Diuretic drug use and the risk for hip fracture

Angiotensin II receptor blockers and bone fracture in chronic kidney disease patients: the Fukuoka kidney disease Registry Study

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) reportedly reduce the risk of developing bone fractures; however, this association remains unclear among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 3380 CKD patients enrolled in the Fukuoka Kidney disease Registry Study, a multicenter prospective observational cohort study of non-dialysis-dependent CKD patients. The patients were divided into two groups, those taking ARBs and those who were not. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between ARBs and bone fracture.

RESULTS

Approximately 67.0% of the participants were on ARBs, and 6.3% had a history of bone fracture. The history of bone fracture was significantly lower in patients with prescribed ARB and remained significant even after multivariable adjustment (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.93). Other antihypertensive drugs, such as thiazide diuretics, which were reportedly helpful in preventing fractures, did not alter the bone fracture history and did not change among ARB users and non-users.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that administering ARB was significantly associated with a lower frequency of bone fracture history.

Case report: Significant relief of linezolid-induced peripheral neuropathy in a pre-XDR-TB case after acupuncture treatment

The revised WHO guidelines on multidrug- or rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) include linezolid in the core drug group. Common adverse events of prolonged linezolid use are bone marrow suppression and peripheral neuropathy (PN). Available measures against linezolid-induced PN (LIPN) often have insignificant effects, leading to linezolid discontinuation and a decline in the success rate of MDR/RR-TB treatment. Acupuncture treatment is a symptomatic treatment measure from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to relieve pain with overall very low evidence and has never been reported in LIPN. The pilot use of acupuncture in a pre-extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-TB (a more severe form of MDR/RR-TB) patient exhibited significant improvements in LIPN and thus maintained linezolid in the regimen for a longer period.

Traditional and Non-traditional Risk Factors for Osteoporosis in CKD

Osteoporosis is a state of bone fragility with reduced skeletal resistance to trauma, and consequently increased risk of fracture. A wide range of conditions, including traditional risk factors, lifestyle choices, diseases and their treatments may contribute to bone fragility. It is therefore not surprising that the multi-morbid patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is at a particularly high risk. CKD is associated with reduced bone quantity, as well as impaired bone quality. Bone fragility in CKD is a composite of primary osteoporosis, accumulation of traditional and uremia-related risk factors, assaults brought on by systemic disease, and detrimental effects of drugs. Some risk factors are modifiable and represent potential targets for intervention. This review provides an overview of the heterogeneity of bone fragility in CKD.

Promoting bone health in children and adolescents following solid organ transplantation

Solid organ transplantation in children and adolescents provides many benefits through improving critical organ function, including better growth, development, cardiovascular status, and quality of life. Unfortunately, bone status may be adversely affected even when overall status is improving, due to issues with pre-existing bone disease as well as medications and nutritional challenges inherent post-transplantation. For all children and adolescents, bone status entering adulthood is a critical determinant of bone health through adulthood. The overall health and bone status of transplant recipients benefits from attention to regular physical activity, good nutrition, adequate calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and vitamin D intake and avoidance/minimization of soda, extra sodium, and obesity. Many immunosuppressive agents, especially glucocorticoids, can adversely affect bone function and development. Minimizing exposure to "bone-toxic" medications is an important part of promoting bone health in children post-transplantation. Existing guidelines detail how regular monitoring of bone status and biochemical markers can help detect bone abnormalities early and facilitate valuable bone-directed interventions. Attention to calcium and vitamin D supplementation, as well as tapering and withdrawing glucocorticoids as early as possible after transplant, can provide best bone outcomes for these children. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry can be useful to detect abnormal bone mass and fracture risk in this population and newer bone assessment methods are being evaluated in children at risk for poor bone outcomes. Newer bone therapies being explored in adults with transplants, particularly bisphosphonates and the RANKL inhibitor denosumab, may offer promise for children with low bone mass post-transplantation.

Clinical Risk Factors and Prognostic Impact of Osteoporosis in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

The clinical significance of osteoporosis in chronic heart failure (CHF) remains unclear.Methods and Results:A total of 303 CHF patients (75 years, [interquartile range (IQR) 66-82 years]; 41% female) were retrospectively examined. Bone mineral densities (BMDs) at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total femur were measured by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and osteoporosis was diagnosed when the BMD at any of the 3 sites was <70% of the Young Adult Mean percentage (%YAM). The prevalence of osteoporosis in CHF patients was 40%. Patients with osteoporosis were older (79 [IQR, 74-86] vs. 72 [IQR, 62-80] years), included a large percentage of females, had slower gait speed and had a lower body mass index. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that sex, BMI, gait speed, loop diuretics use and no use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were independently associated with osteoporosis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the rate of death and heart failure hospitalization was higher in patients with osteoporotic BMD at 2 or 3 sites than in patients without osteoporosis (hazard ratio 3.45, P<0.01). In multivariate Cox regression analyses, osteoporotic BMD at 2 or 3 sites was an independent predictor of adverse events after adjustment for prognostic markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Loop diuretics use and no DOACs use are independently associated with osteoporosis in CHF patients. Osteoporosis is a novel predictor of worse outcome in patients with CHF.

Medications as a Risk Factor for Fragility Hip Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Fragility hip fractures and their associated morbidity and mortality pose a global healthcare problem. Several pharmaceutical products have been postulated to alter bone architecture and contribute to fragility hip fractures. We searched four electronic databases from inception to September 2017. Inclusion criteria were the following: (1) adult patients with fragility hip fractures, (2) full text in English, (3) minimum one-year follow-up, and (4) reporting of at least one risk factor. To minimize heterogeneity among the studies, we performed subgroup analyses. Whenever heterogeneity remained significant, we employed random effect meta-analysis for data pooling. Thirty-eight studies were included, containing 1,244,155 subjects and 188,966 cases of fragility hip fractures. Following medications were significantly associated with fragility hip fractures: Antidepressants (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.98-2.17), antiparkinsonian drugs (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.15-4.24), antipsychotic drugs (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.50-2.66), anxiolytic drugs (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.19-1.75), benzodiazepines (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.26-2.69), sedatives (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.14-1.54), systemic corticosteroids (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.37-1.99), H₂ antagonists (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.18-1.24), proton pump inhibitors (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.16-1.71), and thyroid hormone (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.13-1.47). Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen (HRT) was associated with decreased risk of hip fracture (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65-0.98). There are several medications associated with sustaining a fragility hip fracture. Medical interventions should be considered for patients on these medications, including information about osteoporosis and fracture prevention.

History, epidemiology and prevalence of neonatal bone mineral metabolic disorders

The evolutionary patterns of human migration and historical pre/post-industrial revolution have changed the face of bone metabolic disease through past centuries. Cultural, religious, and lifestyle practices continue to alter nutritional recommendations for this expanding diagnosis. Likewise, modern advancements in the field of neonatology and, more specifically, aggressive nutritional management of premature infants have shaped the epidemiology of neonatal bone metabolism over the past two decades. Decreased use of long-term parenteral nutrition, early fortification of enteral nutrition, and stringent American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) practice guidelines instituting early supplementation of vitamin D have attributed to improved bone mineralization outcomes in both term and preterm infants. Nevertheless, neonatal bone mineral metabolic disorders remain prevalent. In this review, we provide an in-depth look at the diagnoses, therapeutics, and subset populations-both genetic and non-genetic-affected by neonatal bone mineral metabolic disorders.

