Monitoring alendronate and estradiol therapy with quantitative ultrasound and bone mineral density

Bone alkaline phosphatase and urine hydroxyproline assay in pre and postmenopausal women in the state of sikkim and its correlation with bone mineral density

Introduction:

Osteoporosis could be viewed as a metabolic disease. The WHO guidelines for diagnosing osteoporosis reflect structural damage only and not the metabolic imbalance that leads to it. Biochemical markers of bone turnover have been shown to provide valuable information for diagnosing and monitoring metabolic bone disease. The present study analyzed bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and urinary hydroxyproline in pre- and postmenopausal women and correlated them with changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in the state of Sikkim. The study also intended to know the ethnicity-based disease burden in Sikkim.

Materials and Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was done at a tertiary hospital in Sikkim. Blood and 24-h urine samples from 50 premenopausal and 50 postmenopausal women were analyzed for total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), BALP, and Urine Hydroxyproline. BMD was measured using the quantitative ultrasound technique by Achilles densitometer.

Results:

There was a statistically significant increase in serum calcium (P = 0.01), ALP (P = 0.01), and urine hydroxyproline (P = 0.03) levels in postmenopausal women as compared to premenopausal women. Although ALP was higher in postmenopausal women, BALP isoform was more elevated in premenopausal women (P = 0.001). BMD was significantly lower in postmenopausal women (P < 0.001). It was also noted that there was a significant difference in BMD between tribal and nontribal populations (P = 0.003). Total ALP and BALP as the bone formation marker and urine hydroxyproline as a bone resorption marker added statistically significant r to BMD prediction (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

In this study, BALP combined with Urine Hydroxyproline was helpful as a screening biomarker to predict osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

EFFECTS OF COMBAT SPORTS ON BONE MASS: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the influence of combat sports on bone mass. Methods A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA method, with searches in the Pubmed, Bireme, Embase and Web of Science databases covering the period 1900 to 2015, using the keywords “martial arts”, “fight”, “combat”, “karate”, “kung fu”, “tae kwon do”, “judo”, “aikido”, “bone mass”, “bone health”, “bone tissue”, “bone density”, and “bone mineral contents”. The articles were searched for and retrieved electronically and manually, by two independent reviewers. Results Seventy-nine articles were identified, of which 25 were duplicates, leaving 54 for reading and evaluation of the titles; next, articles about diseases such as bone and/or orthopedic injuries, maxillofacial, surgeries, fractures, osteoporosis and osteopenia in women, prevention of falls, and physical fitness were excluded, leaving 15 articles. Of the articles selected and retrieved in full, all were published between 2002 and 2015. One article was a case control study; two were longitudinal studies, two were randomized studies; and 10 were cross-sectional studies. A total of 1368 children, adolescents, adults and elderly subjects were involved in combat sports and had bone evaluation by imaging. Factors such as calorie intake, calcium and/or vitamin D, intensity and volume of the exercise, hormonal aspects as bone markers, and characteristics of menopause are not conclusive in relation to bone mass, and further studies are needed. Conclusion The practice of combat sports shows a significant improvement in bone mass at all ages. Level of Evidence III, Therapeutic study – Investigation of treatment results.

Comparison of the effects of three oral bisphosphonate therapies on the peripheral skeleton in postmenopausal osteoporosis: the TRIO study

We compared the effects of oral alendronate, ibandronate and risedronate on the central and peripheral skeleton over 2 years. We report differences in effect on the central skeleton but not on the peripheral skeleton. Greater effects were observed for ibandronate (and alendronate) than risedronate at the spine but not the hip.

INTRODUCTION

Generally, comparative clinical trials of bisphosphonates have examined changes in bone within central skeletal regions. We have examined the effects of bisphosphonate treatment on the peripheral skeleton.

