Abstract: Oxidative stress (OS) is implicated in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PO). Results show an imbalance between antioxidative and oxidative markers in PO. Thus, monitoring of OS-related biomarkers and keeping balance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant system are beneficial to the diagnosis and prognosis of PO. Oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PO). However, the relations between OS-related markers and PO are controversial. This study aimed to quantitatively and comprehensively assess the roles of OS-related biomarkers in PO. Relevant articles were retrieved from electronic databases. All OS-associated biomarkers with at least 2 independent study outcomes were meta-analyzed. The pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) with its 95% confidence intervals (CI) were presented. A total of 36 studies involving 16 OS-related biomarkers were investigated. The overall results showed that total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), hydroperoxides (HY), paraoxonase (PON1), nitric oxide (NO), and homocysteine (Hcy) were not statistically different between the PO and control groups, whereas significantly increased levels of oxidative stress index (OSI), malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and vitamin B12, along with decreased total antioxidant status (TAS), total antioxidant power (TAP), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), uric acid (UA), and folate, were detected in the PO group. Subgroup analysis based on biological samples displayed significantly elevated NO in erythrocyte and Hcy in serum, along with decreased SOD in serum. Monitoring of certain OS-related biomarkers might be beneficial to the diagnosis and prognosis of PO.

Abstract: The leading causes of mortality in our study were pneumonia, diseases of the circulatory system, and dementias In patients with hip fractures, the emphasis should be placed not only on measures to prevent falls and osteoporosis, but also on preventing functional decline and pneumonia To describe the specific causes of death in patients who died up to 2 years after sustaining a hip fracture, how many of those deaths were directly related to the hip fracture, and the risk factors for mortality A retrospective review of the clinical data of all patients admitted with hip fractures between December 2009 and September 2015 Cause of death was classified according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD10) In the first 2 years after hip fracture, 911 patients (327%) died The leading causes of mortality were pneumonia 177 (194%), diseases of the circulatory system 146 (16%), and dementias 126 (139%) Thirty patients (32%) died from causes directly related to hip fracture or surgery Mortality risk factors with a higher relative risk were advanced age, male sex, higher comorbidity, delirium, and medical complications during admission Pneumonia and circulatory system diseases were the commonest causes of death in our study In patients with hip fractures, emphasis should be placed on preventing functional decline and pneumonia In a few patients, death was directly related to the hip fracture, although decompensation of chronic illness as a result of hip fracture and fracture-related functional decline may have been indirect causes Patients with worse conditions at admission had the highest risk of mortality

Abstract: In a large population-based study of Iran, the age-standardized prevalence of osteoporosis was 24.6% in men and 62.7% in women aged ≥ 60 years. Osteoporosis was negatively associated with body mass index in both sexes, and with diabetes in men and hypertriglyceridemia in women. Population aging has made osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures an important health problem, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of osteoporosis and associated factors among the elderly population of the south-west of Iran. Baseline data of the second stage of the Bushehr Elderly Health program was used. Spinal, total hip, or femoral neck osteoporosis was described as a BMD that lies 2.5 standard deviations or more, below the average values of a young healthy adult in the lumbar spine, total hip, or femoral neck, respectively. Osteoporosis at either site was defined as total osteoporosis. Age-standardized prevalence of osteoporosis was estimated. We used the modified Poisson regression with a robust variance estimator to identify the factors related to osteoporosis, adjusting for potential confounders. Overall, 2425 individuals (1166 men) aged over 60 years were included. In all, total osteoporosis was detected in 1006 (41.5%) of the participants. Using the reference value derived from Caucasian women aged 20–29 years, the age-standardized prevalence of total osteoporosis was 24.6 (95% CI: 21.9–27.3) in men, and 62.7 (95% CI: 60.0–65.4) in women. In men, osteoporosis was positively associated with age, smoking, history of fracture, and history of renal/liver diseases and negatively associated with body mass index (BMI) and diabetes. BMI, hypertriglyceridemia, and education were negatively correlated with osteoporosis in women, while years after menopause and history of fracture increased the likelihood of osteoporosis, significantly. Results support the high prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in the elderly population. Considering the importance of severe complications, especially fractures, comprehensive interventions should be expanded.

Abstract: We analyzed the knowledge structure, current status, and future directions of 3243 publications on male osteoporosis by employing bibliometric analysis. Our results indicated that Osteoporosis International was the most influential journal in this field. And the study of epidemiology and risk factors has been recognized as a hot research topic in recent years. This study also calls for more attention to be given on male osteoporosis research. Male osteoporosis is increasing as a serious health problem worldwide with the aging of population. However, a comprehensive understanding of the current status and future trends in this field is lacking to date. The goal of the present study was to summarize and visualize the knowledge framework, research hotspots, and emerging trends of male osteoporosis research based on the bibliometric method. Scientific publications regarding male osteoporosis from 1998 to 2020 were downloaded from the SCIE database. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and online bibliometric website were used for this study. The main analyses include cooperative relationships between countries/institutions/authors, co-citation analysis of authors/journals, and co-occurrence analysis of keywords/subject categories, as well as analyses on keyword/reference bursts. A total of 3243 publications with 128,751 citations were identified. Despite experiencing a period of increase in the number of publications, incentives for conducting male osteoporosis research seem to have decreased during recent years. The USA has the most prominent contributions, as reflected by most publications and the highest H-index value. Oregon Health and Science University was the most prolific institution within this domain. The most influential academic journal was Osteoporosis International. Keywords were categorized into four clusters: basic research, epidemiology and risk factors, diagnostic studies, treatment and fracture prevention. Burst keyword detection suggested that the following research directions including “obesity,” “zoledronic acid,” “DXA,” “inflammation,” “fall,” “microarchitecture,” and “sarcopenia” remain research hotspots in the near future and deserve our further attention. This is the first bibliometric analysis that provides a comprehensive overview of male osteoporosis research, which may provide helpful references for investigators to further explore hot issues in this field.