Thiazide Use and Fracture Risk: An updated Bayesian Meta-Analysis

The association between thiazide use and fracture risk is still controversial. We conducted an updated meta-analysis on the association between thiazide use and fracture risk. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases for all types of human studies, including observational and experimental studies that were published up until July 2019. We also manually searched the reference lists of relevant studies. The pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% credible interval (CrI) were calculated using a Bayesian hierarchical random effect model. A total of 19 case-control (N = 496,568 subjects) and 21 cohort studies (N = 4,418,602 subjects) were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled RR for fractures associated with thiazide use was 0.87 (95% CrI: 0.70–0.99) in case-control and 0.95 (95% CrI: 0.85–1.08) in cohort studies. The probabilities that thiazide use reduces any fracture risk by more than 0% were 93% in case-control studies and 72% in cohort studies. Significant heterogeneity was found for both case-control (p < 0.001, I² = 75%) and cohort studies (p < 0.001, I² = 97.2%). Thiazide use was associated with reduced fracture risk in case-control studies, but not in cohort studies. The associations demonstrated in case-control studies might be driven by inherent biases, such as selection bias and recall bias. Thus, thiazide use may not be a protective factor for fractures.

Prematurity Does Not Increase Early Childhood Fracture Risk

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of prematurity on fracture by age 5, controlling for medications and comorbidities of prematurity.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort study of infants born in Military Treatment Facilities in 2009-2010 with ≥5 years of follow-up care. Gestational age, low birth weight, comorbidities of prematurity (osteopenia, necrotizing enterocolitis, chronic lung disease, and cholestasis) and fractures were identified by International Classification of Disease, 9th Edition, codes. Pharmaceutical records identified treatment with caffeine, diuretics, postnatal corticosteroids, and antacids. Poisson regression analysis determined fracture rate by 5 years of life.

RESULTS

There were 65 938 infants born in 2009-2010 who received care in the military health system for ≥5 years, including 3589 born preterm; 165 born at ≤28^6/7 weeks of gestation, 380 born at 29-31^6/7 weeks of gestation, and 3044 born at 32-36^6/7 weeks of gestation. Preterm birth at any gestational age was not associated with fracture rate in adjusted models. The fracture rate was increased with cholestasis, proton pump inhibitor exposure, and male sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Prematurity was not associated with fracture rate. Neonatal cholestasis and proton pump inhibitor treatment were associated with increased fractures by age 5.

Increased Fracture Risk with Furosemide Use in Children with Congenital Heart Disease

OBJECTIVES

To determine the association of furosemide therapy with the incidence of bone fractures in children with congenital heart disease.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study with data extracted from the 2008-2014 Texas Medicaid databases. Pediatric patients aged <12 years diagnosed with congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, or heart failure were included. Patients taking furosemide were categorized into a furosemide-adherent group (medication possession ratio of ≥70%), and a furosemide-nonadherent group (medication possession ratio of <70%). A third group of patients was matched to the furosemide user groups by using propensity score matching. A multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard model with a Kaplan-Meier plot (time-to-fracture) were used to compare the 3 groups, controlling for baseline demographics and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

After matching, 3912 patients (furosemide adherent, n = 254; furosemide nonadherent, n = 724; no furosemide, n = 2934) were identified. The incidence of fractures was highest for the furosemide-adherent group (9.1%; 23 of 254), followed by the furosemide-nonadherent group (7.2%; 52 of 724), which were both higher than for patients who did not receive furosemide (5.0%; 148 of 2934) (P < .001). Using logistic regression, both furosemide groups were more likely to have fractures than the no furosemide group: furosemide-adherent OR of 1.9 (95% CI, 1.17-2.98; P = .009); furosemide nonadherent OR of 1.5 (95% CI, 1.10-2.14; P = .01). In the Cox proportional hazard model, the risk of fractures for the furosemide-adherent group was significantly higher compared with the no furosemide group (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.00-2.42; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Furosemide therapy, even with nonconsistent dosing, was associated with an increased risk of bone fractures in children with congenital heart disease.

Evidence of Drug-Nutrient Interactions with Chronic Use of Commonly Prescribed Medications: An Update

The long-term use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs can induce subclinical and clinically relevant micronutrient deficiencies, which may develop gradually over months or even years. Given the large number of medications currently available, the number of research studies examining potential drug-nutrient interactions is quite limited. A comprehensive, updated review of the potential drug-nutrient interactions with chronic use of the most often prescribed medications for commonly diagnosed conditions among the general U.S. adult population is presented. For the majority of the interactions described in this paper, more high-quality intervention trials are needed to better understand their clinical importance and potential consequences. A number of these studies have identified potential risk factors that may make certain populations more susceptible, but guidelines on how to best manage and/or prevent drug-induced nutrient inadequacies are lacking. Although widespread supplementation is not currently recommended, it is important to ensure at-risk patients reach their recommended intakes for vitamins and minerals. In conjunction with an overall healthy diet, appropriate dietary supplementation may be a practical and efficacious way to maintain or improve micronutrient status in patients at risk of deficiencies, such as those taking medications known to compromise nutritional status. The summary evidence presented in this review will help inform future research efforts and, ultimately, guide recommendations for patient care.

Thiazides in the management of hypertension in older adults - a systematic review

Background

Thiazides are commonly prescribed to older people for the management of hypertension. The objective of this study was to identify the evidence on the risks and benefits of their use among adults aged ≥65 years and to develop recommendations to reduce potentially inappropriate use.

Methods

Systematic review (SR) of the literature covering six databases. We applied a staged search approach, where each search was undertaken only if the previous one did not yield high quality results. Searches 1 and 2 identified relevant SRs and meta-analyses published up to December 2015 from all databases. Search 3 identified additional individual interventional studies (IS) and observational studies (OS) not identified by the preceding searches. We included all studies evaluating the effect of thiazides on patient-relevant outcomes in the management of hypertension with a sufficient number of participants aged ≥65 years or a subgroup analysis based on age. Two independent reviewers extracted data and carried out quality appraisal. Recommendations were developed using the GRADE methodology.

Results

Searches 1 to 3 were performed. We included 34 articles reporting on 12 IS and 4 OS. Mean ages ranged from 59 to 83.8 years. Four studies had performed a subgroup analysis by age. Information on comorbidity, polypharmacy and frailty of the participants was scarce or not available. The IS compared thiazides to placebo or other antihypertensive drugs and evaluated cardiovascular endpoints or all-cause-mortality as primary outcomes. The OS investigated the association between thiazide use and the risk of gout, fractures and adverse effects. Our results suggest that thiazides are efficacious in preventing cardiovascular events for this population group. Low-dose regimens of thiazides may be safer than high-dose (low quality of evidence), and a history of gout may increase the risk of adverse events (low quality of evidence). Three recommendations were developed.

