Biomedical subjects

G Luisetto

Publications and source records attributed to G Luisetto.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Superiority of alfacalcidol compared to vitamin D plus calcium in lumbar bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

In a randomized multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel group study a comparison of the efficacy and safety of 1 microg alfacalcidol to 880 IU vitamin D plus calcium carbonate (1 g calcium) once daily per os was performed on 148 postmenopausal osteoporotic Caucasian patients with normal vitamin D serum levels for 18 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at baseline, 12 and 18 months. Safety parameters were followed during the entire study period. Sixty-nine (90.8%) in the alfacalcidol group and 67 (93.1%) in the vitamin D group were included in the ITT analysis. Lumbar BMD in the alfacalcidol group increased by 0.017 g/cm2 (2.33%) and 0.021 g/cm2 (2.87%) from baseline (P<0.001) at 12 and 18 months, respectively, whereas in the vitamin D plus calcium group the increase was 0.005 g/cm2 (0.70%) from baseline (N.S.) at both 12 and 18 months. The higher changes from baseline in the alfacalcidol group, as compared to the changes in the vitamin D plus calcium group at both 12 and 18 months, were found to be statistically significant (P=0.018, 0.005). A small increase of mean femoral BMD was achieved in both groups (N.S.). Adverse events were similar in both groups. No significant differences were noted between the groups in serum calcium. In conclusion, alfacalcidol was found to be superior in significantly increasing lumbar BMD as compared to vitamin D plus calcium while safety characteristics were found to be similar in both treatments.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Use of quantitative ultrasound of the hand phalanges in the diagnosis of two different osteoporotic syndromes: Cushing's syndrome and postmenopausal osteoporosis.

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of the quantitative ultrasound of the hand phalanges to detect different types of osteoporosis resulting from different pathogenetic mechanisms. For this purpose, postmenopausal and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis was studied. Thirteen female patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) resulting from pituitary-dependent bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (10 patients) and from adrenal adenoma (3 patients), and 32 postmenopausal osteoporotic (OP) women, were examined. The two groups of patients were comparable for body mass index (BMI), but CS patients were significantly younger than OP ones (CS 44.5+/-11.6; OP: 73.9+/-3.6). All the patients had femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) T-score less than -2.0. Cushing patients had a femoral neck BMD similar to that of OP patients (CS: 603+/-66 mg/cm2; OP: 628+/-69 mg/cm2; p=0.19). In contrast, amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS) was significantly higher in CS patients than in OP patients (CS: 1997+/-91 m/s; OP: 1707+/-114 m/s; p<0.0001). By adjusting DXA and ultrasound parameters according to age, femoral neck BMD was significantly lower in CS patients and AD-SoS remained significantly higher than in OP patients. These findings indicate that these two different kinds of osteoporosis can be distinguished by ultrasonography and that ultrasound parameters alone cannot be used for evaluating skeletal status in CS patients.

Adenoma↗

PubMed2003

Phalangeal quantitative ultrasound technology and dual energy X-ray densitometry in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: influence of sex and menopausal status.