METHODS

We conducted a 2-year, open-label, parallel randomised control trial of three orally administered bisphosphonates, at their licensed dose, to examine and compare their effects on the peripheral skeleton using multiple modes of measurement. We studied 172 postmenopausal women (53-84 years) who had either a bone mineral density (BMD) T-score of  ≤ -2.5 at the spine and/or total hip or  < -1.0 at either site plus a previous low trauma fracture. Participants were randomised to receive either (i) ibandronate 150 mg/month, (ii) alendronate 70 mg/week or (iii) risedronate 35 mg/week, plus calcium (1,200 mg/day) and vitamin D (800 IU/day), for 2 years. Premenopausal women (33-40 years, n = 226) were studied to monitor device stability.

RESULTS

We measured central BMD of the lumbar spine, total hip, total body and forearm using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We measured calcaneus BMD (using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry plus laser), radius and tibia BMD (using peripheral quantitative computed tomography), finger BMD (using radiographic absorptiometry), and phalangeal and calcaneal ultrasound variables (using quantitative ultrasound). Mixed effects regression models were used to evaluate effects of time and treatment allocation on BMD change. By 2 years, there were significant increases (p < 0.05) in central BMD sites (lumbar spine, total hip). In the peripheral skeleton, only significant changes in calcaneus BMD, 33 % total radius BMD and quantitative ultrasound (QUS)-2 broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) were evident for women receiving oral bisphosphonates.

CONCLUSIONS

The increases in lumbar spine and total body BMD were greater with ibandronate and alendronate than with risedronate. Treatment effects on peripheral measurements did not differ between the three bisphosphonates.

Considerações sobre custo-benefício nas políticas de saúde: tratamento curativo versus o preventivo da osteoporose

A partir da década de 1990 vários paradigmas da prática médica foram sendo modificados, o que levou ao desenvolvimento de novas abordagens médicas, mais eficientes e eficazes. O conhecimento da osteoporose passa por modificações: antes correlacionava redução de massa óssea à elevação do risco de fratura e direcionava o diagnóstico somente a indivíduos idosos; posteriormente, baseia-se em um modelo que privilegia a observação simultânea das duas matrizes ósseas: protéica ou verdadeira e a inorgânica ou secundária, desde tenra idade. Os dois modelos se distinguem basicamente por uma abordagem curativa, que diagnostica o quadro de osteoporose já instalado e adota práticas posteriores ao mal e, de outro lado, por uma abordagem preventiva, que visa evitar que o mal se instale. Dessa forma, com o objetivo de avaliar a relação custo-benefício e custo-efetiva do tratamento curativo versus o preventivo da osteoporose nas políticas públicas de saúde, foi realizada uma pesquisa comparativa dos pacientes atendidos no HCFMRP-USP entre 2007-2009. A partir dos dados obtidos foi efetuada a análise dos custos incorridos versus os benefícios auferidos. Os resultados da pesquisa consideram a abordagem preventiva da osteoporose viável economicamente, por meio do rastreamento da microarquitetura óssea. Nesse sentido, além das evidências econômicas, o estudo permitiu analisar a importância da aplicação de um novo paradigma da osteoporose nas políticas públicas de saúde, a fim de alcançar a melhoria das condições de vida e bem-estar da população.

Performance of quantitative ultrasound measurements of bone for monitoring raloxifene therapy

Raloxifene increases bone mineral density (BMD) and decreases vertebral fracture risk; the effects on quantitative ultrasound (QUS) variables, however, have been less well studied. We aimed to further evaluate the effectiveness of QUS for monitoring raloxifene treatment and withdrawal effects. Osteopenic, postmenopausal women (age=50-80 yr, n=125), who completed a 96-wk study (phase A) evaluating treatment compliance or monitoring, were invited to participate in a 96-wk raloxifene withdrawal study (phase B). Those originally receiving treatment were then randomized to continue on raloxifene (60 mg/d)+calcium (500 mg/d) (n=23) or to discontinue raloxifene and take placebo+calcium (500 mg/d) (n=23). Previously untreated women remained untreated (n=12). Yearly QUS and BMD measurements were performed. At the end of phase A, lumbar spine BMD (p=0.005), amplitude-dependent speed of sound (Ad-SoS) (p=0.006) and average SoS (p=0.040) decreased in untreated women but remained stable in treated women. Significant changes in Ad-SoS and ultrasonic bone profiler index had occurred in treated women by the end of phase B (p<0.01). All variables, except bone transmission time, were higher for those receiving any raloxifene treatment (p<0.05). Until further knowledge has been acquired, QUS measurement variables should only be used in conjunction with BMD when assessing changes in bone because of raloxifene therapy.