Conclusions

The use of low dose treatment with thiazides for the management of hypertension in adults aged 65 and older seems justified, unless a history of gout is present. The quality of the evidence is low and studies rarely describe characteristics of the participants such as polypharmacy and frailty. Further good quality studies are needed.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12877-017-0576-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Hyponatremia, a risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures in women

SUMMARY

Hyponatremia has been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. We found an increased hazard ratio of major osteoporotic fractures adjusted for potential confounders, including osteoporosis and medication. A reduced BMD was not sufficiently explaining the association. Our data indicate that hyponatremia should be considered a risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in clinical practice and could be a risk factor for both osteoporosis and fractures. Mild hyponatremia has traditionally been regarded as a benign and asymptomatic condition; however, data from large population and animal studies have led to a reappraisal of this view. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of hyponatremia with osteoporosis and major osteoporotic fractures (MOF) in women.

METHODS

This is a historical cohort study with fracture follow-up. The study consisted of 5610 patients with available serum sodium and a bone density measurement. Information on potential risk factor was obtained through a questionnaire. Additional information on medication, comorbidities, and fractures was obtained through national registries.

RESULTS

Hyponatremia was associated with significant lower T-scores at total hip and a borderline significant lower T-score at femoral neck in the multivariate analysis. No association was found between hyponatremia and the lumbar spine T-score. Hyponatremia was associated with an increased hazard ratio of sustaining a MOF in the period from 6 months prior to 12 months after serum sodium measurement. Finally, data showed a relationship with increasing serum sodium and an increasing T-score estimate and a decreasing hazard ratio of MOF.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that hyponatremia in women increases the risk of osteoporosis and MOF. The increased risk of MOF was independent of osteoporosis.

Association between loop diuretic use and fracture risk

SUMMARY

Loop diuretic use has been shown to be associated with an increased fracture risk, but the findings have been inconsistent. The present meta-analysis suggests that loop diuretics show a significant positive association with the overall risk of total fractures and, specifically, hip fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Despite being widely used, there is limited, prospective randomized trial evidence regarding the skeletal effects of loop diuretics. Previous observational studies have reported conflicting findings regarding the association between loop diuretic use and the risk of fractures.

METHODS

This meta-analysis of observational studies assessed the association between loop diuretic use and the risk of fractures. The PubMed, EMBASE, and OVID databases were searched for prospective cohort and case-control studies. Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived using random-effects models throughout the analysis.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies (4 cohort studies and 9 case-control studies) were included, involving 842,644 participants and 108,247 fracture cases. Compared with non-users, people who had taken loop diuretics had an approximately 15% higher risk of total fractures (95% CI, 1.04-1.26; p<0.01), with high heterogeneity between studies (I2=80.5%; p<0.01). The RR was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.08-1.19) for hip fractures and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.93-1.05) for lower arm or wrist fractures. The RR was 1.05 (95% CI, 1.00-1.11) in prospective cohort studies and 1.22 (95% CI, 1.00-1.44) in case-control studies. There was no evidence of publication bias.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that loop diuretics show a significant positive association with the overall risk of total fractures and hip fractures.

Adverse skeletal effects of drugs - beyond Glucocorticoids

Osteoporotic fractures are an important public health problem with significant individual and societal costs. In addition to the major risk factors for osteoporotic fracture, low bone mineral density (BMD), age, low body weight and history of fracture or falls, some drugs are now considered to be important secondary risk factor for bone loss and fracture, particularly amongst predisposed individuals. Currently available data are often generated from small observational clinical studies, making risk assessment and development of management guidelines difficult. In many cases, the exposed population has a low baseline risk for fracture and additional assessment and treatment may not be necessary. In this review, we focus on drugs other than glucocorticoids identified as potentially causing adverse skeletal effects, summarizing the existing evidence from preclinical and clinical studies, and suggest recommendations for patient management.

Diuretic initiation and the acute risk of hip fracture

SUMMARY

We found the risk of hip fracture was transiently elevated around twofold shortly after initiation of a loop or thiazide diuretic drug in a case-crossover and case-control study. No statistical association was found following the initiation of a comparator medication: ACE inhibitors. Awareness of these short-term risks may reduce hip fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about the acute effects of initiating a diuretic drug on risk of fracture. We evaluated the relationship between initiating a diuretic drug and the occurrence of hip fracture.

METHODS

The study sample included 2,118,793 persons aged ≥50 years enrolled in The Health Improvement Network (THIN) between 1986 and 2010. The effect of a new start of a diuretic drug or comparator medication (ACE inhibitor) on risk of hip fracture was assessed using a case-crossover and case-control study during the 1-7, 8-14, 15-21, and 22-28 days following drug initiation.

RESULTS

Included were 28,703 individuals with an incident hip fracture over a mean of 7.9 years follow-up. In the case-crossover study, the risk of experiencing a hip fracture was increased during the first 7 days following loop diuretic drug initiation (OR = 1.8; 95 % CI, 1.2, 2.7). The elevated risk did not continue during the 8-14, 15-21, or 22-28 days following drug initiation. For thiazide diuretics, the risk of hip fracture was elevated 8-14 days after drug initiation (OR = 2.2; 95 % CI, 1.2, 3.9). No such association was observed in the 1-7, 15-21, or 22-28 days following thiazide drug initiation. ACE inhibitor initiation was not associated with a statistically significant increased risk of hip fracture. Similar results were observed using a case-control study.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of hip fracture was transiently elevated around twofold shortly after the new start of a loop or thiazide diuretic drug. Awareness of these short-term risks may reduce hip fractures and other injurious falls in vulnerable adults.

Association of hypertension and bone mineral density in an elderly African American female population

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that hypertension is inversely correlated with bone mineral density (BMD) as determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometery (DXA) in different ethnic groups. But in most published studies, either the sample size was small or the study was limited by different measurement methods. These limitations leave this association controversial and inconclusive. The current study utilizes a sample of African American females referred for clinical screening of osteoporosis in our center to find out if any association of high blood pressure and BMD in this ethnic group exists. The secondary endpoint was to determine the effect of thiazide diuretics on BMD of the elderly African American females because, theoretically, thiazides are considered to have a positive impact on BMD.

METHODS

In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, 10 years of data were reviewed from 1113 medical records of African American females aged 65 years and older whose BMD values were measured by DXA at the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and both femoral necks (the standard sites for BMD determination) along with their T scores and Z scores (used to determine osteopenia vs osteoporosis). Our exclusion criteria included patients who: (1) were current smokers, (2) had a previous oophorectomy, (3) had a history of corticosteroid use, (4) had a history of biphosphonate use, (5) were on hormone replacement therapy, and (6) were diabetic and taking either pioglitazones or roziglitazones. A total of 148 patients were excluded from the analysis due to either incomplete data or exclusion criteria. The remaining sample was then divided into 2 groups based on their hypertensive status. For the subanalysis, the hypertensive group was further divided into 2 additional groups based on their thiazide usage.

