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Biomedical subjects

C Christiansen

Publications and source records attributed to C Christiansen.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Relation of common allelic variation at vitamin D receptor locus to bone mineral density and postmenopausal bone loss: cross sectional and longitudinal population study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether common allelic variation at the vitamin D receptor locus is related to bone mineral density and postmenopausal bone loss. DESIGN: Cross sectional and longitudinal population study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic in research centre. SUBJECTS: 599 healthy women aged 27 to 72 and 125 women with low bone mass aged 55-77 had bone mineral density measured once in the cross sectional study. 136 women aged 45-54 were followed up for 18 years in the longitudinal study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bone mineral density measured at the lumbar spine, hip, and forearm and rate of bone loss at different times over 18 years in relation to vitamin D receptor genotype as defined by the endonucleases ApaI, EsmI, and TaqI. RESULTS: Vitamin D receptor genotype was not related to bone mineral density at any site. The maximum difference between homozygotes was 1.3% (P = 0.33, n = 723). Women with low bone mineral density had almost the same genotype frequencies as the women with normal bone mineral densities. Vitamin D receptor genotype was not related to early postmenopausal bone loss from age 51 to 53 (mean (SD) total loss at the lower forearm -3.6% (3.6%)), late postmenopausal bone loss from age 63 to 69 (at the hip-6.2% (8.7%)), or to long term postmenopausal loss from age 51 to 69 (at the lower forearm-24.5% (11.4%)). CONCLUSION: Common allelic variation at the vitamin D receptor locus as defined by the endonucleases ApaI, EsmI, and TaqI is related neither to bone mineral density nor to the rate of bone loss in healthy postmenopausal Danish women.

Adult↗

The relationship of natural androgens to coronary heart disease in males: a review.

Published studies dealing with the relationship between circulating levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (sulfate) (DHEA(S)) and coronary heart disease (CHD) in males, as well as corresponding experimental animal studies are reviewed. One randomized intervention study, eight prospective and 30 cross-sectional studies have evaluated this relationship. In the intervention study, testosterone undecanoate given orally significantly improved angina pectoris in 62 patients with CHD as compared to placebo. No significant association between serum testosterone and CHD was reported in the prospective studies, whereas those studies concerning DHEAS found either no or an inverse association with CHD. Of 30 cross-sectional studies, 18 reported reduced concentrations of testosterone (primarily), and/or DHEA(S) in CHD patients as compared to normals, 11 found similar circulating levels of these androgens in controls and patients with CHD, and one study found elevated levels of DHEA(S) in patients. Animal studies (six male rabbits and one in male chicks) suggest an anti-atherogenic effect of testosterone and DHEA. In conclusion, one intervention, eight cohort and several cross-sectional studies suggest either a neutral or a favourable effect of testosterone and DHEA(S) on CHD in males.

Adult↗

Anteroposterior and lateral spinal DXA for the assessment of vertebral body strength: comparison with hip and forearm measurement.

Spinal bone mineral density (BMD) is traditionally measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the anteroposterior (AP) projection which includes both the vertebral body and the posterior elements in the measurement. The posterior elements, however, contribute little to the compressive strength of the spine. It has therefore been suggested that spinal BMD measured in the lateral projection, including only the vertebral body in the measurement, might be more appropriate for the prediction of fracture risk. To date little clinical evidence has been presented to support this assumption. To address the issue, we measured vertebral, hip and forearm BMD in situ in 14 human cadavers and remeasured BMD in vitro in excised vertebrae. Lateral spinal measurements were performed in the decubitus position. Fracture force and other biomechanical measures were determined for 32 vertebrae in a mechanical testing machine and compared with BMD values in situ and in vitro. Correlations of BMD with vertebral fracture force were r = 0.48/0.51 (in situ/in vitro) for the AP spinal measurements, r = 0.45/0.71 (in situ/in vitro) for the lateral spinal measurements, and r = 0.64 and r = 0.53 for total hip and forearm measurements in situ, respectively. Thus, despite an apparent diagnostic advantage in vitro, lateral spinal BMD measurement was not superior to AP measurement when performed in situ. This observation corresponds well with previous clinical findings and is probably due to the larger accuracy error in the lateral than in the AP projection resulting from a lower ratio of bone to soft tissue. The high correlation between hip BMD and vertebral fracture force suggests that hip measurement may prove as useful for vertebral fracture risk assessment as spinal measurement in any projection, especially in the elderly with a high prevalence of degenerative changes in the spine.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

The impact of degenerative conditions in the spine on bone mineral density and fracture risk prediction.