Fifty-one patients with surgically proven primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), 11 males and 40 females, mean age+/-SD: 55.9+/-14.1 years, and 58 age- and sex-matched normal subjects were studied. The femoral and L(2)-L(4) bone mineral density (BMD; Hologic QDR 4500 C), as well as quantitative ultrasonometry (QUS; DBM-Sonic 1200) of the phalanges of both hands were measured in patients and controls. QUS measurements included amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS), and other parameters derived from the graphic trace: signal dynamics (Sdy), first wave amplitude (FWA), bone transmission time (BTT) and ultrasound bone profile index (UBPI). Patients with PHPT showed significantly lower dual energy X-ray densitometry (DXA) values and QUS parameters compared to controls (lumbar spine Z-score: controls: -0.16+/-1.12, PHPT: -0.70+/-1.14, P=0.016; femoral neck Z-score: controls: -0.28+/-1.74, PHPT: -1+/-1.01, P=0.013; total femur Z-score: controls: -0.33+/-1.12, PHPT: -1.01+/-0.95, P=0.0013; AD-SoS Z-score: controls: -0.89+/-1.22, PHPT: -1.97+/-1.78, P=0.0003; FWA Z-score: controls: 0.36+/-1, PHPT: 0.62+/-0.85, P<0.0001; BTT Z-score: controls: 0.04+/-1.03, PHPT: -0.45+/-1.37, P=0.044; UBPI Z-score: controls: -0.02+/-1.01, PHPT: -0.68+/-1.05, P=0.002; SDy (mV/micros(2)): controls: -295+/-256, PHPT: -498+/-306, P=0.0003). In male patients, BMD values measured on the lumbar spine and femoral regions were similar to those found in male controls, while QUS values were significantly lower (lumbar spine Z-score: controls: -1.05+/-1.41, PHPT: -1.75+/-1.21, P=0.21; femoral neck Z-score: controls: -0.37+/-1.84, PHPT: -1.11+/-1.14, P=0.27; total femur Z-score: controls: -0.16+/-1.59, PHPT: -1.02+/-1.20, P=0.168; AD-SoS Z-score: controls: -0.52+/-1.58, PHPT: -1.57+/-1.77, P=0.149; FWA Z-score: controls: 0.67+/-1.01, PHPT: -0.74+/-0.79, P=0.0016; BTT Z-score: controls: 1.22+/-0.83, PHPT: 0.75+/-1.51, P=0.478; UBPI Z-score: controls: 0.56+/-0.94, PHPT: -0.47+/-1.10, P=0.025; SDy (mV/micros(2)): controls: -167+/-230, PHPT: -485+/-307, P=0.01). Women with PHPT were further divided into two subgroups: premenopause ( n=11) and postmenopause ( n=29). The premenopausal women with PHPT showed significantly lower DXA values than those of the premenopausal control ones, but similar QUS parameters (lumbar spine Z-score: controls: 0.12+/-0.66, PHPT: -0.59+/-0.85, P=0.03; femoral neck Z-score: controls: 0.06+/-2.85, PHPT: -1.48+/-1.05, P=0.11; total femur Z-score: controls: -0.51+/-0.97, PHPT: -1.48+/-0.63, P=0.009; AD-SoS Z-score: controls: 0.78+/-0.89, PHPT: -1.26+/-1.88, P=0.42; FWA Z-score: controls: 1.14+/-0.77, PHPT: 0.12+/-0.80, P=0.007; BTT Z-score: controls: 0.13+/-0.60, PHPT: 0.25+/-1.15, P=0.757; UBPI Z-score: controls: 0.73+/-0.49, PHPT: 0.24+/-0.96, P=0.15; SDy (mV/micros(2)): controls: -118+/-123, PHPT: -271+/-301, P=0.106). The postmenopausal women with PHPT showed both DXA and QUS parameters significantly lower than those found in the postmenopausal controls (lumbar spine Z-score: controls: 0.09+/-0.96, PHPT: -0.31+/-0.96, P=0.004; femoral neck Z-score: controls: -0.38+/-1.01, PHPT: -0.76+/-0.91, P=0.14; total femur Z-score: controls: -0.33+/-0.97, PHPT: -0.81+/-0.92, P=0.057; AD-SoS Z-score: controls: -1.08+/-1.17, PHPT: -2.38+/-1.68, P=0.31; FWA Z-score: controls: -0.013+/-0.81, PHPT: -0.86+/-0.74, P=0.0009; BTT Z-score: controls: -0.58+/-0.68, PHPT: -1.13+/-0.93, P=0.016; UBPI Z-score: controls: -0.62+/-0.83, PHPT: -1.11+/-0.82, P=0.034; SDy (mV/micros(2)): controls: -419+/-242, PHPT: -589+/-269, P=0.012). The relative risk of osteopenia was significantly increased in PHPT patients at several measurement sites. There was a highly significant correlation between spine and femoral BMD and QUS parameters, while PTH serum levels did not correlate with any of the densitometric variables. In conclusion, QUS parameters would seem to be able to distinguish patients with PHPT from normal controls in male subjects and in postmenopausal women, but not in premenopausal women. This would suggest that the higher estrogen levels in premenopausal patients might preserve the bone from significant structural changes. This may also suggest that hyperparathyroidism, in addition to the reduction of bone mineral content, can cause an alteration of bone structure with an additional increase in fracture risk in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, the alterations in QUS parameters in patients who do not show significant changes in DXA measurements suggest an involvement of bone that is independent of mineral content and may be helpful for selecting candidates for surgery, according to NIH criteria.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2003

