The application of FRAX in Saudi Arabia

Causal relationship between tea intake and bone mineral density at different ages ̶ A Mendelian randomization study

INTRODUCTION

bone mineral density (BMD) is strongly associated with the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Furthermore, dietary tea consumption also has a great impact on the variation in BMD. The pathway mechanisms from tea consumption to BMD are not well known. Therefore, we applied a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach in an attempt to explore the causality between tea consumption and BMD. And then examine whether the effects of tea intake on BMD are specific across different age groups.

METHODS

we investigated the relationship between tea consumption and BMD using a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis, utilizing 31 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to tea intake from pooled data from a gene-wide association study (GWAS) of 447,485 British Biobank of European Origin participants, with BMD derived from a meta-analysis of total body BMD and age-specific effects in the Lifelong Genetic Cohort Study (n = 66,628). Causal analysis between tea intake and BMD was performed using MR-Egger, inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median, and weighted mode.

RESULTS

in IVW, tea consumption has a positive causal effect on total body BMD. However, in different age groups, BMD has a positive effect only within the 45-60-year group. There is no genetic pleiotropy effect of tea intake can have an effect on systemic BMD or among the five different age groups. The Cochran Q statistic and MR-Egger regression were applied to calculate heterogeneity in the IVW method, and no significant heterogeneity was indicated.

CONCLUSIONS

the results of the MR analysis showed a positive causal effect of tea intake on total body BMD, whereas among the different age groups, tea intake positively affected BMD only in the 45-60 age group, which implies that tea is beneficial in maintaining or increasing BMD in this age group and may reduce osteoporosis and fracture risk.

Ten-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score in post-menopausal women with low bone mineral density

BACKGROUND

Reports on the association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and bone mineral density (BMD) remain inconsistent and hence more population-based studies on this subject are needed.

AIMS

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck (right and left) with 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk scores in Saudi postmenopausal women.

METHODS

A cohort of 1,450 postmenopausal women with risk factors for bone loss were analyzed using the data from the Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases (CBCD) Osteoporosis database. BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, including fasting glucose and lipid profiles, were measured. ASCVD risk scores were calculated using the ASCVD Risk Estimator Plus tool. BMD tertiles were analyzed for their association with ASCVD risk.

RESULTS

Women with osteoporosis had significantly lower BMI, waist and hip circumferences, and metabolic dysfunction markers compared to those with normal BMD. Significant negative correlations were observed between ASCVD risk scores and BMD at femoral neck sites in women with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that women in the lowest BMD tertiles had significantly higher odds of intermediate to high ASCVD risk scores, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.90 for the lumbar spine, 2.19 for the right femoral neck, and 2.04 for the left femoral neck.

CONCLUSIONS

The study identified significant associations between lower BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck sites and elevated 10-year ASCVD risk scores in postmenopausal women, particularly among those with osteopenia and osteoporosis. These findings demonstrate the importance of assessing cardiovascular risk in women with low BMD to enable early prevention and management strategies.

A surrogate FRAX model for Mongolia

A surrogate FRAX® model for Mongolia has been constructed using age- and sex-specific hip fracture rates for mainland China and age- and sex-specific mortality rates from Mongolia.

INTRODUCTION

FRAX models are frequently requested for countries with little or no data on the incidence of hip fracture. In such circumstances, the development of a surrogate FRAX model is recommended based on country-specific mortality data but using fracture data from a country, usually within the region, where fracture rates are considered to be representative of the index country.

OBJECTIVE

This report describes the development and characteristics of a surrogate FRAX model for Mongolia.

METHODS

The FRAX model used the ethnic-specific incidence of hip fracture in mainland China, combined with the death risk for Mongolia in 2015-2019. Intervention thresholds were developed based on fracture probabilities equivalent to women with a prior fragility fracture, and their impact was assessed in a referral cohort comprising men at age 50 and above and postmenopausal women. The number of hip fractures in 2015 and 2050 was estimated based on United Nations' predicted changes in population demography.

RESULTS

The surrogate model gave similar hip fracture probabilities to estimates from China. Age-dependent intervention thresholds for a major osteoporotic fracture ranged from a 10-year probability of 2.4% at the age of 40 years to 13.7% at the age of 90 years. In the cohort of those eligible for assessment, 46% of men and 36% of women were eligible for treatment because of a prior fracture. Based on intervention thresholds, a further 0.5% of men and 7.0% of women would be eligible for treatment. It was estimated that 440 hip fractures arose in 2015 in individuals aged 50 years and older in Mongolia, with a predicted 4.3-fold increase expected by 2050, when 1896 hip fractures are expected nationally.

CONCLUSION

The surrogate FRAX model for Mongolia provides an opportunity to determine fracture probability within the Mongolian population and help guide decisions about treatment.