We examined the impact of degenerative conditions in the spine (osteophytosis and endplate sclerosis) and aortic calcification in the lumbar region on bone mineral content/density (BMC/BMD) measured in the spine and forearm by absorptiometry and on fracture risk prediction. The radiographs of 387 healthy postmenopausal women, aged 68-72 years, were assessed in masked fashion for the presence of osteophytosis, endplate sclerosis and aortic calcification in the region from L2 to L4. Vertebral deformities/fractures were assessed by different definitions. Osteophytes larger than 3 mm and in numbers of 3 or more resulted in a significantly (12%) higher spinal bone mass (p < 0.001). Endplate sclerosis had a similar effect (p < 0.001). In subjects with both degenerative conditions the BMC/BMD in the spine and forearm were significantly higher than in unaffected women (19% in the spine, 10% in the forearm; p < 0.001). The spinal BMD values were significantly lower in fractured women if both degenerative conditions were absent (p < 0.001), whereas fractured and unfractured women had similar values if degenerative conditions were present. Degenerative conditions did not alter the ability of forearm BMC to discriminate vertebral or peripheral fractures. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (true positive fraction versus false positive fraction) were generated for BMD of the lumbar spine and BMC of the forearm with regard to the discrimination between women with vertebral and peripheral fractures and healthy premenopausal women. The ROC curves for women without degenerative conditions were consistently above the curves for women affected by osteophytosis and endplate sclerosis in the lumbar spine (p < 0.001). In conclusion, osteophytes and endplate sclerosis have a considerable influence on spinal bone mass measurements in elderly postmenopausal women and affect the diagnostic ability of spinal scans to discriminate osteoporotic women. Our data suggest that in elderly women, unless the spine is radiologically clear of degenerative conditions, a peripheral measurement procedure should be considered an alternative for assessment of bone mineral content/density.

Aged↗

A new biochemical marker of bone resorption for follow-up on treatment with nasal salmon calcitonin.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized group comparison, new and specific biochemical markers for bone resorption as follow-up parameters on the therapeutic response to nasal salmon calcitonin (sCT) were evaluated. Evaluation took place at an outpatient clinic where osteoporosis was being researched. The subjects included 208 women aged 68-72 treated for 2 years with either 50 IU, 100 IU, or 200 IU of nasal sCT or placebo; all groups received a daily calcium supplementation of 500 mg. Only 164 women fulfilled the study as valid completers. Markers were applied to frozen urine samples of a previously published intervention study of a new fasting urinary (fU) biochemical marker for bone resorption (CrossLapstrade mark, ELISA) and the urinary excretion of cross-links (pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline) was measured, all corrected for creatinine. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and rates of vertebral and peripheral fractures were measured after 2 years of treatment. The creatinine corrected urinary pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline, and CrossLaps showed maximum decreases of 10-43% (95% confidence interval -29.5% to 9.6% and -75.1% to 9.3%; P < 0. 01-0.001) after 6-9 months, after which the response leveled off. A significant difference among the four treatment groups was seen in fU CrossLaps (P < 0.01). The changes in spinal bone mass were significantly related to the decreases in fU CrossLaps: women with the highest response in spinal bone mass had decreases in fU CrossLaps of 44% (-83.5% to 7.4%) and women without response of 5% (-57.6% to 99.9%) P < 0.001). In women who fractured during the 2-year period, fU CrossLaps remained unchanged, whereas decreases of 30% (-75.1% to 44.7%) were seen in women who did not fracture (P = 0. 002). The results suggest that biochemical markers can be used to determine the optimum treatment regimen of nasal sCT. The response of the new marker, fU CrossLaps, significantly reflects the responses in bone mass of the spine and fracture rates.