RESULTS

We had complete data on 965 participants, of which 631 (65.3%) had a history of hypertension and 334 (34.7%) did not. Out of 631 hypertensive patients, 173 were found to be using thiazide diuretics as antihypertensive medication, while 458 were without thiazide diurectic use. The proportion of patients with both osteopenia and osteoporosis was similar in those with and without hypertension (50% vs 50%, p = .95 for osteopenia; 18% vs 19%, p = .95 for osteoporosis). There was no significant difference between the BMD at the lumbar spine, and right and left femoral necks between patients with and without hypertension. This lack of association held true when comparing the mean T scores and Z scores at the above sites. Within patients with a history of hypertension, there were no significant differences in the BMD, T score or Z score at any site with and without a history of thiazide diuretic use.

CONCLUSION

Hypertension in elderly African American females aged at least 65 years was not found to be correlated with low BMD at either the lumbar spine (L1-L4) or both femoral necks when confounding factors were taken into consideration. Mean BMD of the hypertensive cohort taking thiazide diuretics was found lower at the lumbar spine as compared to the hypertensive patients not taking thiazide diuretics.

Heart drugs that affect bone

There have been important developments in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of osteoporosis, and several of these mechanisms also underlie atherosclerosis. Drugs given to treat cardiovascular disease may impact on bone health in either a beneficial or a harmful way. There is evidence that nitrates are beneficial to bone, but evidence for the benefit of statins, thiazide diuretics, and β-blockers is weaker. By contrast, it is likely to be that some drugs such as loop-acting diuretics are harmful to bone, whereas evidence for harm caused by drugs such as warfarin is weaker. These observations point towards opportunities for new drug development for bone diseases, and possibly the development of treatments that will benefit more than one disease.

Thiazide diuretics and the risk of hip fracture

BACKGROUND

Thiazide diuretics are one of the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive agents worldwide. Thiazides reduce urinary calcium excretion. Chronic ingestion of thiazides is associated with higher bone mineral density. It has been suggested that thiazides may prevent hip fracture. However, there are concerns that diuretics, by increasing the risk of fall in elderly, could potentially negate its beneficial effects on hip fracture.

OBJECTIVES

To assess any association between the use of thiazide diuretics and the risk of hip fracture in adults.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched eligible studies up to December 2008 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, the Database of Abstracts of Review of Effects (DARE) and reference lists of previous reviews and included studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomized controlled trials and observational studies, which assessed the association between thiazide diuretic use and hip fracture.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently applied the selection criteria, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of each study selected.  The results were summarized descriptively and quantitatively. Cohort studies and case control studies were analysed separately.

MAIN RESULTS

No randomized control trials were found. Twenty-one observational studies with nearly four hundred thousand participants were included. Six of them were cohort studies and 15 were case-control studies. Two cohort studies appear to involve the same cohort so there were only 5 unique ones. The risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Five cohort studies had low risk of bias and one had moderate risk of bias. Seven case control studies had low risk of bias and 8 had moderate risk of bias. Meta-analysis of cohort studies showed that thiazide use was associated with a reduction in risk of hip fracture by 24%, pooled RR 0.76 (95% CI 0.64-0.89; p = 0.0009). We chose not to provide a pooled summary statistics for case-control studies because of high heterogeneity (Tau(2) = 0.03, I(2) = 62%, p = 0.0008).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Thiazides appear to reduce the risk of hip fracture based on observational studies. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.  

Diuretic dose and long-term outcomes in elderly patients with heart failure after hospitalization

BACKGROUND

The array of outcomes according to longitudinal furosemide doses in heart failure (HF) have not been evaluated. We examined the relationship of dynamic furosemide dose with mortality and hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease and renal dysfunction.

METHODS

Among elderly patients with HF (>or=65 years) newly discharged from hospital, dynamic furosemide exposure was determined by examining dose fluctuations up to 5 years of follow-up using the Ontario Drug Benefit pharmacare database. Dynamic furosemide exposures were classified as low dose (LD; 1-59 mg/d), medium dose (MD; 60-119 mg/d), or high dose (HD; >or=120 mg/d). Outcomes were assessed by modeling furosemide exposure as a time-dependent covariate.

RESULTS

Among 4,406 patients (78.4 +/- 7.0 years; 50.5% male), 46% changed furosemide dose categories within 1 year, and 63% changed dose categories over the follow-up period. High-dose furosemide patients were younger, were mostly male, and exhibited more ischemic or valvular disease, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, hypotension, hyponatremia, and higher baseline creatinine than LD. Compared with LD, MD exposure was associated with increased mortality with adjusted hazard ratio 1.96 (95% CI 1.79-2.15), whereas HD exposure conferred greater mortality risk with hazard ratio 3.00 (95% CI 2.72-3.31) after multiple covariate adjustment (both P < .001). Adjusted risks of hospitalization for HF (MD: 1.24 [95% CI 1.12-1.38] and HD: 1.43 [95% CI 1.26-1.63]), renal dysfunction (MD: 1.56 [95% CI 1.38-1.76] and HD: 2.16 [95% CI 1.88-2.49]), and arrhythmias (MD: 1.15 [95% CI 1.03-1.30] and HD: 1.45 [95% CI 1.27-1.66]) were also higher with increasing furosemide exposure.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to higher furosemide doses is associated with worsened outcomes and is broadly predictive of death and morbidity.

Drug-induced osteoporosis in the older adult

The elderly population is at risk for polypharmacy and, therefore, also at risk for drug-induced osteoporosis (DIOP). Epidemiologic studies provide valuable information about medications that may place patients at risk for DIOP. While glucocorticoids are the most common cause of DIOP, the use of several other therapeutic agents can place patients at risk for significant bone loss and fracture. These medications include, but are not limited to, aromatase inhibitors, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, thyroid replacement therapy, antiepileptics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, lithium, gastric acid lowering agents, thiazolidinediones, loop diuretics, heparins and warfarin, vitamin A and cyclosporine. This article provides information about their mechanism of action, studies that have evaluated these agents in DIOP and prevention and treatment strategies.

Use of diuretics and risk of implant failure after primary total hip arthroplasty: a nationwide population-based study

INTRODUCTION

Thiazid and loop diuretics have been associated with changes in bone mineral density and fracture risk. However, data on survival of prosthesis implants are lacking. We evaluated the association between diuretic use and the risk of revision after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a nationwide population-based case-control study using medical databases in Denmark. In the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Registry, we identified 2491 cases that were revised after primary THA in the period 1995-2005 and who could be matched on age, gender and year of primary operation with 4943 non-revised THA controls. By means of conditional logistic regression, we estimated the relative risk (RR) of revision due to all causes and due to specific causes according to postoperative use of thiazid and loop diuretic, respectively.

RESULTS

The 10-year cumulated implant revision rate in the underlying cohort of 57,575 THA procedures from the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Registry was 8.9% (95% CI: 8.4-9.4). Postoperative thiazid diuretic use was not associated with neither the overall risk of revision nor revision due to specific causes compared to non-use. Postoperative loop diuretic use was associated with an adjusted RR of revision of 1.14 (95% CI; 0.98-1.32) compared with non-use. The adjusted RR of revision due to deep infection and periprosthetic fracture in loop diuretic users was 1.71 (1.15-2.55) and 6.39 (1.84-22.21), respectively. Loop diuretic use was not associated with risk of revision due to aseptic loosening, dislocation or miscellaneous causes.