Short- and long-term changes in bone mineral density of the lumbar spine after parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

The aims of this study were (1) to analyze whether correlations exist between lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral density (BMD) and the main preoperative biochemical parameters in a large population of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT); and (2) to evaluate the LS-BMD changes after parathyroidectomy (PTx) at long-term follow-up. Sixty-two patients (median age 57 years, range 23-82 years) with confirmed primary HPT underwent LS osteodensitometry by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry with BMD measurements at the L2-L4 region before surgery and at 1 year and 2 years after successful PTx. Three groups of patients were considered: Group A (men, n = 14, 22.6%), Group B (premenopausal women, n = 12, 19.3%), and Group C (postmenopausal women, n = 36, 58.1%). There were no linear correlations (P = NS) among the main biochemical parameters, the age of the patients, and their baseline LS-BMD values that were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in Group C patients. At 2-year follow-up the LS-BMD improved by 13.0%, 11.5%, and 11.7% in Groups A, B, and C, respectively (P = NS). In order to compare groups with the same linear relationship between age and LS-BMD, a subgroup of postmenopausal patients aged < or = 60 years (Group C2) was considered. ANOVA showed that the improvement of the LS-BMD at 1- and 2-year follow-up was higher (P = 0.002) in Group B than in Group C2 patients. The result was confirmed by using the Mann-Whitney U-test (P = 0.0078). Improvement of LS-BMD after successful PTx was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in premenopausal women, suggesting a possible role of estrogen hormone in complete bone remodeling.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2002

Relationship between serum parathyroid hormone, serum calcium and arterial blood pressure in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: results of a multivariate analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible relationship between serum calcium, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and arterial blood pressure (BP) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). DESIGN: A retrospective population-based study. METHODS: Charts of 194 patients with proven primary HPT were reviewed, and the main clinical and biochemical parameters were recorded. There were 48 men (24.7%) and 146 women (75.3%), with a median age of 59 years (range 23-82 years). Patients who used antihypertensive drugs or hormone replacement therapy had been previously excluded. All patients underwent successful parathyroidectomy, and were cured of their disease. RESULTS: There were no differences (P=NS) between men and women in systolic (143.3+/-19.1 vs 145.4+/-17.1 mmHg) and diastolic (87.1+/-12.3 vs 88.4+/-9.9 mmHg) BP, and in the main biochemical parameters. A significant (P<0.01) correlation was found between (i) serum calcium and serum PTH levels (r=0.39, F=88.36), (ii) age and BP, both systolic (r=0.61, F=118.16) and diastolic (r=0.48, F=64.5), and (iii) body mass index (BMI) and BP (r=0.45 and 0.36 respectively). There was no significant association of serum calcium levels with systolic (r=0.0974, t=1.3422, P=0.18) or diastolic (r=0.1117, t=1.5409, P=0.12) BP, and of serum PTH levels with systolic (r=-0.0349, t=-0.4783, P=0.63) or diastolic (r=-0.0793, t=-1.0913, P=0.28) BP. Multivariate analysis confirmed that none of the independent biochemical parameters significantly correlated with BP, both systolic and diastolic. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with primary HPT there is no relationship between PTH, calcium and BP. Thus, in hyperparathyroid patients, BP should be considered as an independent variable, mainly related to age and BMI.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Recovery of bone mineral density after surgical cure, but not by ketoconazole treatment, in Cushing's syndrome.

