showed increased hip and major fracture risk in women in the highest allopurinol dose grouping only, while a less strong dose effect was evident for fracture rates in men.

CONCLUSION

Gouty arthritis requiring allopurinol is associated with an excess risk of major or hip fracture, with an allopurinol dose effect evident in women such that women taking the highest doses of allopurinol--suggestive of more severe disease--were at increased risk relative to women taking lower doses.

Chronic NSAIDs Use Increases the Risk of a Second Hip Fracture in Patients After Hip Fracture Surgery: Evidence From a STROBE-Compliant Population-Based Study

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) control musculoskeletal pain, but they also cause adverse side effects. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of chronic NSAIDs use on the risk of a second hip fracture (SHFx) after hip fracture surgery. This population-based case-cohort study used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), which contains data from >99% of the population. From a random sample of 1 million enrollees, we identified 34,725 patients ≥40 years who sustained a first hip fracture and underwent hip fracture surgery between 1999 and 2009. Chronic NSAIDs use is defined as taking NSAIDs for at least 14 days a month for at least 3 months. The main outcome measure is an SHFx. Propensity-score matching was used to control for confounding. Our results revealed that chronic NSAIDs use was a significant risk factor for an SHFx in patients after hip fracture surgery and for adverse side effects that might last for 12 months. Compared with the nonchronic-use cohort (n = 29,764), the adjusted hazard ratio of an SHFx was 2.15 (95% CI: 2.07-2.33) for the chronic-use cohort (n = 4961). The 10-year Kaplan-Meier survival analyses showed that chronic NSAIDs use presented a positive year-postsurgery-dependency effect on the risk of an SHFx in all the selected subgroups of patients (all P ≤ 0.011). In conclusion, chronic NSAIDs use increases the risk of an SHFx after hip fracture surgery. Avoiding chronic NSAIDs use must be emphasized in clinical practice.

Exposure to fluoride in drinking water and hip fracture risk: a meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Many observational studies have shown that exposure to fluoride in drinking water is associated with hip fracture risk. However, the findings are varied or even contradictory. In this work, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the relationship between fluoride exposure and hip fracture risk.

METHODS

PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched to identify relevant observational studies from the time of inception until March 2014 without restrictions. Data from the included studies were extracted and analyzed by two authors. Summary relative risks (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using random- or fixed-effects models as appropriate. Sensitivity analyses and meta-regression were conducted to explore possible explanations for heterogeneity. Finally, publication bias was assessed.

RESULTS

Fourteen observational studies involving thirteen cohort studies and one case-control study were included in the meta-analysis. Exposure to fluoride in drinking water does not significantly increase the incidence of hip fracture (RRs, 1.05; 95% CIs, 0.96-1.15). Sensitivity analyses based on adjustment for covariates, effect measure, country, sex, sample size, quality of Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scores, and follow-up period validated the strength of the results. Meta-regression showed that country, gender, quality of Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scores, adjustment for covariates and sample size were not sources of heterogeneity. Little evidence of publication bias was observed.

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis suggests that chronic fluoride exposure from drinking water does not significantly increase the risk of hip fracture. Given the potential confounding factors and exposure misclassification, further large-scale, high-quality studies are needed to evaluate the association between exposure to fluoride in drinking water and hip fracture risk.

Association between loop diuretic use and fracture risk

SUMMARY

Loop diuretic use has been shown to be associated with an increased fracture risk, but the findings have been inconsistent. The present meta-analysis suggests that loop diuretics show a significant positive association with the overall risk of total fractures and, specifically, hip fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Despite being widely used, there is limited, prospective randomized trial evidence regarding the skeletal effects of loop diuretics. Previous observational studies have reported conflicting findings regarding the association between loop diuretic use and the risk of fractures.

METHODS

This meta-analysis of observational studies assessed the association between loop diuretic use and the risk of fractures. The PubMed, EMBASE, and OVID databases were searched for prospective cohort and case-control studies. Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived using random-effects models throughout the analysis.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies (4 cohort studies and 9 case-control studies) were included, involving 842,644 participants and 108,247 fracture cases. Compared with non-users, people who had taken loop diuretics had an approximately 15% higher risk of total fractures (95% CI, 1.04-1.26; p<0.01), with high heterogeneity between studies (I2=80.5%; p<0.01). The RR was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.08-1.19) for hip fractures and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.93-1.05) for lower arm or wrist fractures. The RR was 1.05 (95% CI, 1.00-1.11) in prospective cohort studies and 1.22 (95% CI, 1.00-1.44) in case-control studies. There was no evidence of publication bias.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that loop diuretics show a significant positive association with the overall risk of total fractures and hip fractures.