The single point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) is associated with bone health in Arab adults

BACKGROUND

The Single Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE) index is a surrogate marker for insulin sensitivity. Given the emerging role of bone as an active endocrine organ, its associations with non-invasive measures of extra-skeletal functions such as insulin sensitivity warrant investigation.

AIMS

This study aimed to explore the relationship between the SPISE index and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in an adult population.

METHODS

Data from a total of 1270 Arab adults (84% females, mean age 56.7 ± 8.1 years) from the Osteoporosis Registry Database of the Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases in King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was used in this study. T-scores and SPISE were calculated. Regression models were used to determine associations between SPISE and bone health indices.

RESULTS

The low BMD group (N = 853; T-score <-1.0) had significantly higher SPISE values than those with normal BMD (N = 417; T-score - 1.0 and above) (4.6 ± 1.3 vs. 4.3 ± 1.2, p < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression, adjusted for covariates, confirmed a significant inverse association between SPISE and BMD for all participants (β=-0.22, p < 0.001), as well as both groups [normal BMD (β = -0.10, p = 0.02) and low BMD groups (β = -0.15, p < 0.001)]. SPISE, family history of T2DM, and history of fractures collectively account for 17% of the variances perceived in T-score for all participants (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant inverse association between the SPISE index and BMD was observed in adults, suggesting a link between BMD and extra-skeletal health. Underlying mechanisms need to be investigated prospectively using BMD as secondary outcomes in lifestyle modification programs.

FRAX-derived intervention and assessment thresholds for osteoporosis in ten Middle Eastern countries

This study established FRAX-based age-specific assessment and intervention thresholds for ten Middle Eastern countries where FRAX is currently available, but the lack of specific thresholds has limited its usefulness. The intervention thresholds ranged from 0.6 (Saudi Arabia) to 36.0% (Syria) at the ages of 40 and 90 years, respectively.

INTRODUCTION

Developing fracture risk assessment tools allows physicians to select patients for therapy based on their absolute fracture risk instead of relying solely on bone mineral density (BMD). The most widely used tool is FRAX, currently available in ten Middle Eastern countries. This study aimed to set FRAX-derived assessment and intervention thresholds for individuals aged 40 or above in ten Middle Eastern countries.

METHODS

The age-specific 10-year probabilities of a major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) for a woman with a BMI of 25.0 kg/m2, without BMD and clinical risk factors except for prior fracture, were calculated as intervention Threshold (IT). The upper and lower assessment thresholds were set at 1.2 times the IT and an age-specific 10-year probability of a MOF in a woman with a BMI of 25.0 kg/m2, without BMD, prior fracture, and other clinical risk factors, respectively. IT is utilized to determine treatment or reassurance when BMD facilities are unavailable. However, with BMD facilities, assessment thresholds can offer treatment, reassurance, or bone densitometry based on MOF probability.

RESULTS

The age-specific IT varied from 0.9 to 11.0% in Abu Dhabi, 2.9 to 10% in Egypt, 2.7 to 14.0% in Iran, 1.0 to 28.0% in Jordan, 2.7 to 27.0% in Kuwait, 0.9 to 35.0% in Lebanon, 1.0 to 16.0% in Palestine, 4.1 to 14% in Qatar, 0.6 to 3.7% in Saudi Arabia, and 0.9 to 36.0% in Syria at the age of 40 and 90 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

FRAX-based IT in Middle Eastern countries provides an opportunity to identify individuals with high fracture risk.

Osteoporosis as Perceived by Saudi Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study of Quality of Practice and Current Barriers in Management

Background Osteoporosis (OP) is a state of abnormal bone quality and architecture that leads to fragility fractures, with lifetime costs reaching 16.27 billion Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR). Methods An electronic survey was distributed to physicians from July 2020 to May 2021 to assess the quality of the practice of physicians toward OP and barriers in OP management in Saudi Arabia. Specialties included were endocrinology, general medicine, family medicine, primary care, orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, obstetrics and gynecology, and geriatrics. Results A total of 177 surveys were eligible (55.9% female and 44.1% male). The majority were family consultants (42.9%). In terms of knowledge, 18.1% of our sample recognized all risk factors, and 24.9% recognized all indications to assess bone density. A central dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was accessible to only 49.4% of the sample. Over 80% of the sample performed comprehensive laboratory workup. Although 68.4% of participants were aware of fracture risk assessment (FRAX), 53.7% used it in their practice. The most cited barrier was a lack of physicians' awareness (80.2%), followed by a lack of patients' awareness (63.6%). The specialty was significantly associated with the awareness of the densitometry certificate (P-value < 0.0001) and the use of FRAX (P-value = 0.0001). Conclusion Our results revealed a below-satisfactory quality of practice among Saudi physicians toward OP. Additionally, our results identified many gaps in knowledge and many barriers to optimal care.

