Prevalence of pre-stroke low bone mineral density and vertebral fracture in first stroke patients

Changes in bone mineral density in unconscious immobile stroke patients from the acute to chronic phases of brain diseases

Objectives

Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) is observed in immobile stroke patients. But it is not clarified yet how rapidly BMD reduction occurs or what the most influencing factor to BMD loss is.

Methods

BMDs in the lumbar vertebrae and the proximal femur of the paralyzed side were measured in 100 immobile stroke patients at 1 week (0 month), 1 month, and 2 months after admission. The levels of serum calcium, phosphorous, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and urine cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) were also measured.

Results

The average age of patients was 75.0 ± 11.4 years (31–94 years). No BMD reduction was identified in the lumbar vertebrae in 2 months; however, BMD in the femur significantly decreased in 2 months in female patients (P < 0.05). Serum calcium and phosphorous levels remained within the normal range during hospitalization, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D value rose in 2 months. Urine NTx significantly increased in both males and females in 2 months (male: P < 0.05, female: P < 0.01).

Conclusions

While there was no significant change in lumbar spine BMD in the 2 month period of immobilization after stroke, BMD in the proximal femur showed a significant reduction, particularly in women. The differential loss of BMD in the 2 regions of interest could possibly be due to the physical forces acting on different body parts during mobilization and nutritional factors. More studies are needed with larger study samples and prolonged follow-up to check the accuracy of these observations.

Change in Bone Mineral Density in Stroke Patients with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia

We aimed to investigate the correlation between changes in bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) and osteoporosis-related factors in stroke patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia, and we suggest the need for active rehabilitation treatment. This study included 63 osteoporosis and 34 osteopenia patients who underwent a BMD test following primary stroke onset. The osteoporosis group was followed up with a BMD test after 12 months of bisphosphonate treatment, and the osteopenia group was followed up without medication. The correlation between BMD changes and functional factors was analyzed, biochemical markers were measured, and hematology tests were performed. In the osteoporosis group, a significant increase was observed in LS BMD (p < 0.05), and in the osteopenia group, there was a significant decrease in FN BMD (p < 0.05). The group with a functional ambulatory category of 1 or more showed a significant improvement in BMD (p < 0.05). Comparative analysis was performed on various indicators, but no significant correlation was found between any variable. In stroke patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia, early appropriate drug treatment is important to prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures, and comprehensive rehabilitation treatment, such as appropriate education and training to prevent falls, is essential.

The impact of stroke on bone properties and muscle-bone relationship: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To systematically review available evidence related to the characteristics of bone changes post-stroke and the relationship between various aspects of muscle function (e.g., strength, spasticity) and bone properties after stroke onset. An extensive online database search was undertaken (last search in January 2019). Articles that examined the bone properties in stroke patients were included. The quality of the studies was evaluated with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Study Quality Assessment Tools. Publication bias of meta-analyses was assessed using the Egger's regression asymmetry test. The selection and evaluation of the articles were conducted by two independent researchers. Fifty-nine studies were identified. In subacute and chronic stroke studies, the skeletal sites in the paretic limbs sustained a more pronounced decline in bone quality than did their counterparts in the non-paretic limbs. The rate of changes showed a decelerating trend as post-stroke duration increased, but the timing of achieving the steady rate differed across skeletal sites. The magnitude of bone changes in the paretic upper limb was more pronounced than the paretic lower limb. There was a strong relationship between muscle strength/mass and bone density/strength index. Muscle spasticity seemed to have a negative impact on bone integrity in the paretic upper limb, but its influence on bone properties in the paretic lower limb was uncertain. Substantial bone changes in the paretic limbs occurred particularly in the first few months after stroke onset. Early intervention, muscle strength training, and long-term management strategies may be important to enhance bone health post-stroke. This review has also revealed the knowledge gaps which should be addressed in future research.

Change of Bone Mineral Density and Relationship to Clinical Parameters in Male Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical characteristics that significantly contribute to a decreased bone mineral density (BMD), the BMD changes and clinical characteristics of men who experienced a stroke between the ages of 50 years and 65 years were studied between 3 months and 4 months after the stroke.

METHODS

Subjects had a brain hemorrhage or a cerebral infarction. Only men aged 50 years to 65 years were included to eliminate postmenopausal osteoporosis and to eliminate the influence of senile osteoporosis. All subjects underwent a BMD test between 3 months and 4 months after their strokes. Also, patients with a medication history that might have caused a secondary osteoporosis before a stroke were excluded.

RESULTS

The BMD for the lumbar spine and hemiplegic side of the femoral neck correlated significantly with the results of the manual muscle test (MMT) of the hemiplegic lower extremity and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score. This result suggests that the immobility from the decreased muscle strength and the weakened daily functionality might have reduced the BMD. According to a multiple linear regression analysis, the MBI score is significantly correlated with the lumbar BMD. The BMD of the hemiplegic femoral neck is significantly correlated with the MMT and the MBI score.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that BMD monitoring should be considered in male stroke patients, especially for patients with a high dependency in daily functions and a decreased muscle strength in the hemiplegic lower extremity.