Abstract: The Indian Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ISBMR) has herein drafted clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis for the people of India. Implementation of the position statement in clinical practice is expected to improve the overall care of patients with osteoporosis in India. In India, osteoporosis is a major public health problem. However, in the absence of any robust regional guidelines, the screening, treatment, and follow-up of patients with osteoporosis are lagging behind in the country. The Indian Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ISBMR), which is a multidisciplinary group of physicians, researchers, dietitians, and epidemiologists and who study bone and related tissues, in their annual meeting, drafted the guidelines for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis that would be appropriate in a resource constraint setting like India. Diagnosis of osteoporosis can be made in a patient with minimal trauma fracture without the aid of any other diagnostic tools. In others, bone mineral density measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry remains the modality of choice. Data indicates that osteoporotic fractures occur at an earlier age in Indians than in the West; hence, screening for osteoporosis should begin at an earlier age. FRAX can be used for fracture risk estimation; however, it may underestimate the risk of future fractures in our population and still needs validation. Maintaining optimum serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels is essential, which, in most cases, would require regular vitamin D supplementation. Pharmacotherapy should be guided by the presence/absence of vertebral/hip fractures or the severity of risk based on clinical factors, although bisphosphonates remain the first choice in most cases. Regular follow-up is essential to ensure adherence and response to therapy. Implementation of the position statement in clinical practice is expected to improve the overall care of patients with osteoporosis in India.

Abstract: People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk of bone fractures. In this review, we summarize the complexity of fracture prevention in CKD, describe the usefulness of a medication called denosumab, and review its safety in this population. Our article will help doctors manage brittle bones in CKD and encourage researchers to conduct more studies to improve bone health in CKD. Patients with CKD are at increased risk of fragility fractures and associated consequences. We discuss the complexity of fracture prevention in CKD, summarize the efficacy and safety of denosumab, and provide an approach to denosumab-induced hypocalcemia. Using predefined terms, we searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar for studies on fracture prevention in CKD and the efficacy and safety of denosumab. We included observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, evidence-based reviews, and clinical practice guidelines. The diagnosis of osteoporosis and prevention of related fragility fractures is complex in CKD, particularly in those with advanced and end-staged kidney disease (ESKD). Prior to initiating denosumab, it is important to assess for and optimize CKD–mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD). In observational studies and small RCTs, denosumab has been shown to improve bone mineral density and reduce bone turnover in CKD, but there have been no studies focused upon its fracture efficacy. Denosumab-induced hypocalcemia has also been reported, which disproportionately impacts those with ESKD. Risk factors for hypocalcemia with denosumab use in CKD include lower baseline serum calcium and 25 hydroxyvitamin D and both low and high bone turnover. Choosing the “right patient” for denosumab, supplementing with calcium and vitamin D, adjusting calcium dialysate, and close clinical monitoring are essential if considering this drug. With optimization of CKD-MBD, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and close monitoring, denosumab can be considered in CKD. There are however opportunities to better understand its fracture efficacy and safety in an RCT setting.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Many earlier studies reported that East Asians and Caucasians have similar radiographic osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) prevalence. Since elderly Chinese's osteoporotic hip fracture prevalence is half (or less than half) of that of their age-match Caucasians, we hypothesize that elderly Chinese's OVF prevalence could be only half, or even less than half, of that of their age-match Caucasians. MATERIALS Age-matched (mean: 74.1 years; range: 65-87 years) elderly women's radiographs (T4-L5) were from two OVF population-based epidemiological studies conducted in Hong Kong (n = 200) and in Rome (n = 200). All radiographs were double read by one reader in Hong Kong and one reader in Rome. Radiological osteoporotic vertebral deformity (ROVD) classification included no ROVD (grade 0), and ROVDs with < 20%, 20 ~ 25%, ≥ 25% ~ 1/3, ≥ 1/3 ~ 40%, ≥ 40% ~ 2/3, and ≥ 2/3 height loss (grade 1 ~ 6) as well as endplate/cortex fracture (ECF). Spinal deformity index (SDI) was calculated with each vertebra assigned a score of 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 for no ROVD or ROVDs grade 1 ~ 6. RESULTS Seventy-seven (38.5%) Chinese subjects and 123 Italian subjects (61.5%) had ROVD respectively (p < 0.0001). Chinese subjects had ECF in 52 (26%) cases involving 100 vertebrae, while Italian subjects had ECF in 93 (47%) cases involving 230 vertebrae. ROVDs in Italian subjects tended to be more severe (total and mean SDI: 454.5 and 3.71 for Italian, and 212 and 2.72 for Chinese, p < 0.05), more likely to be multiple, more likely to have severe and collapsed grades. The slope of the relationship between age vs. SDI was steeper for the Italian subjects than for the Chinese subjects, suggesting ROVD severity developed faster for aging Italian subjects. A trend suggested earlier onset of ROVD among Italian. CONCLUSION OVFs in Chinese women tend to be less common, less severe, and less likely to have multiple fractures.