Administration, Intranasal↗

The impact of female sex hormones on secondary prevention of atherosclerosis in ovariectomized cholesterol-fed rabbits.

The present study investigated the effect of female sex hormones and diet on atherosclerotic arteries in rabbits. The animals were initially ovariectomized and then fed an atherogenic diet for 12 weeks (n = 60). They were thereafter randomized to 5 groups of which one immediately was killed. Three of the remaining groups received a moderate atherogenic diet plus oral 17 beta-estradiol, levonorgestrel or no hormones, whereas the last group was fed a diet without hormones or cholesterol. During the second phase of the study, the rabbits receiving the moderate atherogenic diet and no hormones had the highest serum concentration of cholesterol (48.0 +/- 3.4 mmol/l), whereas those having the cholesterol free diet had the lowest value (26.4 +/- 3.6 mmol/l) with the two hormone groups in between (mean +/- S.E.M., P < 0.05). The estradiol group had only approximately half of the aortic accumulation of cholesterol (854 +/- 155, nmol/mg) found in the levonorgestrel (1676 +/- 362) and moderate atherogenic diet (1829 +/- 361) groups (mean +/- S.E.M., P < 0.05). The estradiol group and the rabbits fed diet without hormones or cholesterol (1034 +/- 169) had a comparable degree of atherosclerosis. In conclusion, estradiol inhibits progression of atherosclerosis significantly. This beneficial effect is only partly explained by changes in serum lipids and lipoproteins.

Animals↗

Hormone replacement therapy and osteoporosis.

Restoration of the osteoporotic skeleton is difficult. Factors that may aggravate the bone loss or increase the risk of fractures should be eliminated. The physician may then decide whether the patient is a candidate for one of the treatments which either stop further bone loss or increase the bone mass. The decision should be based on a variety of factors and be taken together with the patient.

Adult↗

Low bone mass and fast rate of bone loss at menopause: equal risk factors for future fracture: a 15-year follow-up study.

The aim of the study was to examine the role of peak bone mass and rate of postmenopausal bone loss for the subsequent risk of osteoporotic fracture. 182 women within 3 years of menopause were followed longitudinally for 15 years. Over the first 2 years, forearm bone mass (single photon absorptiometry) was measured nine times, the rate of bone loss was calculated, and the women were stratified into a group of "fast bone losers" (n = 49) and a group of "normal bone losers" (n = 133). Later, bone mass was also measured in the lumbar spine and hip with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. At 15 years, the fast losers had significantly lower body weight (4.4 kG; p < 0.05) than the normal losers. Furthermore, the fast losers had significantly increased values of bone turnover (osteocalcin and C-terminal type I collagen breakdown products). In both the forearm, spine, and hip, the fast bone losers had at all sites significantly less bone mass than the normal bone losers (p < 0.001). 23 women had experienced a peripheral (Colles') fracture and 25 a spinal fracture. The fracture groups had generally significantly (p < 0.05) less bone mass than the group without fracture, both in the forearm, spine, and hip and they also had the highest rate of bone loss after menopause (p < 0.05). Baseline bone mass and rate of loss predisposed to the same extent to fractures with ODD's ratios of about 2. If both low bone mass and rate of loss were present, the ODD's ratio increased to about 3. We conclude that fast rate of bone loss and low bone mass are equally important for the risk of fracture. The identification of women at risk of osteoporosis should therefore consider both a measurement of bone mass status, and a determination of the postmenopausal rate of loss.

Bone Density↗

High bone turnover is associated with low bone mass in both pre- and postmenopausal women.

