Pharmacological interventions versus placebo, no treatment or usual care for osteoporosis in people with chronic kidney disease stages 3-5D

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for osteoporosis and is more prevalent among people with CKD than among people who do not have CKD. Although several drugs have been used to effectively treat osteoporosis in the general population, it is unclear whether they are also effective and safe for people with CKD, who have altered systemic mineral and bone metabolism.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions for osteoporosis in patients with CKD stages 3-5, and those undergoing dialysis (5D).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 25 January 2021 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing any anti-osteoporotic drugs with a placebo, no treatment or usual care in patients with osteoporosis and CKD stages 3 to 5D were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed their quality using the risk of bias tool, and extracted data. The main outcomes were the incidence of fracture at any sites; mean change in the bone mineral density (BMD; measured using dual-energy radiographic absorptiometry (DXA)) of the femoral neck, total hip, lumbar spine, and distal radius; death from all causes; incidence of adverse events; and quality of life (QoL). Summary estimates of effect were obtained using a random-effects model, and results were expressed as risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

MAIN RESULTS

Seven studies involving 9164 randomised participants with osteoporosis and CKD stages 3 to 5D met the inclusion criteria; all participants were postmenopausal women. Five studies included patients with CKD stages 3-4, and two studies included patients with CKD stages 5 or 5D. Five pharmacological interventions were identified (abaloparatide, alendronate, denosumab, raloxifene, and teriparatide). All studies were judged to be at an overall high risk of bias. Among patients with CKD stages 3-4, anti-osteoporotic drugs may reduce the risk of vertebral fracture (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.69; low certainty evidence). Anti-osteoporotic drugs probably makes little or no difference to the risk of clinical fracture (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.05; moderate certainty evidence) and adverse events (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.00; moderate certainty evidence). We were unable to incorporate studies into the meta-analyses for BMD at the femoral neck, lumbar spine and total hip as they only reported the percentage change in the BMD in the intervention group. Among patients with severe CKD stages 5 or 5D, it is uncertain whether anti-osteoporotic drug reduces the risk of clinical fracture (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.87; very low certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether anti-osteoporotic drug improves the BMD at the femoral neck because the certainty of this evidence is very low (MD 0.01, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.02). Anti-osteoporotic drug may slightly improve the BMD at the lumbar spine (MD 0.03, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.04, low certainty evidence). No adverse events were reported in the included studies. It is uncertain whether anti-osteoporotic drug reduces the risk of death (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.22 to 4.56; very low certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with CKD stages 3-4, anti-osteoporotic drugs may reduce the risk of vertebral fracture in low certainty evidence. Anti-osteoporotic drugs make little or no difference to the risk of clinical fracture and adverse events in moderate certainty evidence. Among patients with CKD stages 5 and 5D, it is uncertain whether anti-osteoporotic drug reduces the risk of clinical fracture and death because the certainty of this evidence is very low. Anti-osteoporotic drug may slightly improve the BMD at the lumbar spine in low certainty evidence. It is uncertain whether anti-osteoporotic drug improves the BMD at the femoral neck because the certainty of this evidence is very low. Larger studies including men, paediatric patients or individuals with unstable CKD-mineral and bone disorder are required to assess the effect of each anti-osteoporotic drug at each stage of CKD.

Risk factors for 5-year prospective height loss among postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

Height loss is common in older women and has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In this study, we identified factors that could predict prospective height loss in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Height was measured in 1,024 postmenopausal women, enrolled in the Buffalo Osteoporosis and Periodontal Disease Study, at baseline and 5 years later using a fixed stadiometer. Demographics, lifestyle, medical history, and medication use were assessed at baseline. Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify factors that are associated with marked height loss of ≥1 inch. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for each predictor. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to determine the discriminatory ability of the prediction model.

RESULTS

The mean loss of height was 0.4 (SD 0.7) inches. Age (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06-1.16), weight (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07), use of oral corticosteroids (OR 4.96, 95% CI 1.25-19.72), and strenuous exercise at age 18 ≥ three times per week (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.98) were significantly associated with marked height loss in the multivariable-adjusted model. The area under the ROC curve is 72.1%. Addition of bone mineral density measures did not improve the discriminatory ability of the prediction model.

CONCLUSIONS

This set of available variables may be useful in predicting the 5-year risk of height loss of 1 inch or more in postmenopausal women. These findings may help to target older women at risk of height loss who may benefit most from prevention strategies for fracture and mortality.

The mortality and direct medical costs of osteoporotic fractures among postmenopausal women in Taiwan

This study estimated the fracture-related mortality and direct medical costs among postmenopausal women in Taiwan by fracture types and age groups by utilizing a nationwide population-based database. Results demonstrated that hip fractures constituted the most severe and expensive complication of osteoporosis across fracture sites.

INTRODUCTION

The aims of the study were to evaluate the risk of death and direct medical costs associated with osteoporotic fractures by fracture types and age groups among postmenopausal women in Taiwan.