Abstract: Text-search software can be used to identify people at risk of re-fracture. The software studied identified a threefold higher number of people with fractures compared with conventional case finding. Automated software could assist fracture liaison services to identify more people at risk than traditional case finding. Fracture liaison services address the post-fracture treatment gap in osteoporosis (OP). Natural language processing (NLP) is able to identify previously unrecognized patients by screening large volumes of radiology reports. The aim of this study was to compare an NLP software tool, XRAIT (X-Ray Artificial Intelligence Tool), with a traditional fracture liaison service at its development site (Prince of Wales Hospital [POWH], Sydney) and externally validate it in an adjudicated cohort from the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study (DOES). XRAIT searches radiology reports for fracture-related terms. At the development site (POWH), XRAIT and a blinded fracture liaison clinician (FLC) reviewed 5,089 reports and 224 presentations, respectively, of people 50 years or over during a simultaneous 3-month period. In the external cohort of DOES, XRAIT was used without modification to analyse digitally readable radiology reports (n = 327) to calculate its sensitivity and specificity. XRAIT flagged 433 fractures after searching 5,089 reports (421 true fractures, positive predictive value of 97%). It identified more than a threefold higher number of fractures (421 fractures/339 individuals) compared with manual case finding (98 individuals). Unadjusted for the local reporting style in an external cohort (DOES), XRAIT had a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 92%. XRAIT identifies significantly more clinically significant fractures than manual case finding. High specificity in an untrained cohort suggests that it could be used at other sites. Automated methods of fracture identification may assist fracture liaison services so that limited resources can be spent on treatment rather than case finding.

Abstract: X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare inherited cause of hypophosphatemic rickets and osteomalacia. It is caused by mutations in the phosphate-regulating endopeptidase homolog, X-linked (PHEX). This results in increased plasma fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), which leads to loss of renal sodium-phosphate co-transporter expression leading to chronic renal phosphate excretion. It also leads to low serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), resulting in impaired intestinal phosphate absorption. Chronic hypophosphatemia in XLH leads to impaired endochondral mineralization of the growth plates of long bones with bony deformities. XLH in children and adolescents also causes impaired growth, myopathy, bone pain, and dental abscesses. XLH is the most frequent inherited cause of phosphopenic rickets/osteomalacia. Hypophosphatemia is also found in calcipenic rickets/osteomalacia as a result of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Thus, chronic hypophosphatemia is a common etiologic factor in all types of rickets. There is considerable overlap between symptoms and signs of phosphopenic and calcipenic rickets/osteomalacia. Wrong diagnosis leads to inappropriate treatment of rickets/osteomalacia. Nutritional rickets and osteomalacia are common in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries which include Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. Due to high levels of consanguinity in the region, genetic causes of phosphopenic and calcipenic rickets/osteomalacia are also common. This guideline was developed to provide an approach to the diagnosis of XLH, especially where there is no family history of the disease, and that other related conditions are not mistaken for XLH. We also guide the medical management of XLH with conventional treatment and with burosumab, a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody to FGF23.

Abstract: We investigated the effect of paravertebral muscle (PVM) on poor prognosis in osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) and remaining lower back pain (LBP) in the thoracolumbar and lower lumbar regions. Additional OVF occurrence in the thoracolumbar and remaining LBP in the lumbar region was significantly related to PVM fat infiltration percentage. Paravertebral muscle (PVM) is an important component of the spinal column. However, its role in the healing process after osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) is unclear. This study aimed to clarify the effect of PVM in thoracolumbar and lower lumbar regions on OVF clinical and radiological outcomes. This was a multicenter prospective cohort study from 2012 to 2015. Patients ≥ 65 years old who presented within 2 weeks after fracture onset were followed up for 6 months. PVM was measured at the upper edge of the L1 and L5 vertebral body in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-axial position at registration. The cross-sectional area (CSA), relative CSA (rCSA), and fat infiltration percentage (FI%) were measured. Severe vertebral compression, delayed union, new OVF, and remaining low back pain (LBP) were analyzed. Among 153 patients who were followed up for 6 months, 117 with measurable PVM were analyzed. Their average age was 79.1 ± 7.2 years, and 94 were women (80.3%). There were 48 cases of severe vertebral compression, 21 delayed unions, 11 new OVF, and 27 remaining LBP. Among all poor prognoses, only the FI% of the PVM was significantly associated with new OVF (p = 0.047) in the thoracolumbar region and remaining LBP (p = 0.042) in the lumbar region. The occurrence of additional OVF in the thoracolumbar region and remaining LBP in the lumbar region was significantly related to the FI% of the PVM. Physicians should be aware that patients with such fatty degeneration shown in acute MRI may require stronger treatment.