In 979 healthy women, aged 30-75 years, bone mass was measured by DXA in the lumbar spine and proximal femur, and by SXA in the distal forearm. Bone turnover was assessed by urinary CrossLaps (CrossLaps ELISA), a new assay which measures type I collagen degradation products in urine and by osteocalcin (two-site N-Mid hOsteocalcin ELISA), a new assay which measures the N-terminal-mid fragment (1-43) as well as the intact (1-49) osteocalcin (OCN-Mid) in serum. For comparison data on urinary hydroxyproline (fU Hpr/Cr) and serum, total alkaline phosphatase were included (AP). In premenopausal women below 50 years of age, the concentrations of the biochemical markers were stable with age. At menopause CrossLaps and OCN-Mid increased abruptly to a level 60% and 35% above the premenopausal mean values (p < 0.001). Premenopausal women in the highest quartiles, stratified according to the concentration of CrossLaps and OCN-Mid corrected for height and weight, had 6%-11% lower bone mass in all regions (p < 0.01) as compared to women in the lowest quartiles. CrossLaps and OCN-Mid corrected for height and weight correlated with bone mass in the spine and proximal femur, r = -0.13 to r = -0.28, p < 0.05. In postmenopausal women, the difference in bone mass between the highest and lowest quartiles was 8%-14% (p < 0.001). CrossLaps and OCN-Mid correlated with bone mass measured in all regions, r = -0.14 to r = -0.32, p < 0.05. The correlation between bone mass and AP and Fu Hpr/Cr was lower; r = -0.06 to r = -0.20 for premenopausal women, NS to p < 0.01, and r = -0.01 to r = -0.23, NS to p < 0.001 for postmenopausal women. In conclusion, the present data indicate that high bone turnover is associated with a significantly lower bone mass in not only postmenopausal, but interestingly also in premenopausal women. In consistence with previous results, we found that bone turnover increased perimenopausally and in the early menopause.

Adult↗

The effect on bone mass and bone markers of different doses of ibandronate: a new bisphosphonate for prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: a 1-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-finding study.

The present article describes the results from a phase II dose finding study of the effect of ibandronate, a new, third generation bisphosphonate, in postmenopausal osteoporosis. One hundred and eighty postmenopausal, white women, at least 10 years past a natural menopause, with osteopenia defined as a bone mineral density (BMD) in the distal forearm at least 1.5 SD below the premenopausal mean, entered and 141 (78%) completed a 12 months randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The women received 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 mg ibandronate daily or placebo. All women received a daily calcium supplementation of 1000 mg Ca2+. Bone mass and biochemical markers of bone turnover were measured every 3 months throughout the study period. The average changes in bone mass showed positive outcome in all regions in the groups receiving ibandronate 2.5 and 5.0 mg. The responses in the two groups were not significantly different, although there was a tendency toward a higher response in bone mass in the group receiving ibandronate 2.5 mg, where the increase in BMD was 4.6 +/- 3.1% (SD) in the spine (p < 0.001), 1.3 +/- 3.0% (SD) to 3.5 +/- 5.3% (SD) in the different regions of the proximal femur (p < 0.03 to p < 0.002), and 2.0 +/- 1.9% (SD) in total body bone mineral content (BMC) (p < 0.001). There was no significant changes in bone mass in the group receiving calcium (placebo) and ibandronate 0.25 mg. Dose-related responses were found in all biochemical markers of bone turnover. In average, serum osteocalcin decreased 13 +/- 14% (SD) (placebo) and 35 +/- 14% (SD) (5.0 mg). Urinary excretions of breakdown products of type I collagen decreased 35 +/- 21% (SD) (placebo) and 78 +/- 28% (SD) (5.0 mg), p < 0.001 in all groups. In conclusion, the results suggest that ibandronate treatment increases bone mass in all skeletal regions in a dose dependent manner with 2.5 mg being the most effective dose. Ibandronate treatment reduces bone turnover to premenopausal levels and is well tolerated.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

The acute impact of ethanol on glucose, insulin, triacylglycerol,and free fatty acid responses and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acute effect of ethanol on insulin sensitivity, and glucose, insulin, free fatty acid (FFA), and triacylglycerol responses in ten patients with non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes. In the test study an oral dose of 0.66 g ethanol/kg followed by continuous intravenous infusion of 0.1 g ethanol/kg per h was given to maintain a constant ethanol level in the blood. In the control study identical volumes of oral water and intravenous saline (9 g NaCl/l) were given. After 90 min insulin sensitivity was determined by the hyperinsulinaemic, euglycaemic clamp technique. Ethanol caused no change in blood glucose or insulin concentrations. The FFA level was suppressed by ethanol while the triacylglycerol level was unaffected. The insulin sensitivity was not affected by ethanol. No major acute effect of ethanol on the glycaemic control in fasting type 2 diabetic patients was found in comparison with what is seen in healthy people. The present study, along with the sparse literature, indicates that the ability of ethanol to induce hypoglycaemia is attenuated or absent in diet-treated type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, we found no change in insulin sensitivity. Consequently, the risk of acute ethanol-induced aberrations in carbohydrate metabolism in diet-treated type 2 diabetes seems to be less than previously expected, when alcohol is not taken as a part of a meal.