METHODS

This nationwide, population-based study was based on data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Female patients aged 50 years and older in the fracture case cohort were matched in 1:1 ratio with randomly selected subjects in the reference control cohort by age, income-related insurance amount, urbanization level, and the Charlson comorbidity index. There were two main outcome measures of the study: age-differentiated mortality and direct medical costs in the first and subsequent years after osteoporotic fracture events among postmenopausal women. The bootstrap method by resampling with replacement was conducted to generate descriptive statistics of mortality and direct medical costs of the case and control cohorts. Student's t tests were then performed to compare mortality and costs between the two cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 155,466 postmenopausal women in the database met the inclusion criteria for the fracture case cohort, including 22,791 hip fractures, 72,292 vertebral fractures, 15,621 upper end humerus (closed) fractures, 36,774 wrist fractures, and 7,988 multiple fractures. Analytical results demonstrated that patients experiencing osteoporotic fractures were at considerable excess risk of death and incurred substantially higher treatment costs, notably for hip fractures. Furthermore, results also revealed that the risk of mortality increased with advancing age across the spectrum of fracture sites.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study confirmed an excess mortality and higher direct medical costs associated with osteoporotic fractures. Moreover, hip fractures constituted the most severe and expensive complication of osteoporosis among fracture types.

A survey of outcomes and management of patients post fragility fractures in China

We found that the fragility hip and vertebral fractures caused excess mortality rates in this Chinese female population, which was unexpectedly lower than those in western countries and other Asian countries. This was the first nationwide survey relating to post-fracture outcomes conducted among Chinese population in Mainland China.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate the mortality, self-care ability, diagnosis, and medication treatment of osteoporosis following fragility hip and vertebral fractures through a nationwide survey among female patients aged over 50 in Mainland China.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study based on medical chart review and patient questionnaire. Female patients aged 50 or older admitted for low-trauma hip or vertebral fractures and discharged from Jan 1, 2008 to Dec 31, 2012 were followed.

RESULTS

Total of 1151 subjects of hip fracture and 842 subjects of vertebral fracture were included. The mean age was 73.4 ± 10.0, and the median of duration from index fracture to interview was 2.6 years. The overall 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year cumulative mortality rates were 3.5, 7.0, 11.2, 13.1, and 16.9 %, respectively. The first year mortality rates in hip (3.8 %, 95% CI 3.3-4.4 %) and vertebral fracture (3.1 %, 95% CI 2.5-3.7 %) were significantly higher than that in the general population (1.6 %). Impaired self-care ability was observed in 33.2, 40.6, and 23.8 % of overall, hip fracture, and vertebral fracture group, respectively. The overall diagnosis rate of osteoporosis was 56.8 %, and bone mineral density (BMD) measurement had never been conducted in 42.0 % among these women. After the index fracture, 69.6 % of them received supplements and/or anti-osteoporotic medications, among which 39.6 % only received calcium with/without vitamin D supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

The osteoporotic hip and vertebral fractures caused excess mortality rates in this population of Mainland China. The current diagnosis and medical treatment following the fragility fractures is still insufficient in Mainland China.

Accelerated bone loss and increased post-fracture mortality in elderly women and men

Bone loss, a fracture risk factor, may play a role in post-fracture mortality. We found accelerated bone loss (≥1.31 % bone loss/year for women and ≥1.35 % bone loss/year for men) associated with 44-77 % increased mortality. It remains unclear whether bone loss is a marker or plays a role in mortality.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporotic fractures are associated with increased mortality although the cause is unknown. Bone loss, a risk factor for osteoporotic fracture is also associated with increased mortality, but its role in mortality risk post-fracture is unclear. This study aimed to examine post-fracture mortality risk according to levels of bone loss.

METHODS

Community-dwelling participants aged 60+ from Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study with incident fractures were followed from 1989 to 2011. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed according to bone loss quartiles. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the effect of bone loss on mortality.

RESULTS

There were 341 women and 106 men with ≥2 BMD measurements. The rate of bone loss was similar for women and men (women mean -0.79 %/year, highest bone loss quartile -1.31 %/year; men mean -0.74 %/year, highest quartile -1.35 %/year). Survival was lowest for the highest quartile of bone loss for women (p < 0.005) and men (p = 0.05). When analysed by fracture type, the association of bone loss with mortality was observed for vertebral (highest vs lower 3 quartiles of bone loss, women p = 0.03 and men p = 0.02) and non-hip non-vertebral fractures in women (p < 0.0001). Bone loss did not play an additional role in mortality risk following hip fractures. Importantly, overall, rapid bone loss was associated with 44-77 % increased mortality risk after multiple variable adjustment.

CONCLUSION

Rapid bone loss was an independent predictor of post-fracture mortality risk in both women and men. The association of bone loss and post-fracture mortality was predominantly observed following vertebral fracture in both women and men and non-hip non-vertebral fracture in women. It remains to be determined whether bone loss is a marker or plays a role in the mortality associated with fractures.

C-reactive protein, bone loss, fracture, and mortality in elderly women: a longitudinal study in the OPRA cohort

SUMMARY

This longitudinal study investigates the association between C-reactive protein (CRP), osteoporosis, fractures, and mortality in 1044 elderly women. CRP was not an indicator for low bone mineral density (BMD), bone loss, or fracture in elderly women; however, women with elevated CRP levels over a prolonged period lost more bone over the 10-year follow-up, although fracture risk was not increased.

INTRODUCTION

Inflammation may contribute to the pathophysiology underlying impaired bone metabolism. This study investigates the association between CRP, BMD, bone loss, fracture risk, and mortality in women aged 75 and above.