Abstract: A retrospective population-based survey in the Republic of Botswana determined the incidence of fractures at the hip over 3 years. The estimated number of such fractures nationwide for 2020 was 103 and is predicted to increase. This article describes the epidemiology of hip fractures in the Republic of Botswana. A retrospective patient chart review was conducted to identify from hospital registers the number of patients diagnosed with hip fracture in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Age- and sex-specific incidence of hip fracture was determined from which lifetime probabilities and future projections for hip fracture were calculated. The incidence of hip fracture was low and comparable to rates reported from Tunisia. The remaining lifetime risk of hip fracture at the age of 50 years in men and women was 1.4 and 1.1%, respectively. The incidence of hip fracture suggested that the estimated number of hip fractures nationwide in persons over the age of 50 years for 2020 was 103 and is predicted to increase by more than threefold to 372 in 2050. The hip fracture rates can be used for healthcare planning. Additionally, these data can be used to create a FRAX model to help guide decisions about treatment.

Abstract: DeepDXA is a deep learning model designed to infer bone mineral density data from plain pelvis X-ray, and it can achieve good predicted value for clinical use. Osteoporosis is defined as a systemic disease of the bone characterized by a decrease in bone strength and deterioration of bone structure at the microscopic level, leading to bone fragility and increased risk of fracture. Bone mineral density (BMD) is the preferred method for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis. Conventional radiography is more suited for the screening of osteoporosis rather than diagnosis, and osteoporosis can be detected on radiographs by experienced physicians only. This study explored the possibility of predicting BMD relative to DXA using patient radiographs. A deep learning algorithm of convolutional neural network (CNN) was used for the purpose. The method includes image segmentation, CNN learning, and a convolution-based regression model (DeepDXA) that links the isolated images of the femur bone to predict BMD value. Data were obtained in a single medical center from 2006 to 2018, with a total amount of 3472 pairs of pelvis X-ray and DXA examination within 1 year. The proposed workflow successfully predicted BMD values of the femur bone with the correlation coefficient (R) of 0.85 (P < 0.001) and the accuracy of 0.88 for prediction osteoporosis, a finding that could be reliably ready for further clinical use. When suspicious osteoporosis is seen on plain films using the deep learning method we developed, further referral to DXA for the definite diagnosis of osteoporosis is indicated.

Abstract: The Brazilian guidelines for prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis were updated and important topics were included such as assessment of risk fracture using FRAX Brazil, use of denosumab, and also recommendations for the use of glucocorticoid pulse therapy and inhaled glucocortiocoid. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used in almost all medical specialties and the incidences of vertebral/nonvertebral fractures range from 30 to 50% in individuals treated with GCs for over 3 months. Thus, osteoporosis and frailty fractures should be prevented and treated in patients initiating treatment or already being treated with GCs. The Committee for Osteoporosis and Bone Metabolic Disorders of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (BSR) established in 2012 the Brazilian Guidelines for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO). Herein, we provide a comprehensive update of the original guidelines based on improved available scientific evidence and/or expert experience. From March to June 2020, the Osteoporosis Committee of the BRS had meetings to update the questions presented in the first consensus (2012). Thus, twenty-six questions considered essential for the preparation of the recommendations were selected. A systematic literature review based on real-life scenarios was undertaken to answer the proposed questions. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases were searched using specific search keywords. Based on the review and expert opinion, the recommendations were updated for each of the 26 questions. We included 48 new bibliographic references that became available after the date of the publication of the first version of the consensus. We updated the Brazilian guidelines for the prevention/treatment of GIO. New topics were added in this update, such as the assessment of risk fracture using FRAX Brazil, the use of denosumab, and approaches for the treatment of children and adolescents. Furthermore, we included recommendations for the use of inhaled GCs and GC pulse therapy in clinical settings.

Abstract: The annual incidence of new hip fractures increased from 2005 to 2014 in Nagasaki and females were much more affected. High-risk factors were identified as age ≥ 80 years, winter, indoors, living room, Monday, and early morning. Seven days after admission, most patients remained hospitalized and had been treated surgically. Hip fractures are major osteoporotic fractures that reduce quality of life. In Japan, the incidence of hip fractures increased steadily from 1986 to 2014 and the number of hip fractures could be 7.3–21.3 million by 2050. This study aimed to determine the incidence of hip fractures from 2005 to 2014 in Nagasaki Prefecture and to analyze the characteristics of and risk factors for hip fracture. Hip fractures that occurred in Nagasaki Prefecture between 2005 and 2014 were analyzed using emergency transportation records. Fracture type, age, sex, location in which fracture occurred, and risk factors for hip fracture were clarified. The total number of new hip fractures among individuals ≥ 35 years old was 17,395 (mean age, 82.6 years old) and the annual incidence per 100,000 population increased from 147.9 in 2005 to 235.0 in 2014. Females (79.6%) were much more commonly affected than males (20.4%) and cervical fractures were more common than trochanteric fractures in all age groups. Hip fracture tended to be associated with age ≥ 80 years, winter rather than summer, indoors rather than outdoors, and living room rather than the bathroom or toilet. Other high-risk factors were Monday as day of the week, and early morning as the time of day. Seven days after admission, 97.3% of patients were hospitalized and 78.1% of hip fractures had been treated surgically. Information on actual situations and valid preventive measures relevant to hip fracture are urgently needed.