Administration, Oral↗

Differential effects of saturated and monounsaturated fat on blood glucose and insulin responses in subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

To compare the metabolic effect of coingestion of saturated and monounsaturated fats with potato, 12 subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) received 300 g mashed potato alone or in combination with 40 g olive oil, 80 g olive oil, 50 g butter, or 100 g butter, respectively. The blood glucose response area to potatoes with 100 g butter (448 +/- 68 mmol.240 min/L) was significantly lower than after the four other meals: 596 +/- 63 (potato alone), 649 +/- 82 (potato + 40 g olive oil), 587 +/- 80 (potato + 50 g butter), and 604 +/- 81 (potato + 80 g olive oil) nmol.240 min/L, P < 0.05, respectively. The insulin response was significantly increased by adding 50 and 100 g butter, whereas addition of 40 and 80 g olive oil had no effect. The fatty acid concentration was higher when 100 g butter was added to the potato meal than when it was not (0.67 +/- 0.05 compared with 0.48 +/- 0.07 mmol/L, P < 0.05). Fatty acid concentrations were similar to those found for the other meals. The triacylglycerol response increased in a dose-dependent manner with the fat content of the meals irrespective of the type of fat. We conclude that butter increases the insulin response more than does olive oil, and large amounts of butter also increase fatty acid and triacylglycerol concentrations.

Adult↗

Effects on muscle of dieting with or without exercise in overweight postmenopausal women.

The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an energy-restrictive, high-protein diet with or without exercise on muscle morphology and biochemistry. Moderately overweight postmenopausal women (49-58 yr, body mass index: 25-42 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to three groups for 12 wk of intervention; namely, a control group, a group on a 4.2 MJ/day diet, and a group on 4.2 MJ/day diet combined with aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Muscle morphology and biochemistry analysis were performed in 69 and 58 women, respectively. In contrast to the diet-only group, the die-plus- exercise group significantly increased the muscle fiber areas by 20-25%, the number of capillaries per muscle fiber type I by approximately 20%, and the activities of citrate synthase by approximately 35% and hexokinase by approximately 20% (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant changes in any other muscle variable (P < 0.05). The respiratory exchange ratio decreased in both intervention groups by 2-4% (P < 0.01). It is concluded that 12-wk period of an energy-restrictive high-protein diet was not associated with major changes in muscle morphology or biochemistry. The addition of exercise to the die led to an adaptive increase in muscle fiber areas and in the oxidative capacity of the muscles.

Diet↗

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, tissue-type plasminogen activator, and fibrinogen: Effect of dieting with or without exercise in overweight postmenopausal women.

This study assessed the short- and long-term effects of an energy-restrictive diet with or without exercise on plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 antigen (PAI-1 Ag) and PAI-1 activity, tissue-type plasminogen activator antigen (TPA Ag), and fibrinogen serum levels. Healthy, overweight postmenopausal women (age, 53.8+/-2.5 years; body mass index, 25 to 42 kg/m2; n=121) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control, 4200-kJ/d diet, or 4200-kJ/d diet with combined aerobic and anaerobic exercise. PAI-1 activity and PAI-1 Ag, TPA Ag, and fibrinogen levels were measured at baseline, after a 12-week intervention, and after a further 6-month follow-up. PAI-1 Ag and activity and TPA Ag were positively correlated with serum triglyceride levels, the abdominal-to-total-body fat ratio (as assessed by total-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), fasting blood glucose, and systolic BP and negatively with HDL cholesterol and sex hormone-binding globulin. The diet led to profound decreases and normalization of PAI-1 activity (approximately 50%), PAI-1 Ag (approximately 30%) and TPA Ag (approximately (29%), but exercise conferred no additional effect. Fibrinogen did not change. At follow-up there were no longer any significant changes (P>.05). In conclusion, PAI-1 Ag and activity as well as TPA Ag seem to be part of the metabolic syndrome X. The diet made the blood less thrombogenic in the short term with no effect of the added exercise.