The aim of our study was to retrospectively assess the effect of treatment on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Nineteen patients (17 women, 2 men; mean age +/- SD, 41 +/- 10 years; preoperative duration of disease 20 +/- 15 months) were studied. Six patients had a cortisol-producing adenoma and 13 had pituitary-dependent bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. BMD of the lumbar spine (L2-L4) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry just before and 1-10 years after adrenalectomy or pituitary adenomectomy. Patients were divided in two groups. The first group of 9 patients (6 adrenal and 3 pituitary adenomas; group A) included those treated successfully by surgery ( > 5 years follow-up in the case of pituitary surgery). The second group of 10 patients (group B) included those treated with the steroidogenesis inhibitor ketoconazole, 300-600 mg/day, after unsuccessful pituitary surgery. In group A, restoration of normal cortisol was associated with a significant increase in BMD (from 829 +/- 112 mg/cm2 to 952 +/- 107 mg/cm2; p = 0.002). In group B, no changes in BMD were observed (from 857 +/- 160 to 847 +/- 163 mg/cm2), in spite of markedly decreased or normalized cortisol levels during ketoconazole treatment. These findings indicate that definitive correction of hypercortisolism restores BMD to normal levels in patients with Cushing's syndrome. In patients treated with ketoconazole after unsuccessful pituitary surgery, even when normalization of cortisol levels was achieved, BMD remained low. This would suggest an interfering effect of this drug on bone metabolism.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2001

Bone metabolism and gonad function in male patients undergoing liver transplantation: a two-year longitudinal study.

Osteodystrophy is a major complication of end-stage liver disease, especially in postmenopausal women. Our aim in this study was to evaluate bone metabolism and gonad function in men undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx). Twenty-three consecutive men (mean age 48+/-13 years) evaluated for OLTx were studied, assessing the following parameters at baseline and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after OLTx: lumbar spine (L2-L4) bone mineral density (BMD), parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (BGP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), free testosterone (FT) and gonadotropins (FSH, LH). At baseline, 12 patients (52%) had a T-score <-2.5 SD and the mean BMD was 0.806+/-0.11 g/cm2 (range 0.470-1.045 g/cm2). The BMD was lower 3 months after OLTx and significantly higher 12 and 24 months after OLTx. A significant increase in serum BGP was observed at 6, 12 (p<0.05) and 24 months (p<0.005) after OLTx. The mean serum PTH level was 26.6+/-3.1 pg/ml at baseline and increased significantly at 12 and 24 months (to 49.4+/-9.9 and 61.2+/-10.1 pg/ml, respectively; p<0.05). 25OHD serum levels were low at baseline and returned to the normal range after 12 and 24 months (baseline, 8.73+/-1.54 ng/ ml; 12 months, 16.4+/-2.6 ng/ml; 24 months, 17.67+/-3.1 ng/ml; p<0.05). FT was significantly lower at baseline than in a group of 10 healthy controls (5.09+/-10.99. vs 10.3+/-1.1 pg/ml; p<0.0001). After OLTx a significant increase in FT was recorded at 6, (p<0.05) and 24 months (p<0.005). FT was not correlated with BMD, however. After OLTx an increase in FSH and LH was observed (but failed to reach statistical significance) at 3 and 6 months, followed by a slight reduction at 12 and 24 months. Thus a high proportion of men with end-stage liver disease do have osteoporosis. After OLTx, an early recovery of gonad function is observed, followed by an increase in bone mass, which occurs from the sixth month onward.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Efficacy and safety of alendronate for the treatment of osteoporosis in diffuse connective tissue diseases in children: a prospective multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: Osteopenia/osteoporosis is being increasingly reported as a complication of many chronic diseases, even in children. In this preliminary study, we evaluated the effect of an oral bisphosphonate (alendronate) on bone mass in children with diffuse connective tissue diseases. METHODS: Thirty-eight children with low bone mass were treated with alendronate for 1 year; 38 children who had the same primary disorders as the study patients but in a less severe form served as untreated control patients. We were also able to evaluate changes in bone mass (before and after alendronate) in 16 of the treated patients whose bone mineral density (BMD) had been routinely measured before the present study was initiated. RESULTS: BMD increased by a mean +/- SD of 14.9 +/- 9.8% (P < 0.002 versus baseline) in the treated patients (reaching the normal range in 13 patients), while the BMD was 2.6 +/- 5% (not significant versus baseline) in the control group (15 had a decrease). Most interestingly, there was a large increase in BMD (15.3 +/-9.9%) after alendronate therapy in the 16 children who had their BMD followed up in the year before the study, during which time they had shown little increase in BMD (1.03 +/- 6.3%), and often a decrease. Considering their condition, increases in the height of all patients was satisfactory. No new fractures were observed after alendronate therapy was initiated. CONCLUSION: Bisphosphonates can be considered essential components of the treatment of secondary osteoporosis, not only in adults, but also in pediatric patients. Alendronate has a positive effect on secondary osteopenia/osteoporosis in children with connective tissue diseases.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Plasma phospholipid arachidonic acid content and calcium metabolism in idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis.