METHODS

This longitudinal study is based on 1044 women, all age 75 at inclusion, reassessed at ages 80 and 85, with a mean follow-up time of 11.6 years (maximum 16.9 years).

RESULTS

Women in the lowest CRP quartile (mean 0.63 mg/L) had lower BMD compared to those in the highest CRP quartile (mean 5.74 mg/L) at total hip (TH) (0.809 vs. 0.871 g/cm2, p<0.001) and femoral neck (FN) (0.737 vs. 0.778 g/cm2, p=0.007). A single measurement of CRP was not associated with bone loss; however, women with persistently elevated CRP, i.e., ≥3 mg/L at ages 75 and 80 had significantly higher bone loss compared to women with CRP<3 mg/L (TH -0.125 vs. -0.085 g/cm2, p=0.018 and FN -0.127 vs. -0.078 g/cm2, p=0.005) during 10 years of follow-up. Women in the highest CRP quartile had a lower risk of osteoporotic fractures (hazard ratios (HR) 0.76 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.52-0.98)) compared to those in the lowest, even after adjusting for weight and BMD. Mortality risk was only increased among women with the highest CRP levels.

CONCLUSION

CRP was not an indicator for low BMD, bone loss, or fracture in elderly women in this study. Persistently elevated CRP however seemed to be detrimental to bone health and may be associated with a higher rate of bone loss. Only the highest CRP levels were associated with mortality.

Established osteoporosis associated with high mortality after adjustment for age and co-mobidities in postmenopausal Japanese women

OBJECTIVE

Osteoporosis has been reported to increase the risk of mortality. However, these reports did not evaluate the effects of co-mobidities and the severity of osteoporosis on mortality. The aim of our study was to determine whether or not major osteoporotic fractures contribute to the increased mortality risk in Japanese women.

METHOD

We conducted a prospective observational study. Risk factors contributing to mortality were assessed by Cox's proportional hazard model.

SUBJECTS

A total of 1,429 ambulatory postmenopausal female volunteers aged over 50 years old were enrolled in the study. Information was obtained from the subjects on baseline biochemical indices, bone mineral density (BMD), prevalent fractures, and co-morbidities. Mortality was assessed and confirmed by the certificates or hospital records. The subjects were classified into three categories in accordance with or without osteoporosis. The osteoporotic group was further categorized by the basis of the presence or absence of major osteoporotic fractures.

RESULTS

Mean age and SD of the participants were 66.5±9.3 (50-90) years old. The participants were followed for a total of 4.5±3.5 years (mean ± SD) and a total of 141 participants (9.9%) died during the observation. In addition to the traditional risks for mortality, such as age (Hazard ratio, 2.817, 95% CI, 2.237-3.560, p<0.0001), BMI (HR 0.504, 0.304-0.824, p=0.0061), prevalent malignancies (HR 2.885, 1.929-4.214, p<0.0001), dementia (HR 1.602, 1.027-2.450, p=0.038) and cardio-vascular disease (HR 1.878, 1.228-2.787, p=0.0043), the serum level of creatinine (HR 2.451, 1.107-5.284, p=0.027) and severity of osteoporosis (HR 1.390, 1.129-1.719, P=0.0018) were found to be significant independent risk factors for all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSION

These results emphasize the importance of osteoporotic fracture in terms of survival.

Low bone mineral density at femoral neck is a predictor of increased mortality in elderly Japanese women

This study aimed to determine whether low bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck independently predicts all-cause mortality in elderly Japanese women. A prospective cohort study of 271 women aged 67-89 years was conducted. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine independent associations between BMD and total mortality. During a 12-year follow-up period, the mortality risk (as measured by hazard ratio [HR]) was significantly increased in the three categories of baseline BMD (diagnostic criteria of osteoporosis, tertile of BMD, and quartile of BMD). After adjusting for major potential confounding variables for mortality, significantly increased mortality risks were found in subjects with osteoporosis (HR = 2.17, p = 0.032), in subjects in the lowest tertile (HR = 2.57, p = 0.007), and in subjects in the lowest quartile (HR = 3.13, p = 0.014], respectively. Our findings suggest that preventive strategies should be considered to increase and maintain high BMD at the femoral neck in the elderly women not only to prevent hip fractures but also probably to reduce mortality risk.

INTRODUCTION

Several longitudinal studies with Caucasian subjects have suggested that osteoporosis is associated with increased mortality. This study aimed to determine whether low bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck independently predicts all-cause mortality in elderly Japanese community-dwelling women.

METHOD

A prospective cohort study of 271 women aged 67-89 years was conducted. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine independent associations between BMD at both the femoral neck and the trochanter and total mortality.