DISCUSSION

Loop diuretics but not thiazides may be associated with an increased risk of revision following primary THA. Further studies are warranted in order to confirm this finding and clarify the nature of the association.

Loop diuretic use and rates of hip bone loss and risk of falls and fractures in older women

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether loop diuretic use is associated with hip bone loss and greater risk of falls and fractures in older women.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study from August 1992 to April 2004.

SETTING

Four regions in the United States from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF).

PARTICIPANTS

Women aged 65 and older (N=8,127) with medication use data who participated in the fourth SOF examination, from which three study cohorts were derived.

MEASUREMENTS

Bone mineral density (BMD) of the total hip assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the fourth and sixth examinations (n=2,980); recurrent (> or =2) falls in the year after the fourth examination (n=6,244); and incident fracture, including nonspine (n=6,778) and hip fracture (n=7,272).

RESULTS

After multivariable adjustment, loop diuretic users had greater loss of total hip BMD than nonusers (mean annualized % BMD -0.87 vs -0.71, P=.03) after a mean of 4.4+/-0.6 years. The risks of recurrent falls (odds ratio=0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.71-1.39), nonspine (relative risk (RR)=1.04, 95% CI=0.90-1.21), and hip fracture (RR=1.03, 95% CI=0.81-1.31) were not greater in loop diuretic users than in nonusers.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort of older women, loop diuretic use was associated with a small but significantly higher rate of hip bone loss than nonuse after a mean duration of 4.4 years, although the risk of falls or fracture did not differ between the two groups.

The effect of treatment with a thiazide diuretic for 4 years on bone density in normal postmenopausal women

SUMMARY

We performed a 2-year extension of our previous 2-year randomized controlled trial of the effects of hydrochlorothiazide on bone mineral density. The improvements in bone density seen in the first 2 years were sustained throughout the extension study. Thiazides provide a further option in the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss.

INTRODUCTION

Thiazide diuretics reduce urinary calcium excretion and therefore might prevent osteoporosis. Previously we reported a 2-year randomized controlled trial of hydrochlorothiazide treatment in 185 postmenopausal women that showed positive benefits of hydrochlorothiazide on bone density. Here, we report the results of a 2-year extension to that study.

METHODS

Of 185 healthy postmenopausal women, 122 agreed to continue in a double-blinded 2-year extension taking 50 mg hydrochlorothiazide or placebo daily. Measurements of bone density occurred every 6 months and of calcium metabolism at 2 and 4 years.

RESULTS

The improvements in bone density seen in the first 2 years of the trial were sustained throughout the extension. There were significant between-groups differences in the change in bone density over 4 years at the total body (0.9%, P<0.001), legs (1.0%, P=0.002), mid-forearm (1.1%, P=0.03), and ultradistal forearm (1.4%, P=0.04). At the lumbar spine (0.9%, P=0.76) and femoral neck (0.4%, P=0.53) the between-groups differences did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydrochlorothiazide produces small positive benefits on cortical bone density that are sustained for at least the first 4 years of treatment. They provide a further option in the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss, especially for women with hypertension or a history of kidney stones.

Psychotropic medications and the risk of fracture: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Older adults throughout the developed world are at significant risk of osteoporotic fractures. Many studies have examined the relationship between the use of psychotropic medications and the risk of fractures, but these studies have reported conflicting results.

PURPOSE

To resolve discrepancies, we carried out a meta-analysis to assess the risk of fractures among users of several classes of psychotropic drugs.

DATA SOURCES

We retrieved studies published in any language by systematically searching MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE and ISI Proceedings databases and by manually examining the bibliographies of the articles retrieved electronically as well as those of recent reviews.

STUDY SELECTION

We included 98 cohort and case-control studies, published in 46 different articles, that reported relative risk (RR) estimates and confidence intervals (CIs) or sufficient data to calculate these values.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Study-specific RRs were weighted by the inverse of their variance to obtain fixed- and random effects pooled estimates. The random effects RR of fractures was 1.34 (95% CI 1.24, 1.45) for benzodiazepines (23 studies), 1.60 (95% CI 1.38, 1.86) for antidepressants (16 studies), 1.54 (95% CI 1.24, 1.93) for non-barbiturate antiepileptic drugs (13 studies), 2.17 (95% CI 1.35, 3.50) for barbiturate antiepileptic drugs (five studies), 1.59 (1.27, 1.98) for antipsychotics (12 studies), 1.15 (95% CI 0.94, 1.39) for hypnotics (13 studies) and 1.38 (95% CI 1.15, 1.66) for opioids (six studies). For non-specified psychotropic drugs (10 studies), the pooled RR was 1.48 (95% CI 1.41, 1.59).

LIMITATIONS

Main concerns were the potential for residual confounding and for publication bias.

CONCLUSION

Globally, the increase in the risk of fractures among psychotropic drug users is moderate. Further research is needed, especially to examine high-risk populations and newer medications. Future studies should be prospective and emphasise control of confounding bias.

Age and sex are sufficient for predicting fractures occurring within 1 year of hemodialysis treatment

BACKGROUND

The incidence of fractures averages 20 per 1000 hemodialysis patient years at risk. This study sought to design and evaluate the utility of a simple prediction rule for fractures in dialysis patients using only standard demographical and biochemical information.

METHODS

1777 prevalent hemodialysis patients of the Austrian dialysis and transplant database who had an evaluation of fractures in 2004 and 2005 were included into analysis. Validation of the prediction rule model by a test set was performed using three different resampling techniques, the split sample approach, a 100-fold cross validation and a 100x bootstrap. Calibration of the model was performed visually by comparing the observed to the expected number of outcomes in each category and by calculating the Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit statistic.

RESULTS

A multivariable logistic regression model built on clinical expertise yielded a discrimination of c=0.73 (AUC of ROC). Further reduction of the covariables to age and sex as the only predictive variables did not result in loss of discrimination (c=0.71) and at the same time provided adequate calibration (p=0.69). The probability of fractures (PF) occurring within the next year of hemodialysis can be calculated from our prediction model as, PF=e(-6.25+0.4*age(in decades)-0.93(if male))/1+e(-6.25+0.4*age(in decades)-0.93(if male)), e.g., a 70-year-old male would have a fracture probability of 0.01 or 1%, a female 3%. The optimism derived by all resampling techniques was between 1% and 2% suggesting adequate generalizability of the prediction rule.

CONCLUSION

A sufficient and parsimonious prediction rule for fractures in hemodialysis patients consists of the independent variables age and sex.

Fracture risk and the use of a diuretic (indapamide SR) +/- perindopril: a substudy of the Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET)

Background

The Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET) is a placebo controlled double blind trial of treating hypertension with indapamide Slow Release (SR) ± perindopril in subjects over the age of 80 years. The primary endpoints are stroke (fatal and non fatal). In view of the fact that thiazide diuretics and indapamide reduce urinary calcium and may increase bone mineral density, a fracture sub study was designed to investigate whether or not the trial anti-hypertensive treatment will reduce the fracture rate in very elderly hypertensive subjects.