Abstract: We reviewed exercise trials in men and women ≥ 45 years with hyperkyphosis at the baseline and performed meta-analyses for kyphosis and health-related outcomes. To determine the effects of exercise interventions on kyphosis angle, back extensor muscle strength or endurance, physical functioning, quality of life, pain, falls, and adverse events in adults 45 years or older with hyperkyphosis. Multiple databases were searched to May 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCT, and pre-post intervention studies that had at least one group with a mean kyphosis angle of at least 40° at the baseline were included. Twenty-four studies were included. Exercise or physical therapy improved kyphosis outcomes (SMD − 0.31; 95% confidence intervals [CI] − 0.46, − 0.16; moderate certainty evidence), back extensor muscle strength (MD 10.51 N; 95% CI 6.65, 14.38; very low certainty evidence), and endurance (MD 9.76 s; 95% CI 6.40, 13.13; low certainty evidence). Meta-analyses showed improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (SMD 0.21; 95% CI 0.06, 0.37; moderate certainty of evidence), general pain (MD − 0.26; 95% CI − 0.39, − 0.13; low certainty of evidence), and performance on the timed up and go (TUG) test (MD − 0.28 s; 95% CI − 0.48, − 0.08; very low certainty of evidence). The effects on the rate of falls (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.15; 95% CI 0.64, 2.05; low certainty evidence) or minor adverse events (IRR 1.29; 95% CI 0.95, 1.74; low certainty evidence) are uncertain. No serious adverse events were reported in the included studies. Interventions targeting hyperkyphosis may improve kyphosis outcomes in adults with hyperkyphosis.

Abstract: We aimed to investigate the association between cadmium levels and the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis in Korean post-menopausal women There was a significant positive association between cadmium levels and the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis, but further studies for dose response are required Cadmium exposure can exert detrimental effects on bone health, particularly in post-menopausal women However, previous studies have failed to report an association in Korean post-menopausal women We aimed to investigate the association between cadmium levels and the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis in Korean post-menopausal women In total, 5432 participants from the 4th and 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were randomly sampled for measurements of heavy metal concentrations in the blood, bone mass density (BMD), and nutrient intake We analyzed data for 1031 post-menopausal women ≥50 years of age Blood cadmium levels were categorized into quartiles, and a multinomial logistic regression model was used for analysis There was a significant positive association between cadmium levels and the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis, but the odds ratio (OR) at the 4th level was lower than that at the 3rd level (OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for osteopenia: 2nd quartile: 124, 088-174; 3rd quartile: 322, 224-464; 4th quartile: 127, 087-185; P for trend <0001; OR and 95% CI for osteoporosis: 2nd quartile: 154, 105-225; 3rd quartile: 363, 231-569; 4th quartile: 170, 103-281; P for trend <0001) This trend was consistent in the sensitivity analysis Our findings suggest that there is an association between blood cadmium levels and the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis in Korean post-menopausal women However, further prospective studies are required to determine whether there is a dose-response relationship and address potential selection bias, especially in patients with femoral neck osteoporosis

Abstract: Osteoporosis is a disease with a high burden of morbidity. For its accurate diagnosis, using indigenous data as reference standards is needed. However, normative data on bone density is lacking in India. Therefore, we aimed to determine the reference range for bone density for the healthy population of north India. Osteoporosis is a major public health problem around the globe including India, resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and health care burden. However, the reference values used for its diagnosis are largely based on data from the western population, which may lead to over- or underdiagnosis of osteoporosis in Indians. Our study aimed to determine the reference range for bone mineral density for the healthy population of India. This is a cross-sectional study of 825 subjects (men 380, women 445) (median age: 41 years, IQR 32–55 years), recruited by a house-to-house survey. The population was stratified into decade-wise groups and biochemical measurements including renal and liver function tests, glycated hemoglobin, serum calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and bone mineral density were performed in all the subjects. The T-scores for men aged > 50 years and post-menopausal women were calculated based on the data generated from this study in young men and women aged 20–40 years. According to the BMD manufacturer’s data, which is based on the western population, 70% of the Indian men (> 50 years) and 48% of the post-menopausal Indian women had osteopenia while 18% of the men and 25% of the women had osteoporosis. However, according to the re-calculated T-scores from the current study, only 56% and 7.2% of men and 33% and 5% of women had osteopenia and osteoporosis, respectively. An age-related decline in bone mineral density, as seen in the western population, was also seen in both Indian men and women. We have established a reference database for BMD in healthy Indian adult population, which may have clinical implications for the diagnosis and intervention strategies for the management of osteoporosis.

Abstract: Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal disorder in postmenopausal women. REMS represents a potential technology for osteoporosis diagnosis in clinical practice. Objective To assess the accuracy of Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) technology in diagnosing osteoporosis in comparison with dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) on a population of Brazilian women. Methods A population of women age ranged between 30 and 80 was recruited at DXA Service of Sao Paulo School-Hospital, Brazil. They underwent REMS and DXA scans at the axial sites. The REMS accuracy for the osteoporosis diagnosis was evaluated in comparison with DXA on both sites. The intra-operator and inter-operator coefficient of variation (CV) was also calculated. Results A total of 343 patients were enrolled in the study. Erroneous scans due to poor quality acquisitions with both methods or to other technical reasons were excluded; 227 lumbar spine exams and 238 hip exams were acceptable for comparison analysis. The comparison between REMS and DXA outcomes showed that the average difference in BMD (expressed as bias±1.96 SD) was -0.026±0.179g/cm2 for the spine and -0.027±0.156g/cm2 for the femoral neck. When accepted 0.3 tolerance on T-score, there were no cases diagnosed as osteoporosis by DXA that were defined as normal by REMS. The REMS intra-operator CV was 0.51% for the lumbar spine and 1.08% for the femoral neck. The REMS inter-operator CV was 1.43% for the lumbar spine and 1.93% for the femoral neck. Conclusion The REMS approach had high accuracy for the diagnosis of osteoporosis in comparison with DXA in adult women. According to our results, this new technology has shown to be a promising alternative for populations without access to DXA densitometry.