RESULTS

During a 12-year follow-up period, 81 of 271 women (29.9%) died. An independent and significant relationship was found between baseline BMD at the femoral neck and mortality risk. The mortality risk (as measured by HR) was increased by 2.80-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-5.06; p < 0.01) in the subjects with osteoporosis or by 2.94-fold (95% CI 1.64-5.26; p < 0.001) in subjects in the lowest tertile or by 3.61-fold (95% CI 1.77-7.41; p < 0.001) in subjects in the lowest quartile of BMD, respectively. After adjusting for major potential confounding factors for mortality such as age, body mass index, blood pressure, blood variables, medical history, alcohol drinking, and smoking status, those in the subjects with osteoporosis (HR = 2.17 [95% CI 1.07-4.41], p = 0.032), in the lowest tertile (HR = 2.57 [95% CI 1.29-5.15], p = 0.007), or in the lowest quartile (HR = 3.13 [95% CI 1.26-7.73], p = 0.014] had a significantly increased risk of mortality. BMD measurement at the trochanter showed similar but weaker results.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that preventive strategies should be considered to increase and maintain high BMD at the femoral neck in elderly subjects not only to prevent osteoporosis and its associated fractures but also probably to reduce mortality risk.

Antifracture efficacy and reduction of mortality in relation to timing of the first dose of zoledronic acid after hip fracture

Annual infusions of zoledronic acid (5 mg) significantly reduced the risk of vertebral, hip, and nonvertebral fractures in a study of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and significantly reduced clinical fractures and all-cause mortality in another study of women and men who had recently undergone surgical repair of hip fracture. In this analysis, we examined whether timing of the first infusion of zoledronic acid study drug after hip fracture repair influenced the antifracture efficacy and mortality benefit observed in the study. A total of 2127 patients (1065 on active treatment and 1062 on placebo; mean age, 75 yr; 76% women and 24% men) were administered zoledronic acid or placebo within 90 days after surgical repair of an osteoporotic hip fracture and annually thereafter, with a median follow-up time of 1.9 yr. Median time to first dose after the incident hip fracture surgery was approximately 6 wk. Posthoc analyses were performed by dividing the study population into 2-wk intervals (calculated from time of first infusion in relation to surgical repair) to examine effects on BMD, fracture, and mortality. Analysis by 2-wk intervals showed a significant total hip BMD response and a consistent reduction of overall clinical fractures and mortality in patients receiving the first dose 2-wk or later after surgical repair. Clinical fracture subgroups (vertebral, nonvertebral, and hip) were also reduced, albeit with more variation and 95% CIs crossing 1 at most time points. We concluded that administration of zoledronic acid to patients suffering a low-trauma hip fracture 2 wk or later after surgical repair increases hip BMD, induces significant reductions in the risk of subsequent clinical vertebral, nonvertebral, and hip fractures, and reduces mortality.

Relationship between bone quantitative ultrasound and mortality: a prospective study

In a cohort of 5,201 women [72.3 +/- 5.3 years] from 58 primary care centers in Spain, followed for three years, no relationship between heel QUS parameters and overall mortality was found. However, a significant relationship between a low speed of sound (SOS) and vascular mortality was observed.

INTRODUCTION

An inverse relationship between mortality and bone mineral density measured by dual-energy absorption densitometry or quantitative bone ultrasound (QUS) has been described. The aim of the present study was to test this relationship in the ECOSAP cohort, a 3-year prospective study designed to assess the ability of heel QUS and clinical risk factors to predict non-vertebral fracture risk in women over 64.

METHODS

A cohort of 5,201 women [72.3 +/- 5.3 years] was studied. QUS was assessed with the Sahara(R) bone sonometer. Women attended follow-up visits every 6 months. Physicians recorded if the patient died and cause of death. Hazard rates (HR) of all-cause and vascular mortality per one standard deviation reduction in QUS parameters were determined.

RESULTS

One hundred (1.9%) women died during a median of 36.1 months follow-up, for a total of 14,999 patient-years, 42 because of vascular events (both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular). After adjusting for age, none of the QUS variables showed statistically significant differences between the patients who died and the survivors. In the final multivariate model, adjusted for age, current thyroxine and hypoglycaemic drug use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and decreased visual acuity, SOS was marginally non-significant: (HR: 1.19; 0.97-1.45). However, each 1 SD reduction in SOS was associated with a 39% increase in vascular mortality (HR: 1.39; 1.15-1.66).

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort, SOS was related with vascular mortality, but not overall mortality.

Safety considerations with bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteoporosis

Bisphosphonates are the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of osteoporosis. Although evidence supports a good safety profile for these agents, numerous tolerability issues have been associated with their use. This review provides an overview of the safety issues associated with the nitrogen-containing class of bisphosphonates and discusses the potential effect of these issues on adherence. The review specifically considers upper gastrointestinal (UGI) adverse events (AEs), renal toxicity, influenza-like illness, osteonecrosis of the jaw and evidence on how to treat or prevent these events. In clinical trials, UGI AEs, including severe events such as oesophageal ulcer, oesophagitis and erosive oesophagitis, have been reported at similar frequencies in placebo- and active-treatment arms. However, postmarketing studies have highlighted UGI AEs as a concern. These studies show that a significant portion of patients are less compliant with administration instructions outside strict clinical trial supervision, and when oral bisphosphonates are not administered as directed, patients are more likely to experience UGI AEs. Some clinical trials with oral bisphosphonates have suggested that a decrease in the frequency of administration may lead to improvement in gastrointestinal tolerability. In the authors' experience, the issue of UGI tolerability can be minimised by explaining to the patient and/or caregiver the importance of following administration instructions. Intravenous (IV) bisphosphonates have been recently approved for use in osteoporosis, offering an alternative regimen for patients with osteoporosis. Earlier generation IV bisphosphonates (e.g. etidronate) have been associated with acute renal failure. Alternatively, late-generation IV bisphosphonates (i.e. ibandronate) have shown a better safety profile in relation to renal toxicity. Influenza-like illness, often referred to as an acute-phase reaction, covers symptoms such as fatigue, fever, chills, myalgia and arthralgia. These symptoms are transitory and self-limiting and usually do not recur after subsequent drug administration. Symptoms of influenza-like illness have been associated with both IV and oral bisphosphonates. Osteonecrosis of the jaw has also been associated with IV bisphosphonate treatment, particularly in patients treated with high doses. A small number of patients with cancer and osteoporosis using oral bisphosphonates have also reported this AE. As osteonecrosis of the jaw is difficult to treat and is often associated with dental procedures and poor oral hygiene, preventive measures seem to be the best management option for patients taking bisphosphonates.Overall, the safety and tolerability profile of the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates is good, and long-term treatment does not appear to carry a risk of serious AEs. By encouraging adherence to administration instructions physicians can minimise certain complications, such as UGI intolerability. By being aware of other potential safety issues, such as renal impairment, influenza-like illness and osteonecrosis of the jaw, physicians can detect these AEs early in the course of treatment.