Quantitative ultrasound in osteoporosis and bone metabolism pathologies

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) has been introduced in the medical field for the study of bone tissue to identify changes in the tissue that could suggest the presence of osteoporosis and bone fragility. The ultrasound technique is simple, versatile, and its low cost and lack of ionizing radiation have led to the diffusion of this method worldwide. The present article is an overview of the most relevant developments in the field of quantitative ultrasound, in clinical and experimental settings. The advantages and limitations of the present technique and suggestions for its use in the clinical practice are reported.

Cortical thickness and medullary canal dimensions of the bone phalanx are predicted by quantitative ultrasound parameters

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters extracted from the analysis of the ultrasound (US) signal and the geometric properties of the bones. One hundred and one subjects in the age range of 20-7 4yr (mean: 52+/-12 yr) have been measured by QUS at the phalanges for the evaluation of amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS), bone transmission time (BTT), US peak amplitude (UPA), signal dynamic (SDY), slope, energy, and fast wave amplitude (FWA). Hand radiograph, lumbar spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and femoral neck DXA forearm peripheral QCT were performed on all patients. BTT is related to cortical thickness (CTh) (r=0.62, p<0.0001), and FWA is related to medullary canal thickness (r=-0.64, p<0.0001). Other parameters are related to both medullary canal thickness (AD-SoS: r=-0.21; UPA: r=-0.53; SDY: r=-0.56; slope: r=-0.64; energy: r=-0.44, p<0.05) and CTh (AD-SoS: r=0.54, p<0.0001; UPA: r=0.51; SDY: r=0.38; slope: r=0.32; energy: r=0.56, p<0.001). Linear multivariate models indicate that BTT, UPA, and energy measured at the phalanges carry independent information on CTh of the bone, whereas FWA, SDY, and slope are related only to medullary canal thickness.

Genistein effects on quantitative ultrasound parameters and bone mineral density in osteopenic postmenopausal women

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of genistein (54 mg/die) on calcaneus and phalanges ultrasound (QUS) parameters and bone mineral density in osteopenic postmenopausal women. We concluded that genistein prevented bone loss in the osteopenic postmenopausal women and improves QUS parameters at the calcaneus and phalanges.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of genistein (54 mg/die) on quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters of the calcaneus and hand phalange and on bone mineral density (BMD) in osteopenic postmenopausal women.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-eight women (age 49-67 years) were assigned to receive genistein or placebo. Bone status was assessed by measuring the anteroposterior lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and by ultrasound of the calcaneus (Achilles Plus, GE, Lunar) and of the phalanges (Bone Profiler. IGEA) at baseline and after a 1- and 2-year treatment.

RESULTS

At the end of the experimental period, genistein had significantly increased BMD in the femur and lumbar spine (p < 0.001). The stiffness index, amplitude-dependent speed of sound, and bone transmission time in the genistein group had increased significantly at the end of study (+5.3, p < 0.001; +3.6%, p < 0.001; +4.6, p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that genistein prevented bone loss in the osteopenic postmenopausal women and it improves the QUS parameters.