Exercise↗

Tibolone: prevention of bone loss in late postmenopausal women.

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of 2 yr of treatment with two dose levels of tibolone on bone mineral density and bio-chemical markers of bone metabolism in late postmenopause. Ninety-one healthy women, more than 10 yr after menopause, entered a 2-yr double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of treatment with either 1.25 mg/day (n = 36) or 2.5 mg/day (n = 35) Tibolone or placebo (n = 20). Densitometry and determinations of biochemical markers of bone metabolism in serum and urine were performed before randomization and every 3 months during the study. The results revealed a steady and equal increase in bone mineral density in both tibolone groups at the bone sites studied. Gains in BMD spine of 5.9 +/- 0.9% in the 1.25 mg group, 5.1 +/- 0.9% in the 2.5 mg group, and 0.4 +/- 1.1% in the placebo group were found. In the forearm, increases of 2.2 +/- 0.7% in the 1.25 mg group and 1.9 +/- 1.1% in the 2.5 mg group were detected, whereas the placebo group lost 2.1 +/- 1.0%. This was fully supported by changes in biochemical markers of bone resorption (urinary excretion of fragments from the osteoclastic degradation of the alpha 1-chain of the C telopeptides of type 1 collagen and hydroxyproline) and bone formation (serum osteocalcin), respectively. In conclusion, within 2 yr of treatment, tibolone increases bone mass in the spine and prevents bone loss in the forearm in late postmenopausal women determined by densitometry and several biochemical parameters of bone turnover. Tibolone at two doses (1.25 and 2.5 mg/day) had similar effects, indicating that even lower doses may be efficacious.

Aged↗

Bone mineral density in immigrants from southern China to Denmark. A cross-sectional study.

Immigration from Japan to USA has been shown to increase bone mineral density (BMD) and body fat in women. The effects of immigration between other geographical areas on bone mass and body composition are largely unknown, especially in men. In the present study, we measured bone mass and body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic QDR-2000) in 73 healthy premenopausal women (age 35 +/- 8 years) and 69 men (age 40 +/- 12 years) who had immigrated from southern China to Denmark 2 months to 36 years ago. The BMD measurements (Total BMD, trunk BMD and leg BMD) were related positively to years since immigration (YSI) (R2 = 0.10-0.16, p < 0.05) in premenopausal women, but not in men. Fat distribution was related mainly to age in both premenopausal women and men (R2 = 0.16-0.26, p < 0.05). For comparison, we included 51 white, Danish premenopausal women (age 36 +/- 6 years). Chinese premenopausal women with a YSI below or equal to 12 years (N = 38) had significantly lower total and regional BMD (trunk, legs, arms) (p < 0.05), while women with a YSI above 12 years (N = 35) had significantly lower BMD in the legs only (p < 0.05) when compared to the Danish premenopausal women. After correction for age weight and height, Chinese premenopausal women with a YSI below or equal to 12 years still had significantly lower BMD in all regions (4-7%, p < 0.05), whereas no differences in BMD were found between Chinese premenopausal women with a YSI above 12 years compared with Danish premenopausal women. In conclusion, Chinese premenopausal women who immigrated to Denmark more than 12 years ago have a similar BMD to that of Danish premenopausal women. In the group who immigrated less than 12 years ago, a significantly lower BMD was found.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Managed care: opportunities and challenges for occupational therapy in the emerging systems of the 21st century.

Overall, occupational therapy seems reasonably well situated to prosper in a cost-conscious environment of the future. But the profession's standing in the next century will depend on its ability to build on its strengths and assist in cost containment by avoiding unnecessary or duplicative services and by fostering versatility through the education of generalists. Above all, the profession must recognize that patients will measure quality in terms of results and satisfaction related to the impact of their health on their everyday lives.

Cost Control↗