Ovarian conservation at the time of hysterectomy for benign disease

Approximately 78% of women between the ages of 45 and 64 years have prophylactic oophorectomy when hysterectomy is performed for benign disease to prevent the development of ovarian cancer. However, after menopause, the ovary continues to produce androstenedione and testosterone in significant amounts and these androgens are converted in fat, muscle, and skin into estrone. Evidence suggests that oophorectomy increases the subsequent risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and osteoporosis and whereas 14,000 women die of ovarian cancer every year nearly 490,000 women die of heart disease and 48,000 women die within 1 year after hip fracture. PubMed and the Cochrane database were used to identify studies that examined the incidence of disease and mortality from 5 conditions that seem to be related to ovarian hormones: CHD, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, stroke and hip fracture, and also data for death from all other causes. The data were applied to a Markov decision analytic computer model to calculate risk estimates for mortality from these conditions until the age of 80. The model shows for a hypothetical cohort of 10,000 women undergoing hysterectomy and who chose oophorectomy (vs. ovarian conservation) between the ages of 50 and 54 [without estrogen therapy(ET)], that by the time they reach age 80, 47 fewer women will have died from ovarian cancer, but 838 more women will have died from CHD and 158 more will have died from hip fracture. Therefore, the decision to perform prophylactic oophorectomy should be approached with great caution for the majority of women who are at low risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Economic evaluation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a new treatment for osteoporosis and has been shown to reduce the risks of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women in clinical trials. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of teriparatide in addition to calcium and vitamin D, using a simulation model. The base case analysis was conducted for a cohort of 69-year-old women in Sweden who had at least one previous vertebral fracture and low bone mineral density. The model simulated the course of events in 6-month cycles in individual patients until death or 100 years of age. During each cycle the patients were at risk of experiencing clinical vertebral, hip or wrist fractures, or death. Total accumulated life-time costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were estimated. Swedish data on fracture costs, utility reductions after fracture, fracture risks and mortality rates were used. The model incorporated new epidemiological evidence that indicates fracture risks and mortality rates are higher in the subsequent years post-fracture. The results showed that the cost-effectiveness of the treatment is highly dependant on the risk profile of the treated patients and the timing of starting treatment relative to previous fractures. The cost per QALY gained for treatment of a population of 69-year-olds with a T-score at the femoral neck of -3 was in the base case estimated to be between EUR (euro) 20,000 and 64,000 for patients with a recent or historic vertebral fracture respectively. The study provides further evidence of the benefit and cost-effectiveness of starting osteoporotic treatments early in patients with a new fracture, and also that teriparatide may provide valuable clinical benefits for these patients and may be considered a cost-effective intervention when targeted to the appropriate patients.

Long-term morbidity and mortality after a clinically diagnosed vertebral fracture in the elderly--a 12- and 22-year follow-up of 257 patients