Adherence to oral bisphosphonates and the risk of subtrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures among female medicare beneficiaries

Previous studies have shown an association between duration of bisphosphonate use and atypical femur fractures. This cohort study showed an increasingly higher risk of subtrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures among those who were more adherent to oral bisphosphonates.

INTRODUCTION

Long-term use of oral bisphosphonates has been implicated in an increased risk of atypical femur fractures located in subtrochanteric and femoral shaft regions. Another measure of drug exposure, medication adherence, however, has not been investigated.

METHODS

Among all Medicare fee-for-service female beneficiaries from 2006-2010, we followed 522,287 new bisphosphonate users from their index prescription until being censored or having a primary diagnosis of closed subtrochanteric/femoral shaft or intertrochanteric/femoral neck fractures. Data about radiographs of fracture site and features were not available. Adherence was classified according to the medication possession ratio (MPR) as the following: MPR < 1/3 as less compliant, MPR ≥ 1/3- < 2/3 as compliant, and MPR ≥ 2/3 as highly compliant. Alternative cutoff points at 50 and 80% were also used. Survival analysis was used to determine the cumulative incidence and hazard of subtrochanteric/femoral shaft or intertrochanteric/femoral neck fractures.

RESULTS

There was a graded increase in incidence of subtrochanteric/femoral shaft fractures as the level of adherence increased (Gray's test, P < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the highly compliant vs. the less compliant was 1.23 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.06-1.43) overall, became significant after 2 years of follow-up (HR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.06-2.15) and reached the highest risk in the fifth year (HR = 4.06, 95% CI 1.47-11.19). However, age-adjusted incidence rates of intertrochanteric/femoral neck fractures were significantly lower among highly compliant beneficiaries, compared to less compliant users (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.66-0.73). Similar results were obtained when the cutoff points for being compliant and highly compliant were set at 50 and 80 %, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Subtrochanteric/femoral shaft fractures, unlike intertrochanteric/femoral neck fractures, are positively associated with higher adherence to long-term (≥3 years) oral bisphosphonates in the elderly female Medicare population.

Incident long-term warfarin use and risk of osteoporotic fractures: propensity-score matched cohort of elders with new onset atrial fibrillation

Association between warfarin use and fracture risk is unclear. We examined the association between long-term warfarin use and fracture risk at the hip, spine, and wrist in elders. No significant association was found between long-term warfarin use and fracture risk, despite biological plausibility.

INTRODUCTION

Prior studies examining the association of warfarin use and osteoporotic fractures have been conflicting, potentially related to methodological limitations. Thus, we examined the association of long-term warfarin use with risk of hip, spine, and wrist fractures among older adults with atrial fibrillation, attempting to address prior methodologic challenges.

METHODS

We included men and women ≥ 65 years of age with incident atrial fibrillation and without prior history of fractures from The Health Improvement Network followed between 2000 and 2010. Long-term warfarin use was defined in two ways: (1) warfarin use ≥ 1 year; (2) warfarin use ≥ 3 years. Propensity-score matched cohorts of warfarin users and nonusers were created to evaluate the association between long-term warfarin use and risk of hip, spine, and wrist fractures separately as well as combined, using Cox-proportional hazards regression models.

RESULTS

Among >20,000 participants with incident atrial fibrillation, the hazard ratios (HR) for hip fracture with warfarin use ≥ 1 and ≥ 3 years, respectively, were 1.08 (95%CI 0.87, 1.35) and 1.13 (95% CI 0.84, 1.50). Similarly, no significant associations were observed between long-term warfarin use and risk of spine or wrist fracture. When risk of any fracture was assessed with warfarin use, no association was found [HR for warfarin use ≥ 1 year 0.92 (95%CI 0.77, 1.10); HR for warfarin use ≥ 3 years 1.12 (95%CI 0.88, 1.43)].

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term warfarin use among elders with atrial fibrillation was not associated with increased risk of osteoporotic fractures and therefore does not appear to necessitate additional surveillance or prophylaxis.

Excess risk of hip fractures attributable to the use of antidepressants in five European countries and the USA

SUMMARY

The association between antidepressant use and hip fracture remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review to estimate Population Attributable Risks (PAR) for France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, and the USA. We report a heterogeneous prevalence of antidepressant use and related PARs, both lowest for Italy and highest for the USA.