Performance of five phalangeal QUS parameters in the evaluation of gonadal-status, age and vertebral fracture risk compared with DXA

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to study the value of five different quantified ultrasound (QUS) parameters-amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS), Ultrasound Bone Profile Index (UBPI), fast-wave amplitude (FWA), bone transmission time (BTT) and signal dynamic (SDY)-measured at the phalanges of the hand in discriminating women with vertebral fracture and their relationship with some determinants of bone mass, in particular age and gonadal status compared with lumbar spine and hip dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We included 791 women aged 35-84 y, divided into pre-menopause, early menopause and late postmenopause groups on the basis of gonadal status and years since menopause (YSM). The presence of vertebral fracture was evaluated radiographically. All QUS parameters were very sensitive to changes in early postmenopause, with a doubled decrease in early postmenopausal with respect to late postmenopause. In particular AD-SoS and BTT decreases were markedly high in the early postmenopause group. In the late menopause group, similar decreases were observed for AD-SoS, UBPI and hip bone mineral density (BMD). In the multiple logistic model, DXA and QUS significantly discriminate women with and without fractures (p < 0.0001); odds ratio (OR) was higher at lumbar spine BMD (OR 4.01), FWA (OR 3.88), AD-SoS (OR 3.81) and total hip BMD (OR 3.77). Even adjusting the logistic model for age, height, weight, lumbar spine and total hip BMD, all QUS parameters remained significantly predictive of vertebral fracture. AD-SoS showed the best performances both in terms of OR and ROC analysis. QUS parameters show a different behavior in evaluating the effect on bone mass of the time since menopause; AD-SoS and BTT showed a high sensitivity to first changes in bone tissue after menopause. After correction for potential confounders, AD-SoS showed the same ability of lumbar spine BMD in discriminating women with or without vertebral fractures and in the prediction of fracture risk.

Quantitative ultrasound in the assessment of skeletal status

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a non-invasive technique for the investigation of bone tissue in several pathologies and clinical conditions, especially in the field of osteoporosis. The versatility of the technique, its low cost and lack of ionising radiation have led to the diffusion of this method worldwide. Several studies have been conducted in the last years to investigate the potential of QUS in multiple areas with promising results; the technique has been applied in the prediction of osteoporotic fractures, in monitoring therapies, in the investigation of secondary osteoporosis, in paediatrics, neonatology and genetics. Our review article gives an overview of the most relevant developments in the field of quantitative ultrasound, both in clinical and in experimental settings.

Quantitative heel ultrasonography, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and urine amino-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen in patients with a recent hip fracture

OBJECTIVE

This study examined quantitative heel ultrasonography (QUS), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels, and urine amino-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX-I) levels in patients with a recent osteoporotic hip fracture to see whether they were clinically useful.

METHODS

Stiffness index (SI) T scores from QUS, 25-OHD levels, and urine NTX-I levels were obtained in 53 female and 32 male patients with hip fractures. Sixty-five female patients and 5 male patients attending our geriatric clinic were used for comparison.

RESULTS

The SI T scores of the hip fracture patients were less than those of the geriatric clinic patients. The difference was significant in female patients (P= .0001) but not in male patients (P= .1). Serum levels of 25-OHD were less than 28 ng/mL in 50 of 59 patients and less than 5 ng/mL in 2 patients. Levels of urine NTX-I were variable and were not correlated with other parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who have had a hip fracture have a low SI determined by QUS; this is easy to perform, and it provides a baseline T score from which to assess treatment effects. Most of these patients are vitamin D deficient, and measurement of the 25-OHD level would enable physicians to prescribe an appropriate dose of vitamin D. Urine NTX-I measured shortly after a hip fracture is not clinically helpful.

Quantitative ultrasound at the phalanges in monitoring alendronate therapy

This study evaluated the efficacy of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at the phalanges in monitoring alendronate treatment. Seventy-nine postmenopausal women were enrolled: 46 subjects entered therapy with alendronate, the remaining 33 did not follow any therapeutic regimen. All subjects underwent phalangeal ultrasound measurement before starting treatment and after 12 mo. Two QUS parameters were measured: AD-SoS (Amplitude Dependent Speed of Sound) in m/s, and BTT (Bone Transmission Time) in micros. Mean age of subjects at the beginning of the study was 58.7 +/- 6.5 y, mean BMI was 26.6 +/- 4.4 kg/m(2), mean time since menopause was 6.7 +/- 5.0 y; no significant differences could be observed between the groups (p > 0.05). At 12-mo follow-up a significant increase of both QUS parameters was observed: +18.8 +/- 24.4 m/s for AD-SoS, p < 0.0001; +0.05 +/- 0.08 micros for BTT, p < 0.001. In the nontreated group AD-SoS was stable (+1.0 +/- 33.7 m/s), as well as BTT (-0.07 +/- 0.25 micros), p = n.s. for both. In the treated group the percentage of responders was 65.2% for AD-SoS and 50.0% for BTT. The percentage of non responders was 13% for AD-SoS and 15.2% for BTT. The results confirm that the effect of alendronate treatment may be suggested by QUS at the phalanges after 12 mo of treatment.