Impact and risk factors of post-stroke bone fracture

Bone fracture occurs in stroke patients at different times during the recovery phase, prolonging recovery time and increasing medical costs. In this review, we discuss the potential risk factors for post-stroke bone fracture and preventive methods. Most post-stroke bone fractures occur in the lower extremities, indicating fragile bones are a risk factor. Motor changes, including posture, mobility, and balance post-stroke contribute to bone loss and thus increase risk of bone fracture. Bone mineral density is a useful indicator for bone resorption, useful to identify patients at risk of post-stroke bone fracture. Calcium supplementation was previously regarded as a useful treatment during physical rehabilitation. However, recent data suggests calcium supplementation has a negative impact on atherosclerotic conditions. Vitamin D intake may prevent osteoporosis and fractures in patients with stroke. Although drugs such as teriparatide show some benefits in preventing osteoporosis, additional clinical trials are needed to determine the most effective conditions for post-stroke applications.

Severity of menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular and osteoporosis risk factors

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether the severity of menopausal symptoms is related to increased cardiovascular and osteoporosis risk factors, and to determine whether women with more severe menopausal symptoms present a greater percentage of osteoporosis disease.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study encompassing women aged 45-65 years in the whole Spanish territory. The study population sample was collected through random sampling. A total of 10 514 women were included. Their sociodemographic, medical history and lifestyle data were assessed by means of a survey. The Kupperman Index was used to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms. Bone mineral density was measured by the dual X-ray absorptiometry method.

RESULTS

The prevalences of risk factors for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease were 67.6% and 74.8%, respectively. Women with a higher intensity of symptoms also had a greater percentage of cardiovascular (p < 0.001) and osteoporosis (p < 0.001) risk factors and suffered more from osteoporosis disease (p < 0.001). In the logistic regression analysis, those variables that contributed to the severity of menopausal symptoms were: arterial hypertension (odds ratio (OR) 2.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49-2.79; p < 0.001), dyslipidemia (OR 1.94; 95% CI 1.48-2.4; p < 0.001), obesity (OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.55-2.91; p < 0.001), family history (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.17-1.59; p < 0.01), medication use (OR 1.12; 95% CI 0.52-1.72; p < 0.01) and osteoporosis disease (OR 3.71; 95% CI 2.9-4.52; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with more severe menopausal symptoms had a greater prevalence of cardiovascular and osteoporosis disease risk factors and suffered more from osteoporosis disease compared to those who had milder or no menopausal symptoms.

Prevalence of vertebral fracture in Asian men and women: comparison between Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan

OBJECTIVES

Little is known about the prevalence of vertebral fracture among Asians. This study investigated the prevalence of radiographically defined vertebral fracture, and identified associated risk factors in the aged population of four Asian countries.

STUDY DESIGN

In total, 1588 males and females aged ≥ 65 years were recruited from Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan.

METHODS

Standard X-rays for the spine were taken and vertebral heights were measured. Vertebral fracture was defined as a reduction of >3 standard deviations in vertebral height ratio. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the hip was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and anthropometric measurements were taken in Hong Kong and Japan. Other relevant data were entered in a standard questionnaire.

RESULTS

The prevalence of vertebral fracture for both males and females was highest in Japan for younger (65-74 years) and older (≥ 75 years) age groups (36.6% and 37.6% for males; 18.8% and 28.7% for females). Lower hip BMD was associated with vertebral fracture in both sexes. Older age, lower quality of life score on Short Form-12 (physical), past longest occupation as a farmer, and history of cataract were significantly associated with vertebral fracture in females. However, smoking did not appear to be an important risk factor for vertebral fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiographic assessments for vertebral fracture were performed in all four Asian countries. The prevalence of vertebral fracture was highest in Japan. Lower hip BMD, poorer physical condition and past longest occupation as a farmer were associated with vertebral fracture.

Bone mineral density in adults disabled through acquired neurological conditions: a review

This article is a review of the changes in bone mineral density (BMD), which occur in a number of acquired neurological conditions resulting in disability. For each of spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury, the following aspects are discussed, where information is available: prevalence of low BMD according to World Health Organization diagnostic categories and recommended diagnostic method, prevalence based on other diagnostic tools, comparison of BMD with a control population, rate of decline of BMD following onset of the neurological condition, factors influencing decline; mechanism of bone loss, and fracture rates. The common risk factors of immobilization and vitamin D deficiency would appear to cross all disability groups, with the most rapid phase of bone loss occurring in the acute and subacute phases of each condition.