Dietary Calcium Intake and Osteoporosis Risk in Arab Adults

Osteoporosis is a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia's aging population. There is particularly limited information on how diet affects bone loss in this ethnic group. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between dietary calcium (Ca) intake and osteoporosis risk in Saudi adults. A total of 1950 patients (416 males and 1534 females) with known risk factors for osteoporosis participated in this cross-sectional study. A short questionnaire (CaQ) was used to assess dietary Ca intakes in patients attending tertiary hospitals in Riyadh City. The prevalence of osteoporosis was 21.3% and was more common in females (93.5%). Patients with osteoporosis were older (p < 0.001) and had lower BMI (p < 0.001). Results showed that the overall mean Ca intake was only 445.1 mg/day (recommended dietary intake of 1300 mg/day). Tea intake (OR = 0.8 95%CI: 0.7-1.0; p = 0.02) and consumption of fish and eggs (OR = 0.9 95%CI: 0.8-1.0; p = 0.01) were significantly associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis. Furthermore, consumption of biscuits, cake and bread slices were significantly associated with higher incidence of osteoporosis (OR = 1.3 95%CI: 1.0-1.5; p = 0.02). In conclusion, extremely low dietary Ca intake was observed among Saudi adults already at risk of osteoporosis. A balanced diet including high amount of Ca, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids accompanied by limiting consumption of foods high in saturated fats and glycemic index may be helpful in reducing osteoporosis risk in the Saudi adult population.

Diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia: 2023 key updates from the Saudi Osteoporosis Society

The Saudi Osteoporosis Society (SOS) has updated its guidelines for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia (SA), with emphasis on postmenopausal women. This document is relevant to all healthcare professionals in SA involved in the care of patients with osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related fractures.

INTRODUCTION

The SOS launched the first national osteoporosis guidelines in 2015 and spearheaded the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCC) osteoporosis consensus report in 2020 which was under the auspices of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis (ESCEO). This paper highlights a major update of the guidelines in the SA setting.

METHODS

This guideline is an adaptation of the current guidelines derived from ESCEO, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), and the GCC osteoporosis consensus report and studies on osteoporosis done in SA. Where accessible, the timeliest systematic review, meta-analysis, and randomized controlled trials were used as evidence.

RESULTS

The present update includes new recommendations for the assessment of osteoporosis taking into consideration the Saudi model of FRAX for fracture probabilities, appropriate doses for the maintenance of vitamin D status and calcium, the use of representative blood analytes for therapy monitoring, the use of romosozumab and sequential therapy in the pharmacological management strategies, and the establishment of fracture liaison services to prevent secondary fractures.

CONCLUSION

This updated guideline is for all healthcare professionals involved in osteoporosis and post-fracture care and management in SA and harmonized the most up-to-date changes in the field based on evidence-based medicine for use in the local setting.

The need to distinguish intervention thresholds and diagnostic thresholds in the management of osteoporosis

This position paper of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) addresses the rationale for separate diagnostic and intervention thresholds in osteoporosis. We conclude that the current BMD-based diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis be retained whilst clarity is brought to bear on the distinction between diagnostic and intervention thresholds.

Incidence of hip fracture in Saudi Arabia and the development of a FRAX model

A prospective hospital-based survey in representative regions of Saudi Arabia determined the incidence of fractures at the hip. The hip fracture rates were used to create a FRAX® model to facilitate fracture risk assessment in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the incidence of hip fracture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that was used to characterize the current and future burden of hip fracture, to develop a country-specific FRAX® tool for fracture prediction and to compare fracture probabilities with neighbouring countries.

METHODS

During a 2-year (2017/2018) prospective survey in 15 hospitals with a defined catchment population, hip fractures in Saudi citizens were prospectively identified from hospital registers. The number of hip fractures and future burden was determined from national demography. Age- and sex-specific incidence of hip fracture and national mortality rates were incorporated into a FRAX model for Saudi Arabia. Fracture probabilities were compared with those from Kuwait and Abu Dhabi.

RESULTS

The incidence of hip fracture applied nationally suggested that the estimated number of hip fractures nationwide in persons over the age of 50 years for 2015 was 2,949 and is predicted to increase nearly sevenfold to 20,328 in 2050. Hip fracture rates were comparable with estimates from Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. By contrast, probabilities of a major osteoporotic fracture or hip fracture from the age of 70 years were much lower than those seen in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait due to higher mortality estimates for Saudi Arabia.

CONCLUSION

A country-specific FRAX tool for fracture prediction has been developed for Saudi Arabia which is expected to help guide decisions about treatment.