Quantitative ultrasound in the management of osteoporosis: the 2007 ISCD Official Positions

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is commonly used in the care of patients for diagnostic classification of osteoporosis, low bone mass (osteopenia), or normal bone density; assessment of fracture risk; and monitoring changes in bone density over time. The development of other technologies for the evaluation of skeletal health has been associated with uncertainties regarding their applications in clinical practice. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS), a technology for measuring properties of bone at peripheral skeletal sites, is more portable and less expensive than DXA, without the use of ionizing radiation. The proliferation of QUS devices that are technologically diverse, measuring and reporting variable bone parameters in different ways, examining different skeletal sites, and having differing levels of validating data for association with DXA-measured bone density and fracture risk, has created many challenges in applying QUS for use in clinical practice. The International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) 2007 Position Development Conference (PDC) addressed clinical applications of QUS for fracture risk assessment, diagnosis of osteoporosis, treatment initiation, monitoring of treatment, and quality assurance/quality control. The ISCD Official Positions on QUS resulting from this PDC, the rationale for their establishment, and recommendations for further study are presented here.

Bone mineral density changes in gestational diabetic pregnancies-a longitudinal study using quantitative ultrasound measurements of the os calcis

To compare the maternal bone mineral density (BMD) changes in gestational diabetic and non-diabetic pregnancies using quantitative ultrasound measurements of the os calcis, BMD measurements were performed at the os calcis in early pregnancy before 20 weeks and in the late third trimester after 36 weeks, using a Hologic Sahara Clinical Bone Sonometer system. Random glucose screening and direct oral glucose tolerance testing were used to diagnose gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) according to World Health Organization criteria, which was then treated according to a standard protocol. In a cohort of 480 patients, there were 96 gestational diabetic patients (14 GDM and 82 with impaired glucose tolerance). The mean BMD loss was higher in diabetic patients compared with controls (0.038 vs. 0.025 g/cm2, p = 0.048). A regression model of all pregnancies showed that higher fat accumulation was related to lower BMD loss, but diabetic status was not in the equation. Within diabetic pregnancies, lower initial BMD values, higher fat accumulation and higher early-pregnancy body mass index were associated with lower BMD loss. While gestational diabetic women had higher BMD loss than non-diabetic women, this was apparently secondary to other anthropometric factors rather than due directly to the gestational diabetic state.

Seven-year follow-up in a case of primary hyperparathyroidism using quantitative ultrasound and dual X-ray absorptiometry

We have previously reported a case of a 36-year-old woman who was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism following initial skeletal abnormalities in the hand phalanges and calcaneus revealed by quantitative ultrasound (QUS). Successful parathyroid adenoma surgery resulted in progressive increase of bone mineral density and QUS parameters within 6 months, 1 year and 2 years of follow-up. Now, 5 years after the last measurement and at the onset of her menopause, the study was repeated. It has shown further increase in some ultrasonic and densitometric parameters but decrease in others. This discrepancy could be associated with the early influence of perimenopause on trabecular bone. Based on the current report one can conclude that peripheral QUS used on the hand phalanges and calcaneus is a useful tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of skeletal alterations due to parathyroid dysfunction. Moreover, it can detect early changes associated with perimenopause.