BACKGROUND: Reports of an increase in plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid arachidonic acid content and in urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) excretion in patients with idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis suggested their crucial role in the pathogenesis of hypercalciuria, a well-known risk factor for lithogenesis. METHODS: To confirm this hypothesis, 15 healthy subjects and 20 nephrolithiasis patients were evaluated for plasma phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acid content and PGE2 concentration, serum parathyroid hormone, 25 hydroxyvitamin D3, 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase levels, as well as urinary excretion of calcium, biochemical markers of bone resorption (hydroxyproline and crossLaps), and intestinal calcium absorption. Furthermore, the effect of a 30-day fish-oil diet supplementation on the previously mentioned parameters was investigated in the patients. RESULTS: At baseline, patients compared with controls showed higher levels of plasma phospholipid arachidonic acid content (P = 0.002), PGE2 (P = 0.0004), serum 25-vitamin D3 (P = 0.001), and 1,25-vitamin D3 (P = 0.001), urinary excretion of calcium (P = 0.001), hydroxyproline (P = 0.007), and crossLaps (P = 0.019), as well as intestinal calcium absorption (P = 0.03 at 60 min). Fish oil supplementation induced a reduction in the plasma phospholipid arachidonic acid level (P < 0.0001), and except for serum concentrations of 25-vitamin D3, normalized baseline blood and urinary parameters, including intestinal calcium absorption. A close correlation between plasma PGE2 and serum 1,25-vitamin D3 (P = 0.004) and between phospholipid arachidonic acid and intestinal calcium absorption (P = 0.0002) and calciuria (P = 0.007) was observed, as well as between urine excretion of crossLaps and hydroxyproline (P < 0.0001), crossLaps and calcium (P < 0.0001), and hydroxyproline and calcium (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the phospholipid arachidonic acid content anomaly could represent the primary event responsible for the mosaic of metabolic and clinical alterations that are distinctive features of renal stone formers, and suggest that a common pathogenetic mechanism might account for the several forms of hypercalciuria detected in idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Use of quantitative ultrasonography in differentiating osteomalacia from osteoporosis: preliminary study.