Abstract: This study developed a prediction model to assess the need for asymptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) screening in women without using clinical risk factors. Our results demonstrated that the combination of age, height loss, and femoral neck T-score can predict OVCF comparable to previous models, including FRAX. Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is a major fracture in osteoporosis patients. Early detection of OVCF can reduce the risk of subsequent fractures and death. Many existing diagnostic tools can screen for the risk of osteoporotic fracture but none aim to identify OVCF. The objective of this research is to study a predictive model for capturing OVCF and compare it with previous models. A retrospective review was conducted that included women aged ≥ 50 years who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and vertebral fracture screening between 2012 and 2019. The data included age, height, weight, history of height loss (HHL), and bone mass density (BMD). Receiver operating characteristic analysis and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed. The predictive OVCF model was formulated, and the result was compared to other models. A total of 617 women, a 179 of which had OVCFs, were eligible for analysis. Multivariate regression analysis showed age > 65, height loss > 1.5 cm, and femoral neck T-score 65 years with an HHL more than 1.5 cm, regardless of BMD. Vertebral fracture assessment should be additionally conducted on these women with a femoral neck T-score less than -1.7.

Abstract: The increased consumption of plant-based diets has encouraged studies of bone mineral density (BMD). The present systematic review and meta-analysis compared the effects of plant-based and omnivorous diets on BMD. We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Web of Science to July 1, 2020. We used the mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs to compare group outcomes. We compared the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and whole-body BMDs of those on plant-based and omnivorous diets. We performed subgroup analyses by various clinical characteristics. Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. All statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager version 5.2. A total of 17 cross-sectional studies including 13,888 patients were identified. The pooled results indicated that those on plant-based diets (compared to omnivores) exhibited lower BMDs at the lumbar spine (MD − 0.04; 95% CI − 0.06 to − 0.02; P < 0.0001) and femoral neck (MD − 0.04; 95% CI − 0.05 to − 0.02; P < 0.00001), and a reduced whole-body BMD (MD − 0.03; 95% CI − 0.06 to − 0.01; P = 0.0009). Both vegetarians and vegans exhibited lower lumbar spine, femoral neck, and whole-body BMDs than omnivores. Plant-based diets were associated with lower BMDs than those of an omnivore population. Plant-based diets may compromise overall bone health; prospective research is required.

Abstract: Abdominal aortic calcification and osteoporosis are age-related diseases. Based on a nationally representative US population, we concluded that osteoporosis may be independently associated with severe abdominal aortic calcification, which could improve our insights into the prevention and management of vascular disease. Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and osteoporosis are age-related diseases and share similar pathological mechanisms. However, the association between osteoporosis and AAC is uncertain. A total of 3134 participants with complete record of AAC score calculated from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014. The diagnosis of osteoporosis was obtained from self-reported interview. The baseline covariates were compared between participants with and without osteoporosis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between abdominal aortic calcification and osteoporosis. Compared with those without osteoporosis, participants with osteoporosis had higher AAC scores. Osteoporosis was positively associated with higher odds of severe AAC (OR = 2.65; 95%CI, 1.89–3.71; P < 0.001), and the association was not altered (OR = 2.17; 95%CI, 1.23–3.83; P = 0.008) after adjusting for numerous covariates. Our findings suggest that osteoporosis may be independently associated with severe abdominal aortic calcification.

Abstract: Even though hip fracture care pathways have evolved, mortality rates have not improved during the last 20 years. This finding together with the increased frailty of hip fracture patients turned hip fractures into a major public health concern. The corresponding development of an indicator labyrinth for hip fractures and the ongoing practice variance in Europe call for a list of benchmarking indicators that allow for quality improvement initiatives for the rapid recovery of fragile hip fractures (RR-FHF). The purpose of this study was to identify quality indicators that assess the quality of in-hospital care for rapid recovery of fragile hip fracture (RR-FHF). A literature search and guideline selection was conducted to identify recommendations for RR-FHF. Recommendations were categorized as potential structure, process, and outcome QIs and subdivided in-hospital care treatment topics. A list of structure and process recommendations that belongs to care treatment topics relevant for RR-FHF was used to facilitate extraction of recommendations during a 2-day consensus meeting with experts (n = 15) in hip fracture care across Europe. Participants were instructed to select 5 key recommendations relevant for RR-FHF for each part of the in-hospital care pathway: pre-, intra-, and postoperative care. In total, 37 potential QIs for RR-FHF were selected based on a methodology using the combination of high levels of evidence and expert opinion. The set consists of 14 process, 13 structure, and 10 outcome indicators that cover the whole perioperative process of fragile hip fracture care. We suggest the QIs for RR-FHF to be practice tested and adapted to allow for intra-hospital longitudinal follow-up of the quality of care and for inter-hospital and cross-country benchmarking and quality improvement initiatives.

