Because activity and regular exercise are important factors to maintain general good health in senior citizens, we investigated whether senior dancing has any effect on peripheral or lumbar bone density. We performed a prospective study over a12-mo period on bone density at a spinal and peripheral measuring site in 28 female senior members (mean age: 67 +/- 2 yr) of a dancing group in Vienna. Lumbar bone mineral density was assessed by quantitative computed tomography (qCT) and radial bone density by single photon absorptiometry of the distal forearm. The mean training time per week was 3.2 +/- 0.8 h. In the entire group of female dancers, no significant effects of dancing on radial or lumbar bone density could be observed. Linear regression analysis showed that the lower the qCT at the beginning of the observation period, the higher was the percentage increase of spinal qCT in the entire group during 12 mo of dancing (r = 0.52, P < 0.0001). For additional evaluation, females were divided into two subgroups, osteoporotic or nonosteoporotic, based on x-rays and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) as measured by qCT. The group classified as dancers with osteoporosis (group I) showed a significant increase in lumbar bone density, whereas in the group of dancers without signs of osteoporosis (group II), BMD remained unchanged. Additionally, radial bone density did not show any changes in either group. Group I showed a significant correlation between basal spinal BMD and the percentage change of BMD during the observation period (r = 0.7, P < 0.001). Changes of the biochemical parameters were observed in the bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase, a marker of osteoblastic activity, in group I giving additional evidence of increased bone formation.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Perspectives on therapy with diphosphonates in non-malignant diseases].

Diphosphonates inhibit bone resorption. This therapeutic effect found early recognition in the treatment of Paget's disease. The favorable long-term effect of the substance gives rise to a shorter therapy period. Due to increased fracture incidence as a result of osteoidosis observed under ethane-hydroxy diphosphomate (EHDP) administration, today amino-hydroxy-propylidine diphosphonate (APD) and dichloromethylene diphosphonate (clodronate) are preferred in the treatment of Paget's disease. Diphosphonates inhibit both osteoblasts and osteoclasts, thus being also used in the treatment of primary osteoporosis. Their efficacy in high-turnover osteoporosis in the form of monotherapy or within the framework of cyclical therapy schemes has been demonstrated by an increase in bone mass. Diphosphonates have played an important role in the therapy of steroid-induced osteoporosis. Prevention of osteopenic changes is of utmost significance: a prophylactic effect was demonstrated in immobilization osteoporosis. In prophylaxis, diphosphonates might also be applied in women after ovariectomy who had to undergo surgery before the menopause due to oncologic indications and in whom the administration of estrogens to prevent expected osteoporosis is contra-indicated. The favorable effect of diphosphonates on bone changes in Gaucher's disease implies an inhibition of macrophage-mediated bone resorption. The importance of this substance in orthopedics will further contribute to prevent ectopic ossification in hip endoprosthetics.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Recent possibilities for the treatment of osteoporosis in the aged].

Treatment of idiopathic osteoporosis in the elderly presupposes exact radiological diagnosis, the exclusion of a primary illness as the cause of the pathological process and exact differential diagnosis from other metabolic osteopathies. We consider possible means of prevention of the immobilization of old people, and appropriate hormonal substitution in cases of previous illnesses which coincide with a disturbance of the gonadal function, as important prophylactic measures. In the case of manifest osteoporosis, if possible, an assignment of the disease to a manifestation with high or low bone turnover should be made, by means of biochemical adjuvants. In high bone turnover, the substitution of sex hormones or the administration of calcitonin is indicated, particularly if symptoms of pain are distinct. In osteoporosis with low bone turnover, fluoride in long-term therapy is the preferred medication. The latest studies show that a combination of fluoride and active vitamin D metabolites is preferable to monotherapy. All therapy for this disease, independent of the age of the patient, should be supported by isometric exercises, analgesics and appropriate dietary measures. Orthopaedic supporting measures should be applied only if conservative measures in acute vertebral fractures fail.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Viral infection, autoimmunity and immunogenetics in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus].

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Antibodies, Viral↗