The aim of this work was to use ultrasonographic technology to differentiate osteoporosis from osteomalacia on the basis of different patterns of the graphic trace. Three patients with osteomalacia and three with osteoporosis, all with the same lumbar spine bone mineral density, were studied. The velocity of the ultrasound beam in bone was measured by a DBM Sonic 1,200/I densitometer at the proximal phalanges of the hands in all the patients. The ultrasound beam velocity was measured when the first peak of the waveform reached a predetermined minimum amplitude value (amplitude-dependent speed of sound) as well as at the lowest point prior to the first and second peaks, before they reached the predetermined minimum amplitude value (first and second minimum speeds of sound). The graphic traces were further analyzed by Fourier analysis, and both the main frequency (f0) and the width of the peak centered in the f0 (full width at half maximum) were measured. The first and second minimum speeds of sound were significantly lower in the patients with osteomalacia than in the osteoporosis group. The first minimum speed of sound was 2,169 +/- 73 m/s in osteoporosis and 1,983 +/- 61 m/s in osteomalacia (P < 0.0001); the second minimum peak speed of sound was 1,895 +/-59 m/s in osteoporosis and 1,748 +/- 38 m/s in osteomalacia (P < 0.0001). The f0 was similar in the two groups (osteoporosis, 0.85 +/- 0.14 MHz; osteomalacia, 0.9 +/- 0.22 MHz; P = 0.72), and the full width at half maximum was significantly higher in the osteomalacia patients (0.52 +/- 0.14 MHz) than in the osteoporosis patients (0.37 +/- 0.15 MHz) (P = 0.022). This study confirms that ultrasonography is a promising, noninvasive method that could be used to differentiate osteoporosis from osteomalacia, but further studies should be carried out before this method can be introduced into clinical practice.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed1999

Evolution of osteopenia in inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was the assessment of frequency and evolution of osteopenia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and identification of related factors. METHODS: Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine was measured in 54 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and in 49 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and was repeated after a mean observation period of 21 (range, 8-50) months in 30 CD and 14 UC patients. Eighteen age-matched healthy subjects served as controls. Serum biochemistry (parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, insulin-like growth factor 1, minerals, and markers of inflammation) was assessed at the time of the second BMD measurement. RESULTS: Reduced BMD values were found in 48% of CD, and in 38% of UC patients. Compared with control subjects, the mean BMD was significantly lower in CD (p < 0.003) and UC (p < 0.0001) patients. BMD was positively correlated with the body mass index (p < 0.05) and inversely correlated with the lifetime steroid dose (p < 0.03). After 21 months the BMD of CD patients was virtually unchanged, with an annual variation (%deltaBMD/yr) of -0.31 +/- 0.49, whether treated with steroids or not, whereas in UC patients the BMD decreased significantly (p < 0.02) with a %deltaBMD/yr of -2.47 +/- 0.82 (p < 0.02 vis CD). This decrease can be attributed to steroid treatment. No biochemical alterations were detected in patients with rapid bone loss, compared with those with stable BMD. CONCLUSIONS: Low bone density is frequent in both CD and UC, but apparently stable in CD. The evolution of BMD suggests that low bone density is associated with the pathogenesis of CD, whereas in UC it seems to be correlated with the side effects of corticosteroid treatment.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1999

Use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of osteomalacia: preliminary results on experimental osteomalacia in the rat.

This study was performed to investigate the ability of ultrasonographic technique to distinguish osteomalacia from normal bone with the same mineral content. Ten rats with experimentally induced osteomalacia (group A) and 12 control rats having similar body size and weight (group B) were studied. Histomorphometric analysis confirmed the presence of osteomalacia in two rats from group A and showed normally mineralized bone in two rats from group B. Whole body bone mineral density, measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, was similar in the two groups (86 +/- 6 mg/cm2 in group A and 89 +/- 4 mg/cm2 in group B). The velocity of the ultrasound beam in bone was measured by densitometer at the first caudal vertebra of each rat. The velocity was measured when the first peak of the waveform reached a predetermined minimum amplitude value (amplitude-dependent speed of sound) as well as at the lowest point of this curve before it reaches the predetermined minimum amplitude (first minimum speed of sound). Although the amplitude-dependent speed of sound was similar in the two groups (1381.9 +/- 11.8 m/s in group A and 1390.9 +/- 17.8 m/s in group B), the first minimum speed of sound was clearly different (1446.1 +/- 8.9 m/s in group A and 1503.3 +/- 10.9 m/s in group B; P < 0.001). This study shows that ultrasonography could be used to identify alterations in bone quality, such as osteomalacia, but further studies need to be carried out before this method can be introduced into clinical practice.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1998

Bone metabolism in orthotopic liver transplantation: a prospective study.