Methods

In the trial considerable care is taken to ascertain any fractures and to identify risk factors for fracture, such as falls, co-morbidity, drug treatment, smoking and drinking habits, levels of activity, biochemical abnormalities, cardiac irregularities, impaired cognitive function and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

Potential results

The trial is expected to provide 10,500 patient years of follow-up. Given a fracture rate of 40/1000 patient years and a 20% difference in fracture rate, the power of the sub study is 58% to detect this difference at the 5% level of significance. The corresponding power for a reduction of 25% is 78%.

Conclusion

The trial is well under way, expected to complete in 2009, and on target to detect, if present, the above differences in fracture rate.

Orthopedic Complications of Solid-Organ Transplantation

Organ transplantation has undeniably increased the longevity and quality of life of patients with end-stage organ failure. Its has, however, introduced the skeletal complications of (1) fragility fractures and decreased bone density due to pretransplant bone loss and immunosuppressive therapy, and (2) avascular necrosis leading to subchondral fracture and secondary osteoarthritis. This article reviews these two skeletal complications of solid-organ transplantation that lead to structural failure of bone and result in significant morbidity and reduced quality of life.

Effects of antihypertensive drug treatments on fracture outcomes: a meta-analysis of observational studies

OBJECTIVE

To quantitatively pool findings from observational studies on the risk of fracture outcomes associated with exposure to five antihypertensive drug classes: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, diuretics (in particular thiazide diuretics), beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers and alpha-blockers.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Publications listed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS databases, the ISI proceedings, and bibliographies of retrieved articles. Sources were searched from the earliest possible dates through December 2005.

REVIEW METHODS

We included case-control and cohort studies presenting relative risks and confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between exposure to antihypertensive agents and fracture outcomes. Data were extracted onto a standardized computer worksheet. Study quality was assessed using a 10-point questionnaire specific to case-control or cohort study design.

RESULTS

Fifty-four studies were identified. Pooled estimates were computed using the software HEpiMA. The pooled relative risk (RR) of any fracture with use of thiazide diuretics was 0.86 (95% CI 0.81-0.92) and 1.14 (95% CI 0.84-1.54) with use of nonthiazide diuretics. There was a statistically significant reduction of any fracture with use of beta-blockers, (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.70-0.98). The one study with ACE inhibitor data showed protection (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.73-0.89). No significant associations were found between fractures and exposure to alpha-blockers or calcium-channel blockers.

CONCLUSIONS

Thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers appear to lower the risk of fractures in older adults. However, these agents cannot be recommended as preventive therapies for fractures until data from randomized controlled trials have established their efficacy. Patients who use these inexpensive drugs as treatments for hypertension may also benefit from a reduction in fracture risk.

Loop diuretics increase bone turnover and decrease BMD in osteopenic postmenopausal women: results from a randomized controlled study with bumetanide

To study effects of loop diuretics on bone, 87 women were randomized to 1 year of treatment with bumetanide or placebo. Compared with placebo, bumetanide decreased BMD by 2% at the total hip and by 1.4% at the whole body. Levels of biochemical bone markers were lower in the placebo than in the bumetanide group. Thus, treatment with loop diuretics affects bone metabolism.

INTRODUCTION

Loop diuretics may affect bone because they increase the renal calcium excretion and alters the diurnal rhythm of plasma PTH levels. We studied the effects of 1 year of treatment with the loop diuretic bumetanide on bone metabolism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a double-blinded design, 87 healthy postmenopausal women with osteopenia were randomized to 1-year bumetanide treatment 2 mg/day or placebo. BMD, plasma levels of calcitropic hormones, and biochemical bone markers were measured at baseline, after 1 year of treatment (week 52), and 6 months after withdrawal of treatment (week 78). Calcium (800 mg/day) and vitamin D (10 microg/day) were administered to all participants during the entire 1.5-year study period.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, urinary calcium (+17%) and plasma PTH levels (+9%) increased significantly in response to bumetanide. After 1 year of treatment, BMD in the bumetanide compared with the placebo group was significantly decreased by 2% at the total hip and ultradistal forearm and by 1.4% at the whole body. In addition, levels of biochemical markers of bone turnover differed significantly (approximately 20%) between groups, with lower levels in the placebo than in the bumetanide group. Six months after the end of treatment, the effects of bumetanide were weakening.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with loop diuretics affects bone turnover and decreases BMD. Further studies may reveal whether loop diuretics should be considered as a risk factor for fracture.

Fracture risk in patients treated with loop diuretics

BACKGROUND

Loop diuretics (LD) increase renal calcium excretion. Discrepant results on associations between LD and fracture risk have been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the fracture risk in users of LD.

DESIGN AND SUBJECTS

A population-based pharmaco-epidemiological case-control design with fracture in year 2000 as outcome and use of LD during the previous 5 years as exposure variable. We used nationwide computerized registers to assess individual use of LD and related these data to individual fracture data and information on potential confounders. We compared 64,699 cases aged 40 years or more who sustained a fracture during year 2000 with 194,111 age- and gender-matched controls.

RESULTS

A total of 44,001 subjects used LD. Ever use of LD was associated with a crude 51% (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.48-1.55) increased risk of any fracture and a 72% (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.64-1.81) increased risk of hip fracture. The risk estimates were reduced after confounder adjustment, i.e. adjusted risk of any fracture was increased by 4% (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.07) and risk of hip fracture by 16% (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.10-1.23). In current users, a tendency towards a decreased fracture risk with increased dose was observed, whereas in former users risk of fracture increased with increased dose. Use of furosemide was associated with higher risk estimates than use of bumetanide.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with LD affects fracture risk. Special attention should be paid to patients in whom treatment with LD is initiated or stopped, as they may be at an increased risk of fracture.

Reduced fracture risk in users of thiazide diuretics

Thiazide diuretics (TD) reduce renal calcium excretion and may increase bone mineral density. A reduced fracture risk has been reported in some but not all studies. The aim of this study was to assess fracture risk in users of TD. The study design was nationwide population-based pharmacoepidemiological case-control study with fracture in year 2000 as outcome and use of TD during the previous 5 years as the exposure variable. Individual use of TD was derived from the Danish National Pharmacological Database and related to fracture data from the National Hospital Discharge Register. These data were combined with information on use of other drugs, social status, working status, income, educational status, contacts with general practitioners and practicing specialists, and comorbidity. A total of 64,699 patients (age = 40 years) who sustained a fracture during the year 2000 were compared to 194,111 age- and gender-matched controls. After adjustment for potential confounders, current use of TD was associated with a 10% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7% to 12%) reduced risk of any fracture and a 17% (95% CI 11% to 23%) reduced risk of forearm fractures. In former TD users, the risk reduction was slightly less pronounced. Similar results were found in men and women, and in subjects younger or > or = 65 years of age. Dose-effect analysis revealed a decreased risk of any fracture and fractures at the forearm and hip with an increased number of redeemed defined daily dosages (DDDs) of TD. Therefore, use of more than 2000 DDD was associated with a 19% (95% CI 10% to 27%) decreased hip fracture risk. We conclude that use of TD is associated with a significantly reduced fracture risk.