The objective of this study was to analyze the long-term morbidity and mortality in patients with a clinically diagnosed vertebral fracture. Seventy men with a mean age of 70 years (range 50-91 years) and 187 women with a mean age of 72 years (range 50-96 years) were radiographically diagnosed as having a vertebral fracture in the thoracic or lumbar spine at the Malmö University Hospital (Sweden) during 1979. At the time of a follow-up examination 12 years later, 56 of the 76 patients who were still alive participated in an investigation that evaluated back pain and subjective health status by a questionnaire. Forty-four of these subjects also participated in a further radiologic examination of the spine. Serving as controls were age- and gender-matched subjects from the Malmö cohort of the European Vertebral Osteoporosis Study (EVOS). A mortality analysis was also conducted, covering 22 years following the baseline fracture. There were more female patients, who, in comparison with the controls, 12 years after the diagnosis, had had back pain during the year preceding the follow-up (72% vs 33%, P < 0.001), had current back pain (42% vs. 19%, P = 0.006), and had a subjectively impaired health status (44% vs. 17%, P < 0.001). The corresponding differences in men reached only a borderline significance, for both back pain during the year preceding the follow-up (60% vs. 28%, P = 0.07) and current back pain (40% vs. 15%, P = 0.09), whereas there was no difference in subjective health status. The incidence of new vertebral fractures in individuals with a clinically diagnosed vertebral fracture during the following 12 years was in men 25 per 1,000 person-years and in women 49 per 1000 person-years. There were more women with a new vertebral fracture at the 12-year follow-up examination who, in comparison with women without a new fracture, had had back pain during the year preceding the follow-up examination (90% vs. 50%, age-adjusted P = 0.02) and had current back pain (65% vs. 21%, age-adjusted P = 0.03). Women with a new vertebral fracture at the 12-year follow-up examination had a higher subsequent mortality rate in the next 10 years [age-adjusted hazard ratio 2.8 (95% CI 1.0-7.9)] as compared with women without. The mortality rate during the 22 years following the diagnosis among the male patients was 111.7 per 1,000 person-years as compared with 73.4 per 1,000 person-years among the male population at risk. The mortality rate among the female patients was 95.1 per 1,000 person-years as compared with 62.0 per 1,000 person-years among the female population at risk. We conclude that a clinically diagnosed thoracic or lumbar vertebral fracture in the elderly can be regarded as a risk factor for subsequent, long-term morbidity, especially in women, and for mortality in both genders.

Cost-effectiveness of raloxifene in the UK: an economic evaluation based on the MORE study

Raloxifene treatment has been shown to reduce the risk of vertebral fractures and breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The long-term economic implications of treatment with raloxifene have not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of treating postmenopausal women in the UK with raloxifene. A previously developed computer simulation model was used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of osteoporotic treatments with extra skeletal benefits. The model was populated with epidemiological data and cost data relevant for a UK female population. Data on the effect of treatment were taken from the Multiple Outcomes of Raloxifene (MORE) study, which recruited women with low bone mineral density or with a prior vertebral fracture. Cost-effectiveness was estimated using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) and life years gained as primary outcome measures. The cost per QALY gained of treating postmenopausal women without prior vertebral fractures was 18,000 pounds, 23,000 pounds , 18,000 pounds and 21,000 pounds at 50, 60, 70 and 80 years of age. Corresponding estimates for women with prior vertebral fractures were 10,000 pounds, 24,000 pounds, 18,000 pounds and 20,000 pounds. In relation to threshold values that are recommended in the UK, the analysis suggests that raloxifene is cost-effective in the treatment of postmenopausal women at an increased risk of vertebral fractures.

Cost-effectiveness of risedronate for the treatment of osteoporosis and prevention of fractures in postmenopausal women

Randomized, double-blind, controlled studies have shown that treatment with risedronate reduces the risk of vertebral fracture in postmenopausal women with established vertebral osteoporosis. They also show that the drug decreases the risk of non-vertebral fractures in women with osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of risedronate in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. A Markov model was applied to a UK setting. Treatment effects were computed by meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials and given over 5 years to subjects aged between 60 and 80 years. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and life years gained were used as outcome measures. Intervention with risedronate was cost-effective in women aged 60 years and older. Cost savings were also found for postmenopausal women aged 70 years and older with established vertebral osteoporosis (a prior spine fracture and BMD T-score < or =-2.5 SD). This treatment was cost-effective for women aged 65 years and older who had a prior vertebral fracture and a BMD T-score at the threshold of osteoporosis ( T-score=-2.5 SD), and in women with a T-score < or =-2.5 SD, but without a prior vertebral fracture. In women aged 60-80 years and at the threshold of osteoporosis ( T-score=-2.5 SD) but without a prior vertebral fracture, treatment exceeded the threshold for cost-effectiveness. However, if an additional, independent risk factor was assumed (e.g., corticosteroid use) treatment became cost-effective.

The impact of monitoring on adherence and persistence with antiresorptive treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial

Long-term adherence and persistence with any therapy are very poor ( approximately 50%). Adherence to therapy is defined as the percentage of prescribed medication taken, and persistence is defined as continuing to take prescribed medication. We examined whether monitoring by nursing staff could enhance adherence and persistence with antiresorptive therapy and whether presenting information on response to therapy provided additional benefit. In addition we evaluated the impact of monitoring on treatment efficacy. Seventy-five postmenopausal women with osteopenia were randomized to 1) no monitoring, 2) nurse-monitoring, or 3) marker-monitoring. All subjects were prescribed raloxifene. At 12, 24, and 36 wk, the nursing staff reviewed subjects in the monitored (nurse-monitoring or marker-monitoring) groups using a predefined protocol. The marker-monitored group were also presented a graph of response to therapy using percentage change in urinary N-telopeptide of type I collagen (uNTX), a bone resorption marker, at each visit. Biological response to therapy at 1 yr was determined using the percent change in bone mineral density (BMD) and uNTX. Treatment adherence and persistence were assessed using electronic monitoring devices. Survival analysis showed that the monitored group increased cumulative adherence to therapy by 57% compared with no monitoring (P = 0.04). There was a trend for the monitored group to persist with therapy for 25% longer compared with no monitoring (P = 0.07). Marker measurements did not improve adherence or persistence to therapy compared with nurse-monitoring alone. Adherence at 1 yr was correlated with percent change in hip (BMD) (r = 0.28; P = 0.01) and percent change in uNTX (r = -0.36; P = 0.002). In conclusion, monitoring of patients increased adherence to therapy by 57% at 1 yr. Increased adherence to therapy increased the effectiveness of raloxifene therapy determined using surrogate end points.