Bone mineral density (BMD) and mineral metabolism were assessed in 54 patients with end-stage liver disease who were evaluated for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and assessed 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery in 26 patients who underwent OLT. Serum and urinary electrolyte and mineral levels, serum liver function test results, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (BGP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and urinary hydroxyproline levels were assessed. BMD of the lumbar spine was measured at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after OLT. At baseline, 40.7% of patients had BMD below the fracture threshold (0.800 g/cm2). Using multiple stepwise regression analysis, we found that BMD was significantly (P < .0001) affected by age, serum creatinine level, and PTH level but not by indices of cholestasis or liver function. In the patients who underwent OLT, a 1.4% reduction (P < .006) was observed in BMD 3 months after OLT. Thereafter, BMD returned to pretransplant values. A significant increase in serum BGP was observed after 6 (P < .02) and 12 (P < . 005) months. PTH levels increased progressively 3 (P < .02), 6 (P < . 001), and 12 (P < .0001) months after OLT. This increase did not seem to be caused by cyclosporine-induced nephropathy. It was concluded that osteopenia is a major complication in hepatic cirrhosis, regardless of its causes. The increase in serum BGP levels 6 and 12 months after OLT indicates metabolic activation of osteoblasts. The increase in PTH levels after OLT warrants further investigation.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1998

Calcaneal ultrasound bone densitometry in inflammatory bowel disease--a comparison with double x-ray densitometry of the lumbar spine.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure ultrasound (US) densitometric parameters [Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation (BUA), Speed of Sound (SOS), and stiffness of the os calcis] in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to compare the results with those obtained with conventional x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the lumbar spine. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with Crohn's disease (13 with ileal and nine with ileocolonic disease), 11 patients with ulcerative colitis (eight with left-sided and three with pancolitis), and 18 healthy controls. US densitometry of the right heel and DXA of the lumbar spine were performed within the same day. RESULTS: Compared to controls, IBD patients had significantly lower values with both methods, US and DXA. Forty-nine percent of patients had a lumbar T score below -1. Calcaneal SOS and stiffness of these patients were significantly reduced (p < 0.03 and p < 0.05, respectively). Positive significant correlations were found between lumbar DXA and calcaneal US parameters. Lumbar bone density and calcaneal US stiffness correlated inversely with the lifetime prednisone intake (p < 0.03 andp < 0.05, respectively), but not with age or duration of disease. A cut-off level of 80 dB/MHz for calcaneal BUA predicted axial osteopenia correctly in 74%, but some underestimation of spinal BMD was observed, especially in female patients with Crohn's disease. CONCLUSION: US evaluation of the os calcis gives results similar to those of conventional DXA and therefore may be used for screening IBD patients for axial osteoporosis. Because US does not expose patients to radiation, repeated measurements are possible and may be used to assess short term variations and the effect of treatment of IBD-associated bone disease.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1997