Effects of long-term treatment with loop diuretics on bone mineral density, calcitropic hormones and bone turnover

BACKGROUND

Loop diuretics (LD) are widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and disorders with fluid accumulation. LD are known to increase renal calcium losses and may thereby affect calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism.

OBJECTIVE

We studied to what extent long-term treatment with LD affects calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism.

DESIGN AND SUBJECTS

In a cross-sectional design we compared 140 postmenopausal women treated with a LD for more than 2 years with 140 age-matched women not in diuretic therapy.

RESULTS

Treatment with LD was associated with significantly increased urinary calcium, plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels. Per 40 mg day(-1) of furosemide, urinary calcium was increased by 17% (P < 0.05) and plasma PTH levels were increased by 28% (P = 0.04). Users of LD had a 17% higher body weight (P < 0.001) compared with nonusers. This was due to a 32% higher fat mass (P < 0.001) and a 6% higher lean tissue mass (P < 0.001). Moreover, users of LD had a higher bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine (+7.5%, P < 0.001), hip (+4.8%, P = 0.004), forearm (+3.7%, P = 0.01) and whole body (+2.5%, P = 0.06). However, after adjustment for body weight differences, BMD did not differ between groups. Nevertheless, duration of LD treatment was positively associated with BMD at the spine (P = 0.03) and whole body (P < 0.05). BMD at the spine increases by 0.3% per 1 year of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased renal calcium losses in users of LD are compensated for by a PTH-dependent increase in 1,25(OH)(2)D levels. Thereby calcium balance remains neutral without major effects on bone metabolism.

Osseous complications of pediatric transplantation

Adult stature and peak bone mass are achieved through childhood growth and development. Multiple factors impair this process in children undergoing solid organ transplantation, including chronic illness, pretransplant osteodystrophy, use of medications with negative impact on bone, and post-transplant renal dysfunction. While growth delay and short stature remain common, the most severe forms of transplant-related bone disease, fracture and avascular necrosis, appear to have become less common in the pediatric age group. Osteopenia is very prevalent in adult transplant recipients and probably also in pediatrics, but its occurrence and sequelae are difficult to study in these groups due to methodological shortfalls of planar densitometry related to short stature and altered patterns of growth and development. Although the effect on lifetime peak bone mass is not clear, data from adult populations suggest an elevated long-term risk of bone disease in children receiving transplants. Optimal management of pretransplantation osteodystrophy, attention to post-transplant renal insufficiency among both renal and non-renal transplant patients, reduction of steroid dose in select patients, and supplementation with calcium plus vitamin D during expected periods of maximal bone loss may improve bone health. Careful research is required to determine the role of bisphosphonate therapy in pediatric transplantation.

Bone mineral density changes in hypercalciuretic osteoporotic men treated with thiazide diuretics

A few studies suggest that thiazide diuretic agents may have modest beneficial effects on bone. Few data are available on the effects of these medications in patients with osteoporosis and hypercalciuria.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of thiazide diuretic therapy on bone mass and urinary calcium excretion in hypercalciuretic osteoporotic male patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Osteoporosis was defined as a greater than 2.5 standard deviation (S.D.) decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine or hip (T-score). We used an open-label prospective design to compare 14 patients with hypercalciuretic osteoporosis treated with a thiazide diuretic for 18 months and 13 patients with primary osteoporosis treated with calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Mean age was 53.5 +/- 9.6 years in the thiazide group and 48.7 +/- 8.4 years in the calcium-vitamin D supplementation group. The following serum parameters were assayed at baseline: 25OH-D3, 1,25OH-D3, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and bone turnover markers. Urinary calcium excretion and BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the spine and hip were determined at baseline and after 18 months of treatment.

RESULTS

Annual BMD increases were similar in the two groups during the 18-month treatment period: lumbar spine, 0.6 +/- 2.5% (P = 0.47) in the thiazide group and 0.004 +/- 3% (P = 0.78) in the supplementation group; femoral neck, 0.47 +/- 2.6% (P = 0.89) and 1.1 +/- 3.2% (P = 0.22); total hip, 0.65 +/- 2.5% (P = 0.37) and 0.12 +/- 2.1% (P = 0.51). Urinary calcium excretion fell by 45.9% in the thiazide group from baseline to study completion (P = 0.0015).

CONCLUSION

We found no evidence that thiazide therapy increased bone mass in patients with hypercalciuria and osteoporosis as compared to calcium-vitamin D supplementation in patients with osteoporosis but no hypercalciuria. In contrast, our results establish the efficacy of thiazide diuretics in reducing urinary calcium excretion, an effect that may decrease the risk of urinary lithiasis. Studies in larger patient cohorts treated for longer periods are needed to confirm or refute our findings.

Effect of low-dose thiazide diuretics on plasma lipids: results from a double-blind, randomized clinical trial in older men and women

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of low doses of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) on plasma lipids in healthy older men and women.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial for 3 years followed by a 1 year extension without medication.

SETTING

Research clinic of a nonprofit health maintenance organization.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred five women and 115 men aged 60 to 79 with normal blood pressure, bone density within two standard deviations of mean for age, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels less than 190 mg/dL.

INTERVENTION

Placebo or HCTZ 12.5 or 25 mg/d.

MEASUREMENTS

Plasma cholesterol, LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the change in the plasma lipids between placebo and either group. The mean changes +/- standard deviation in LDL-C after 3 years in men were -5.2 +/- 3.9 mg/dL (placebo), -4.6 +/- 3.7 (12.5 mg), and 1.1 +/- 3.8 (25 mg) and in women were 1.3 +/- 2.8 (placebo), -1.1 +/- 2.8 (12.5 mg), and -6.8 +/- 2.8 (25 mg). No significant differences were seen when analysis was done only for subjects who adhered to study medication.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that low doses of thiazide diuretics have minimal effects on cholesterol metabolism in healthy older adults. Therefore, effects on lipid levels need not limit use of thiazides for prevention of osteoporotic fractures.

Lack of diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in men and women after hip fracture

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine whether men and women admitted to a university teaching hospital for a low-trauma hip fracture were diagnosed, evaluated, or treated for osteoporosis during admission or for up to 1 year after admission.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

University of Colorado Hospital, Denver, Colorado.

PATIENTS

One hundred eighteen patients admitted with a low-trauma hip fracture from January 1993-December 1998.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Demographics, medical and social history, prescribed drugs, clinical outcomes, and information regarding the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of osteoporosis were abstracted from inpatient medical records for the index hip fracture. Similar data for the first year after the index hip fracture were abstracted from outpatient medical records of patients who had follow-up visits within the hospital system. Mean +/- SD age at the time of fracture was 70 +/- 15 years; 43 patients were men and 75 were women. Eighteen percent of patients had experienced a previous hip fracture, 4% had a history of vertebral fracture, and 6% reported a previous wrist fracture. The diagnosis of osteoporosis was noted in the charts of 14% of the patients at discharge and 26% of patients at follow-up. Only 4% of patients during hospitalization and 9% during follow-up received any evaluative tests for osteoporosis, including bone densitometry. Subsequent fractures occurred in 12.5% of patients. Documented treatment of osteoporosis was uncommon, with approximately 75% of patients receiving no therapy for osteoporosis on discharge or during follow-up. Women were more likely than men to receive a diagnosis of osteoporosis, bone mineral density testing, and osteoporosis drug therapy.