Is it ethical to use placebos in osteoporosis clinical trials?

Because there are now effective agents for treatment of osteoporosis, the question is being raised as to whether or not it is ethical to have placebo-controlled trials of new agents. It is ethical for patients who are at low risk of serious or irreversible harm to participate in placebo-controlled trials as long as they provide informed consent. Morbidity, mortality, and future fracture risk correlate with the presence of previous fractures, the number of previous fractures, whether or not the fracture is recent, and whether or not the fracture is clinically recognized. Lower-risk subjects who may be allowed to participate in placebo-controlled trials include those with low bone density but without a previous vertebral fracture, those with a single vertebral deformity that was not clinically recognized, and those with a vertebral fracture more than 2 years before. Higher-risk subjects who do not tolerate proven drugs or who have not responded to proven drugs may also participate. Even though it may be ethical for selected subjects to participate in placebo-controlled trials of new therapies for osteoporosis, steps should be taken to minimize their exposure (eg, unbalanced randomization, integration of outcomes, and powering trials to actual events rather than a projected number over 3 years), and treating patients who fracture or who fail to respond.

Cost effectiveness of alendronate (fosamax) for the treatment of osteoporosis and prevention of fractures

BACKGROUND

The Fracture Intervention Trial (FIT) demonstrated that the bisphosphonate alendronate reduces the risk of hip, spine and wrist fracture in osteoporotic women by approximately one half.

OBJECTIVE

To use data from FIT to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of alendronate.

DESIGN

A Markov model was developed for a cohort of Swedish women, comparable in relative fracture risk to the women enrolled in the FIT vertebral fracture arm (i.e. age 71 years with low bone mass plus at least one prior spine fracture). The women in the model (with low bone mass and a previous spine fracture) were exposed to alendronate therapy and transitioned over time from a 'well' health state to health states of 'hip fracture', 'spine fracture', 'wrist fracture' or 'death'. All costs were calculated in 2000 Swedish kronors (SEK).

TIME HORIZON

In the Markov model our base-case treatment duration was 5 years followed by a 5-year period where the benefit declined linearly to 0.

RESULTS

We found that treating 71-year-old osteoporotic women with a prior spine fracture with alendronate resulted in a cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained of SEK76000, which is well below the threshold for cost effectiveness of SEK300000. For women aged 65 years, the cost-effectiveness ratio increased to SEK173000 and for women aged 77 years, the cost-effectiveness ratio decreased to SEK52000.

CONCLUSIONS

Treating older osteoporotic women with alendronate was more cost effective than treating younger women with osteoporosis, and treating osteoporotic women with prior spine fracture was more cost effective than treating osteoporotic women without prior spine fracture. However, the costs per QALY gained for all populations studied were below generally accepted thresholds for cost effectiveness.

Quantitative ultrasound and mortality: a prospective study

Previous studies suggest that low bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with increased mortality, but the relationship between quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and mortality is unknown. We studied 5816 women over age 70 years enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. QUS of the calcaneus, and BMD of the calcaneus and hip, were measured at baseline, and women were contacted every 4 months to determine vital status. All reported deaths were confirmed by review of the death certificate or hospital records, and classified by ICD-9 code. During 5.0 years of follow-up, 677 women died. Women in the lowest quintile of QUS had the highest mortality during follow-up. After adjustment for age, grip strength, weight, height, health status, estrogen use, smoking, physical activity, and history of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and stroke, each 1 SD reduction in broadband ultrasonic attenuation (BUA) was associated with a 16% increase in mortality (RH = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.26). Mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer and other causes were all increased among women with low QUS, but the association with cancer deaths was not statistically significant after multiple adjustments (RH = 1.09; CI: 0.93, 1.27). Low BMD was also associated with an increased risk of total and cause-specific mortality, but we found little evidence that BUA and BMD were independent predictors of mortality. Results were similar among women who did not fracture during follow-up. In this large population-based study of older women, low QUS is associated with both total and cause-specific mortality. This relationship was independent of other factors associated with mortality, such as age and health status, and suggests QUS and BMD may reflect some aspect of aging not captured by these traditional factors.

Assessment of mortality in patients enrolled in a risedronate clinical trial program: a retrospective cohort study

Risedronate, a pyridinyl bisphosphonate, has been shown in large clinical trials to be effective in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Analysis of safety data from these trials has shown that risedronate (2.5- and 5-mg doses) has an overall safety profile comparable to placebo during the course of the clinical trials. The clinical trials were powered appropriately to analyze the efficacy endpoints; however, patients were not systematically followed after completion of the clinical trials and therefore vital status for most of the patient cohort after the cessation of the clinical trials was unknown. In order to investigate further the safety profile of risedronate observed in the clinical trials database, we conducted a retrospective cohort mortality study among 7981 patients comprising the intent-to-treat population in three North American risedronate osteoporosis trials. No difference in all cause mortality was observed in patients receiving risedronate treatment compared with patients receiving placebo. There were also no differences between these groups in mortality due to all cancers, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal tract cancer. A trend toward lower cardiovascular mortality was observed in the risedronate groups compared with placebo; this difference was largely due to a significant reduction in stroke mortality in the active treatment groups. Follow-up mortality data in this retrospective cohort study demonstrate that treatment with risedronate has no effect on overall mortality rates.