QUS in monitoring raloxifene and estrogen-progestogens: a 4-year longitudinal study

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of phalangeal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in monitoring the treatment with raloxifene or estrogen-progestogens in postmenopausal women attending an Italian Menopause Centre. Caucasian women (n = 268) were enrolled in the study and underwent annual check-ups between October 1998 and October 2004. All were measured with the IGEA DBM Sonic Bone Profiler (BP) at the startup of treatment and in the following years. Three groups were identified: subjects not receiving treatment (n = 144), subjects treated with raloxifene (n = 53) and subjects treated with estrogen-progestogens (n = 71). The three analyzed groups were similar for age, weight and menopausal age. A significant decrease in amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS) and Ultrasound Bone Profile Index (UBPI; p < 0.05) was observed in the nontreated group, whereas a positive effect in treated groups could be evidenced in the follow-up. In particular, a significant positive effect (p < 0.05) on AD-SoS corrected for age in the group treated with raloxifene has been observed, whereas in the group treated with estrogen-progestogens a nonsignificant positive effect on AD-SoS corrected for age was observed. The absolute AD-SoS value was maintained over the years of follow-up. The UBPI data show a slowing down of the bone loss in the treated groups, especially in the raloxifene group, in contrast with the significant decrease in the nontreated group. The result of this study shows the DBM Sonic Bone Profiler is an efficient device to monitor the effects of treatment, not only in the strict control settings of clinical trials, but also in clinical practice.

[Quantitative ultrasound]

Methods of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) can be used to obtain knowledge about bone fragility. Comprehensive study results exist showing the power of QUS for the estimation of osteoporotic fracture risk. Nevertheless, the variety of technologies, devices, and variables as well as different degrees of validation of the single devices have to be taken into account. Using methods to simulate ultrasound propagation, the complex interaction between ultrasound and bone could be understood and the propagation could be visualized. Preceding widespread clinical use, it has to be clarified if patients with low QUS values will profit from therapy, as it has been shown for DXA. Moreover, the introduction of quality assurance measures is essential. The user should know the limitations of the methods and be able to interpret the results correctly. Applied in an adequate manner QUS methods could then, due to lower costs and absence of ionizing radiation, become important players in osteoporosis management.

Teriparatide's effects on quantitative ultrasound parameters and bone density in women with established osteoporosis

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of teriparatide [hPTH (1-34)] on quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters and bone mineral density (BMD) at the axial and appendicular (hand) skeleton in women with established osteoporosis who had been previously treated with antiresorptive drugs. Sixty postmenopausal women (age 71.1+/-6.8 years) were randomly assigned to either receive once-daily 20-mug subcutaneous teriparatide (n=30) or continue the antiresorptive treatment (n=30). At baseline and at 2-month intervals we measured QUS parameters at the calcaneus using the Achilles Plus (GE, Lunar), measuring speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and stiffness index; QUS parameters at the phalanxes using the Bone Profiler (IGEA), measuring amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS), bone transmission time (BTT), and fast wave amplitude (FWA); and BMD values at the right hand using dual x-ray absorptiometry. BMD at the lumbar spine, femur, and whole body were measured on a 6-monthly basis. After 1 year of teriparatide treatment, the changes in BMD were 7.1% at the lumbar spine, 2.6% at the femoral neck, -0.8% at the total hip, and -0.6% for the whole body. Teriparatide induced a significant and persistent decrease in BMD at the hand (-3.6% at month 6 and -2.7% at month 12). In the teriparatide group at month 12, AD-SoS was slightly increased (0.7%; not significant), whereas BTT significantly decreased (-16.4%, p<0.001) and FWA significantly increased (17.5%, p<0.001). The FWA/BTT ratio increased by 26.6% and 32.9% at months 6 and 12, respectively, in the teriparatide group and remained unchanged in the antiresorptive group. In women with established osteoporosis who had previously been treated with various antiresorptive drugs, 1 year of teriparatide treatment determined the expected increase in BMD at the axial skeleton and a significant and prolonged decrease in BMD at the hand. Moreover, teriparatide determined important changes in BTT and FWA, two parameters obtained from the analysis of ultrasonographic trace at the phalanxes, which could be considered in monitoring for the early effect of teriparatide on bone.