CONCLUSION

In patients with hip fractures, osteoporosis is commonly not diagnosed or treated appropriately

Dose-effect relations of loop- and thiazide-diuretics on calcium homeostasis: a randomized, double-blinded Latin-square multiple cross-over study in postmenopausal osteopenic women

BACKGROUND

Thiazide diuretics (TDs) reduce whereas loop diuretics (LDs) increase urinary calcium. We studied the effects of different doses of a TD and LD on electrolytes, calcitropic hormones and biochemical bone markers.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In a five-period crossover study, comparing four active doses with placebo, 40 postmenopausal women with osteopenia were treated with different doses of LD bumetanide (n = 20, 0.5-2.0 mg per day) or TD bendroflumethiazide (n = 20, 2.5-10 mg per day). Each treatment period lasted 1 week.

RESULTS

Urinary calcium decreased dose-dependently in response to the bendroflumethiazide. The best hypocalciuric effect was achieved by 5 mg day-1 of bendroflumethiazide. Total plasma calcium levels increased, whereas ionised calcium at ambient pH-values decreased because of increased pH-values in response to the bendroflumethiazide. Plasma PTH levels did not change, whereas a slight dose-dependent increase occurred in plasma 1,25(OH)2D levels. As a marker of bone formation, plasma osteocalcin levels increased. Conversely, bumetanide dose-dependently increased renal calcium losses with a concomitant increase in plasma PTH and 1,25(OH)2D levels. Plasma osteocalcin levels increased and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase levels decreased dose-dependently.

CONCLUSION

Whether a LD or TD is chosen as diuretic therapy affects calcium homeostasis. The effects of LDs are potentially harmful to bone. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether long-term treatment with LDs causes osteoporosis. Until then, we suggest using, if possible, a TD rather than a LD as diuretic therapy in order not to risk deleterious effects on bone metabolism.

Fractures after stroke: frequency, types, and associations

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Stroke patients may have an increased risk of fractures because of weak bones or an increased risk of falling. Our goal was to estimate the frequency of fracture after stroke and to identify those at greatest risk.

METHODS

This study incorporated 2 complementary strategies: a prospective, single-center, cohort study and an analysis of Scottish routine hospital discharge data.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight fractures (30% hip) occurred in 2696 hospital-referred stroke patients. The proportions sustaining any fracture or hip fracture within 2 years were 4% and 1.1%, respectively, 1.4 (95% CI, 0.92 to 2.07) times the rate of hip fracture in the general population (ie, observed number divided by expected number or standardized morbidity ratio). Female sex, older age, low abbreviated mental test score, and prestroke dependence were associated with an increased hip fracture rate. Routine data identified 129 935 acute stroke patients admitted to Scottish hospitals. During 363 447 patient-years, 4528 patients had hip fractures, 2.0% had fractures by 1 year, and 10.6% had fractures by 10 years. This is 1.7 times the rate of hip fracture in the general population and 2.3 times that in patients with myocardial infarction. Older patients predictably had the highest rate of poststroke hip fractures but a lower standardized morbidity ratio than younger patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Fractures after stroke are probably frequent and serious enough to justify the development of preventive strategies, but the modest event rate would mean that randomized, controlled trials to test these strategies specifically in stroke patients would need to enroll thousands of patients.

Loop diuretics alter the diurnal rhythm of endogenous parathyroid hormone secretion. A randomized-controlled study on the effects of loop- and thiazide-diuretics on the diurnal rhythms of calcitropic hormones and biochemical bone markers in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

Thiazide diuretics (TD) reduce urinary calcium, bone loss and fracture risk. Loop diuretics (LD) may have opposite effects. These effects could depend on induced rhythmic changes in bone and calcium homeostasis.

DESIGN

After a run-in period of 7 days, we studied (in a factorial design) the diurnal rhythms of plasma levels of calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and osteocalcin, as well as renal excretions rates of calcium, phosphate, and cross-linked N-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (NTx) in 50 postmenopausal women randomized to treatment with either a thiazide diuretic (TD; bendroflumethiazide, n = 14), a loop diuretic (LD; bumetanide, n = 13), LD plus TD (bendroflumethiazide plus bumetanide, n = 11), or placebo (n = 12).

RESULTS

In all four groups, all measured quantities showed a diurnal variation. LD caused a steep increase, with a subsequent decrease, in urinary calcium and plasma PTH. The mean 24 h plasma PTH concentration was increased (8.5 +/- 0.9 mmol L-1) compared with placebo (4.4 +/- 0.4 mmol L-1), whereas net 24 h renal calcium excretion did not differ from that of the placebo group due to a rebound hypocalciuria. Compared with placebo, diurnal rhythms of plasma phosphate and osteocalcin were changed with an increase during daytime and a decrease during the night. TD did not alter the diurnal rhythm of any of the measured quantities. However, the 24-h renal calcium excretion decreased, whereas the mean 24-h plasma calcium concentration increased without PTH suppression. LD plus TD caused changes similar to those observed with LD alone.

CONCLUSION

One daily dose of LD increases parathyroid activity with alterations in the diurnal pattern of osteocalcin. This could indicate a potential anabolic effect of LD.

Effects of thiazide- and loop-diuretics, alone or in combination, on calcitropic hormones and biochemical bone markers: a randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE

Diuretics are commonly used drugs that in addition to their effect on the cardiovascular system also affect calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. We evaluated the effects of loop diuretics (LD) and thiazide diuretics (TD) on calcitropic hormones and biochemical bone markers.

DESIGN

A total of 50 postmenopausal women were randomized to 7 days of treatment with either the TD bendroflumethiazide, the LD bumetanide, bendroflumethiazide plus bumetanide, or placebo. Blood and urine (24 h) were sampled on each day. Statistical inferences were made versus the concomitant changes in the placebo group.

RESULTS

Bendroflumethiazide increased the tubular reabsorption of calcium (TRCa) (+0.46 +/- 0.11%, P=0.009), plasma levels of parathyroid hormones (PTH) (+24 +/- 10%, P=0.06), and 1,25(OH)2D (+12 +/- 6%, P=0.03). Bumetanide decreased the TRCa (-0.5 +/- 0.1%, P=0.01) and increased plasma PTH and 1,25(OH)2D levels (+27 +/- 9%, P=0.02 and +36 +/- 12%, P=0.006, respectively). Treatment with either of the drugs did not alter plasma calcium, osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase (bone-ALP) or urinary NTx/creatinine ratio. However, treatment with both drugs caused an increased plasma calcium level (+2.7 +/- 1.0%, P=0.007) and decreased plasma levels of bone-ALP (-21 +/- 3%, P=0.001), osteocalcin (-6 +/- 3%, P=0.03), and urinary NTx/creatinine ratio (-39 +/- 6%, P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism are to a major degree influenced by diuretic treatment. Surprisingly, LD and TD exerted a similar effect on calcitropic hormones despite their opposite effects on the renal calcium excretion. In clinical practice, treatment with diuretics has to be considered as a cause of parathyroid stimulation.