Abstract: Both anemia and osteoporosis are common in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the relationship between them remains to be determined. This study showed that anemia was related to osteoporosis in male and female T2DM patients. Diabetes patients with anemia should also be wary of osteoporosis. INTRODUCTION Anemia and osteoporosis are considered complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the relationship between anemia and osteoporosis in the T2DM population remains to be determined. Thus, we planned the present study to verify their relationship. METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed. The patients were divided into groups according to sex and hemoglobin levels (Q1: ≤ 120, Q2: 120 to ≤ 140, Q3: > 140 in men; Q1: ≤ 110, Q2: 110 to ≤ 130, Q3: > 130 in women). Clinical characteristics and bone mineral density (BMD) were compared. The relationship between anemia and osteoporosis was determined after adjusting for age, diabetic duration, body mass index, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, HbA1c, and fasting C-peptide. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. RESULTS This study included 2336 patients (1150 men and 1186 postmenopausal women). The percentage of osteoporosis differed by hemoglobin status in both men (Q1: 20.2%, Q2: 15.5%, Q3: 12.4%, P = 0.031) and women (Q1: 51.4%, Q2: 38.0%, Q3: 34.5%, P < 0.001). Q1, with the lowest hemoglobin level, has higher percentage of osteoporosis in men (20.2%) and in women (51.4%). Hip BMD (men: r = 0.168, P < 0.001, women: r = 0.126, P < 0.001) and femur neck BMD (men: r = 0.150, P < 0.001, women: r = 0.134, P < 0.001) were correlated with hemoglobin levels in both sexes. The odds of osteoporosis increased 1.4-fold in men and 2.0-fold in women in the Q1 groups compared with Q3 groups. CONCLUSION Anemia was related to osteoporosis in T2DM patients regardless of sex. Diabetic patients with anemia (men with hemoglobin below 120 g/L and women with hemoglobin below 110 g/L) should also be wary of osteoporosis.

Abstract: An informatics-driven population bone health clinic was implemented to identify, screen, and treat rural US Veterans at risk for osteoporosis. We report the results of our implementation process evaluation which demonstrated BHT to be a feasible telehealth model for delivering preventative osteoporosis services in this setting. An established and growing quality gap in osteoporosis evaluation and treatment of at-risk patients has yet to be met with corresponding clinical care models addressing osteoporosis primary prevention. The rural bone health tea m (BHT) was implemented to identify, screen, and treat rural Veterans lacking evidence of bone health care and we conducted a process evaluation to understand BHT implementation feasibility. For this evaluation, we defined the primary outcome as the number of Veterans evaluated with DXA and a secondary outcome as the number of Veterans who initiated prescription therapy to reduce fracture risk. Outcomes were measured over a 15-month period and analyzed descriptively. Qualitative data to understand successful implementation were collected concurrently by conducting interviews with clinical personnel interacting with BHT and BHT staff and observations of BHT implementation processes at three site visits using the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) framework. Of 4500 at-risk, rural Veterans offered osteoporosis screening, 1081 (24%) completed screening, and of these, 37% had normal bone density, 48% osteopenia, and 15% osteoporosis. Among Veterans with pharmacotherapy indications, 90% initiated therapy. Qualitative analyses identified barriers of rural geography, rural population characteristics, and the infrastructural resource requirement. Data infrastructure, evidence base for care delivery, stakeholder buy-in, formal and informal facilitator engagement, and focus on teamwork were identified as facilitators of implementation success. The BHT is a feasible population telehealth model for delivering preventative osteoporosis care to rural Veterans.

Abstract: Impact of increased osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment among postmenopausal women (PMW) on reduction in fractures and associated costs in Japan from 2020 to 2040 was modeled. Japan is currently home to the world’s oldest population and the 65 + years demographic is expected to grow to 35% by 2040. Thus, identifying strategies to reduce clinical and economic burden associated with osteoporosis among this at-risk population is critical. A microsimulation model was developed to project osteoporotic annual fracture incidence and costs among PMW 2020–2040. Fracture risk was estimated using a simplified Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX). Fracture estimates were based on annualized FRAX risk and treatment impact. Published literature informed inputs for direct and indirect fracture costs, DXA screening costs, and treatment costs and efficacy. Japan’s current screening and treatment rates were compared against 50% increases to (1) case finding (screening rate and subsequent treatment rate) and (2) treatment rate among those at highest fracture risk. From 2020 to 2040, 21.6 million fractures are projected costing US $410.2 billion. Increased case finding scenario resulted in the prevention of 456.9 thousand primary and 340.9 thousand second + fractures saving US $4.25 billion. Increased treatment scenario led to 500.5 thousand and 435.5 thousand fewer primary and second + fractures, respectively, and reduced economic burden by $3.1 billion. Improvements to rates of osteoporosis screening and preventive treatment in Japan’s aging population through disease awareness campaigns and post-fracture care programs, among others, will likely reduce osteoporosis-associated clinical and economic burden.