INTRODUCTION

Antidepressant use has been associated with an increased hip fracture risk in observational studies. However, the potential contribution of antidepressant consumption on the population rate of hip fractures has not been described. Our aim was to estimate the impact of the use of different classes of antidepressants on the rate of hip fracture at a population-level in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the USA.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review to estimate the pooled relative risk (RR) of hip fracture according to use of antidepressants. Prevalence rates of antidepressant use (Pe) in 2009 were calculated for each country using the The Intercontinental Medical Statistics database and three public databases from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. Both the RR and Pe were used to calculate PAR of hip fractures associated with antidepressant use.

RESULTS

The literature review showed an increased risk of hip fractures in antidepressant users (RR, 1.7; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.5-2.0). Rates of antidepressant use showed considerable differences between countries, ranging from 4.4 % (Italy) to 11.2 % (USA) in the year 2009. The estimated PAR of antidepressants on hip fracture rates were 3.0 % (95 % CI, 2.0-4.1; Italy), 3.1 % (95 % CI, 2.1-4.3; Germany), 3.8 % (95 % CI, 2.6-5.3; France), 4.8 % (95 % CI, 3.3-6.5; Spain), 4.9 % (95 % CI, 3.4-6.8; UK), and 7.2 % (95 % CI, 5.0-9.9; USA). PARs differed for different types of antidepressants, with highest attributable risks for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the potential contribution of antidepressant use to the population rate of hip fractures in the five large EU countries and the USA varies between 3 and 7 %.

Do cadmium, lead, and aluminum in drinking water increase the risk of hip fractures? A NOREPOS study

The aim of this study was to investigate relations between cadmium, lead, and aluminum in municipality drinking water and the incidence of hip fractures in the Norwegian population. A trace metals survey in 566 waterworks was linked geographically to hip fractures from hospitals throughout the country (1994-2000). In all those supplied from these waterworks, 5,438 men and 13,629 women aged 50-85 years suffered a hip fracture. Poisson regression models were fitted, adjusting for age, region of residence, urbanization, and type of water source as well as other possibly bone-related water quality factors. Effect modification by background variables and interactions between water quality factors were examined (correcting for false discovery rate). Men exposed to a relatively high concentration of cadmium (IRR = 1.10; 95 % CI 1.01, 1.20) had an increased risk of fracture. The association between relatively high lead and hip fracture risk was significant in the oldest age group (66-85 years) for both men (IRR = 1.11; 95 % CI 1.02, 1.21) and women (IRR = 1.10; 95 % CI 1.04, 1.16). Effect modification by degree of urbanization on hip fracture risk in men was also found for all three metals: cadmium, lead, and aluminum. In summary, a relatively high concentration of cadmium, lead, and aluminum measured in drinking water increased the risk of hip fractures, but the associations depended on gender, age, and urbanization degree. This study could help in elucidating the complex effects on bone health by risk factors found in the environment.

Bisphosphonate therapy and atypical fractures

Atypical femoral fractures have attracted a great deal of attention and controversy in the osteoporosis community because of their association with prolonged bisphosphonate therapy. The purpose of this article is to review the epidemiologic evidence linking bisphosphonates to atypical fractures and to highlight the potential pathologic mechanisms involved in such fractures. A management plan is provided based on the available evidence.

Use of proton pump inhibitors and risk of fragility hip fracture in a Mediterranean region

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there is an increased risk of hip fracture associated with the use of proton pump inhibitors in a Mediterranean area after adjusting for other potential risk factors.

METHODS

Retrospective multicenter case-control study carried out in 6 primary health care centers in Catalonia, Spain. Cases were patients aged 50years and over with a fragility hip fracture registered between January 2007 and December 2010, matched with 2 controls by sex and age.

DATA COLLECTED

use of proton pump inhibitors (type, dosage) in the 5years previous to the hip fracture, socio-demographic data, body mass index, alcohol and tobacco consumption as well as health conditions and drugs associated with an increase risk of fragility hip fracture.

RESULTS

358 cases were matched with 698 controls. The mean age was 82years old in both groups. Women represented 77.1% in the case group and 76.9% in the control group. Crude association between proton pump inhibitors and hip fracture was 1.44 (95% CI, 1.09-1.89) and adjusted OR was 1.24 (95% CI, 0.93-1.65). No association was found with the continuous or discontinuous use of proton pump inhibitors, OR 1.17 (95% CI, 0.77-1.79), and OR of 1.16 (95% CI, 0.85-1.60) respectively. No association was found when restricting the analysis by sex, OR of 1.19 (95% CI, 0.27-5.14) or by age, younger or older than 80years, OR of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.24-2.15).

CONCLUSION

The use of proton pump inhibitors was not associated with an increased risk of hip fracture after adjusting for other risk factors in a Mediterranean area. This result suggests the existence of protective environmental factors linked to this southern area of Europe that eventually could compensate for the potential harm produced by proton pump inhibitors.