Decrease of bone formation in adult women with fragility fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To compare bone mineral density (BMD) and some markers of bone metabolism in women with fragility fractures and in normal age-matched subjects. METHODS: A 100 women with at least one vertebral deformity > 25%, and 219 age-, BMI- and parity-matched healthy women, were recruited for the study. In all the patients fractures were symptomatic and occurred at least 1 year before densitometric measurement. Forearm bone mineral density (BMD) as well as biochemical assessment of some markers of bone turnover were measured in all the subjects. RESULTS: BMD was significantly lower in the fracture than in the control group (0.326 +/- 0.073 vs. 0.379 +/- 0.079; P < 0.001). Fractured women showed alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC) serum levels significantly lower than controls, while no differences were found in fasting urinary calcium and hydroxyproline excretion. Women without fractures showed a significant correlation between ALP and both age and years since menopause (YSM). Such a correlation is lacking in the fracture group. CONCLUSIONS: Women with vertebral deformities likely due to a fracture had a forearm BMD and markers of bone formation lower than normal. Whether low bone density is due to a low peak of bone mass or to an increased postmenopausal bone loss sustained by an uncoupling between the two bone remodelling processes is still unclear.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Different rates of forearm bone loss in healthy women with early or late menopause.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether healthy women with early or late menopause have different rates of age- and menopause-related bone loss, and whether premature menopause really represents a risk factor for osteopenia. Healthy women aged from 27 to 84 years (n = 2204), with no history of fractures, were divided into two groups according to their age at menopause (AAM): group A with AAM < or = 43, and group B with AAM > or = 50 years. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in the distal non-dominant forearm by single-photon absorptiometry. Group B had a significantly lower average BMD than group A (group A, 0.430 +/- 0.074 g/cm2; group B, 0.419 +/- 0.081; p = 0.003); however, the average age of group A was significantly lower, and weight and height were significantly higher. When women older than 50 years of age were divided into five age-matched subgroups, BMD was significantly lower in women with AAM < or = 43 years up to 60 years; after that age this difference disappeared and, in the oldest subgroups, BMD was significantly lower in group B than in group A. Independent variables such as age, AAM and body mass index (BMI) explain about 30% of the variation of BMD, using a multiple linear regression analysis. In both groups age and BMI weighted more than AAM in determining BMD. When BMD was plotted versus either chronological age or years since menopause, women with late menopause showed a significantly faster bone loss than those with early menopause.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Bone mass and mineral metabolism in Klinefelter's syndrome.

A reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is frequently observed in hypogonadal males; however, very little is known on bone and mineral metabolism in Klinefelter's syndrome (KS). In this study 32 XXY KS patients and 24 healthy age-matched male controls were examined. Serum total and free testosterone (TT and FT) were significantly lower in patients than in controls (TT in KS, 15.1 +/- 7.8 nmol/l; controls, 30.4 +/- 9.1; p < 0.001. FT in KS, 81.8 +/- 24.9 pmol/l; controls, 135.7 +/- 16.4; p < 0.001). 17 beta-Estradiol was slightly higher in KS patients (KS, 49.0 +/- 27.1 pg/ml; controls, 39.3 +/- 16.4 pg/ml), but the difference was not significant. BMD, measured at the spine (L2-4) and at the proximal epiphysis of the left femur, was similar in patients and in the control group (spine: KS, 1.016 +/- 0.142; controls, 1.085 +/- 0.144 g/cm2; p = not significant. Femoral neck: KS, 0.926 +/- 0.149; controls, 0.926 +/- 0.122 g/cm2; p = not significant). Bone GLA protein (BGP) was significantly higher in the KS group (12.7 +/- 4.8 vs 8.9 +/- 5.2 ng/ml; p < 0.02), while serum calcium, serum phosphate, calciotrophic hormones and the fasting urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio (OHP/Creat) were similar in the two groups. A positive relationship between FT and both spine and femoral BMD was found in KS patients. Furthermore, OHP/Creat ratio was inversely related to BMD at the femur, and positively related to BGP in KS patients, but not in normal subjects. These findings suggest that (1) KS patients have normal bone mass, most probably because the hypogonadism is moderate; and (2) patients with lower bone mass appear to have higher bone turnover.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Effect of antibodies to calcitonin on the pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of the hormone.

Calcitonin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were studied in two groups of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis, who, treated for one year with intranasal Asu1.7-eel calcitonin (eCT), had (Ab+) and had not (Ab-) developed a specific immune response to the drug. The treatment consisted of daily intranasal administrations of eCT (80 IU/die) with 1 g supplemental calcium. Eight women who had developed specific antibodies and 5 who had not, were given 50 IU of CT i.m., in order to assess the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug. The rise of serum levels of the hormone was significantly greater in Ab+ than in Ab- patients. At the end of the study, no significant differences in mineral bone loss between the two groups were found. In conclusion, the presence of antibodies to eCT does not represent a negative event in the therapy of osteoporosis, but significantly affects the pharmacokinetics of the drug.

Antibodies↗