Abstract: We evaluated the association of bone fracture with mortality among persons with HIV, controlling for sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors. Incident fracture was associated with 48% greater risk of all-cause mortality, underscoring the need for bone mineral density screening and fracture prevention. Low bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture are more common among persons with HIV (PWH) than those without HIV infection. We evaluated the association of bone fracture with mortality among PWH, controlling for sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors. We analyzed data from HIV Outpatient Study (HOPS) participants seen at nine US HIV clinics during January 1, 2000, through September 30, 2017. Incident fracture rates and post-fracture mortality were compared across four calendar periods. Cox proportional hazards analyses determined factors associated with all-cause mortality among all participants and those with incident fracture. Among 6763 HOPS participants, 504 (7.5%) had incident fracture (median age = 47 years) and 719 (10.6%) died. Of fractures, 135 (26.8%) were major osteoporotic (hip/pelvis, wrist, spine, arm/shoulder). During observation, 27 participants with major osteoporotic fractures died (crude mortality 2.97/100 person-years [PY]), and 48 with other site fractures died (crude mortality 2.51/100 PY). Post-fracture, age- and sex-adjusted all-cause mortality rates per 100 PY decreased from 8.5 during 2000–2004 to 1.9 during 2013–2017 (P<0.001 for trend). In multivariable analysis, incident fracture was significantly associated with all-cause mortality (Hazard Ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 1.15–1.91). Among 504 participants followed post-fracture, pulmonary, kidney, and cardiovascular disease, hepatitis C virus co-infection, and non-AIDS cancer, remained independently associated with all-cause mortality. Incident fracture was associated with 48% greater risk of all-cause mortality among US PWH in care, underscoring the need for BMD screening and fracture prevention. Although fracture rates among PWH increased during follow-up, post-fracture death rates decreased, likely reflecting advances in HIV care.

Abstract: In Japan, persistence and the 2-year MPR were inadequate in increasing fracture control efficacy despite a high adherence rate during the treatment period. Both factors were higher in females and those with polypharmacy but worsened with increasing age. Only a few large-scale studies have examined the care gap between the patients who need osteoporosis treatment and those who receive them in Japan. The aim of this study was to investigate the persistence and adherence to osteoporosis pharmacotherapy in Japan. Continuation (persistence) rates and adherence to osteoporosis pharmacotherapy were investigated using medical insurance data from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan, between April 2012 and March 2019. The study included 528,806 male and 3,064,410 female patients. Persistence proportions were 56.6% in the first year and 46.3% in the second year. The medication possession ratio (MPR) from start to discontinuation of treatment (MPRdiscon) was 94.5%, and 92.7% of patients had an MPRdiscon ≥ 80%. The 2-year MPR (MPR730) was 61.9%, and 49.6% of patients had an MPR730 ≥ 80%. Both the persistence proportion and MPR730 were higher in females than in males, whereas MPRdiscon was higher in males. The persistence proportion and MPR730 were highest in the 70–79 years age group, whereas MPRdiscon improved with increasing age. The MPRdiscon and MPR730 were higher in the mixed-fracture and vertebral-fracture groups, respectively. The persistence proportion, MPRdiscon, and MPR730 were higher in patients with polypharmacy than in those without. In Japan, persistence and the 2-year MPR were inadequate in increasing fracture control efficacy despite a high adherence rate during the treatment period. To bridge the care gap following osteoporosis pharmacotherapy, improvements are required for males, the elderly, and those without polypharmacy.

Abstract: This three-case report aims to highlight the ocular adverse effects induced by bisphosphonate therapy and to call clinicians’ attention. Three cases of acute anterior uveitis secondary to the initial dose of zoledronate infusion were reported with focus on their symptoms, treatment regimens, and outcomes. A review of published reports provided a basis for discussion. Three cases of acute anterior uveitis were either bilateral or unilateral. They demonstrated typical manifestations of bisphosphonate-induced acute anterior uveitis such as eye pain, blurred vision, conjunctival and ciliary hyperemia, keratic precipitates, and flare in the anterior chamber. After topical corticosteroid-containing comprehensive treatments, these symptoms resolved completely without any vision loss and long-term sequelae. Acute anterior uveitis may be part of the acute phase reaction induced by zoledronate. Patients should be informed of its symptoms in advance and be monitored closely during and after administration. Clinicians should have a good awareness of the zoledronate-associated acute anterior uveitis and to treat it in a prompt and appropriate manner.

Abstract: The bone mineral density (BMD) loss is closely related to coronary heart disease (CAD). The BMD measured at different locations differ in BMD values, the risk to CAD, and the capability to identify CAD. An average BMD of the right and left femoral neck being below − 1.70 has the ability to indicate risk of CAD. Previous studies have reported that low bone mineral density (BMD) is closely related to coronary artery disease (CAD); however, it is not clear that the BMD loss at which location to what extent has the greatest effect in identifying risk of CAD. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of different measurement sites of BMD in identifying CAD and analyze the best measurement sites and the optimal cut-off of BMD for CAD. This was a cross-sectional study in which 180 of 817 participants were diagnosed with CAD. All participants in the study were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) for BMD at 8 locations, and following measurements were derived: the average BMD of lumbar spine (L1–L4), femoral neck (left and right), and total proximal femur (left and right). The association between BMD at different locations and CAD was analyzed using logistic regression. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to select the optimal measurement location and cut-off value of the BMD for identifying CAD. There were significant differences in BMD at 3 different measurement locations. Higher BMD is a protective factor against CAD, which is more pronounced in the femoral neck and total proximal femur (ORs = 0.47 ~ 0.66, P < 0.001) than in the lumbar spine (ORs = 0.74 ~ 0.79, P < 0.001). The optimal site for predicting the risk of CAD by BMD is the femoral neck, with the AUC (area under the ROC curve) is 0.72 (95% CI: 0.67 ~ 0.76) and the cut-off is − 1.70. The BMD below particular cut-off of the femoral neck rather than of the lumbar spine may have certain further research value for revealing the risk of CAD.