Apolipoprotein E phenotype, arterial disease, and mortality among older women: the study of osteoporotic fractures

This study is an investigation of the relationship between apolipoprotein E (apoE) phenotype, arterial disease, and mortality in a group of women (n = 1,751) aged 65 years and older enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. Crude mortality rates were highest among women with the 4-3 and 4-4 phenotypes but age-adjusted mortality showed no statistically significant variations across the phenotype groups. Using multivariate analysis, the mortality experience of women with 4-3 or 4-4 apoE phenotypes was compared to that of women with the 3-3 phenotype: no significant excess total mortality was found [relative risk (RR) = 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8, 1.8] among women with the epsilon 4 allele. Similarly, neither cardiovascular (RR = 0.9. 95% CI 0.5, 1.8) nor cancer (RR = 1.5, 95% CI 0.8, 2.8) mortality rates were significantly different in this group of women. Inclusion of cholesterol levels in the regression models did not change the relative mortality risks. Among women 65-69 year of age epsilon 4 was associated with an approximate doubling of RR for death due to both cardiovascular disease and cancer. No association was found between apoE phenotype and the presence of lower extremity arterial disease (defined as an ankle/arm index of 0.9 or less). These results suggest that women with the epsilon 4 who survive to age 70 years or beyond have a life expectancy that is similar to that for women homozygous for the 3 allele who comprise the majority of the population.

Prevalent vertebral deformities predict mortality and hospitalization in older women with low bone mass. Fracture Intervention Trial Research Group

OBJECTIVES

To determine the relationship between prevalent vertebral deformities and the risk of mortality and hospitalization in older women with low bone mass.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Eleven clinical centers in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 6459 community-dwelling women with low bone mass aged 55 to 81 participated in the Fracture Intervention Trial (FIT), a multicenter clinical trial of alendronate that enrolled women into one of two study arms based solely on the presence or absence of existing radiographic vertebral deformities. There were 2027 women with at least one vertebral deformity enrolled in the vertebral fracture arm of FIT and followed prospectively for an average of 2.9 years, whereas 4432 women with no vertebral deformity were enrolled in the clinical fracture arm of FIT and followed prospectively for an average of 4.2 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Determination of prevalent vertebral deformities on baseline lateral thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs was made at the coordinating center using a combination of radiographic morphometry by digitization and semiquantitative radiologic interpretation. Deaths were confirmed by obtaining copies of original death certificates of all participants who died. Episodes of hospitalization were captured through adverse event reporting; hospitalizations resulting solely from adverse events containing the words "fracture" or "trauma" were excluded from the analyses.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, 122 women died, and 1676 women were hospitalized on at least one occasion for reasons not related solely to fracture. Compared with women without prevalent vertebral deformities, those women with prevalent deformities had higher risks of mortality (age- and treatment assignment-adjusted relative risk 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10-2.32) and hospitalization (age- and treatment assignment-adjusted relative risk 1.18, 95% CI, 1.06-1.31). In addition, further adjustment for other factors, including smoking status, physical activity, hypertension, coronary heart disease, obstructive lung disease, any fracture since the age of 50, health status, total hip BMD, and body mass index did not alter the association between prevalent vertebral deformities and risk of mortality substantially (multivariate relative risk 1.49, 95% CI, 1.05-2.21). Adjustment for all these factors and diabetes also did not change the relationship between prevalent vertebral deformities and hospitalization (multivariate relative risk 1.14, 95% CI, 1.02-1.27). Rates of mortality and hospitalization increased with increasing number of prevalent vertebral deformities (tests for trend P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalent vertebral deformities in older women with low bone mass are associated with increased risks of mortality and hospitalization. Only a portion of this increased risk was explained by other known predictors of these outcomes.

Mortality associated with vertebral deformity in men and women: results from the European Prospective Osteoporosis Study (EPOS)

Clinically apparent vertebral deformities are associated with reduced survival. The majority of subjects with radiographic vertebral deformity do not, however, come to medical attention. The aim of this study was to determine the association between radiographic vertebral deformity and subsequent mortality. The subjects who took part in the analysis were recruited for participation in a multicentre population-based survey of vertebral osteoporosis in Europe. Men and women aged 50 years and over were invited to attend for an interviewer-administered questionnaire and lateral spinal radiographs. Radiographs were evaluated morphometrically and vertebral deformity defined according to established criteria. The participants have been followed by annual postal questionnaire--the European Prospective Osteoporosis Study (EPOS). Information concerning the vital status of participants was available from 6480 subjects, aged 50-79 years, from 14 of the participating centres. One hundred and eighty-nine deaths (56 women and 133 men) occurred during a total of 14,380 person-years of follow-up (median 2.3 years). In women, after age adjustment, there was a modest excess mortality in those with, compared with those without, vertebral deformity: rate ratio (RR) = 1.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0,3.4). In men, the excess risk was smaller and non-significant RR = 1.3 (95% CI 0.9,2.0). After further adjusting for smoking, alcohol consumption, previous hip fracture, general health, body mass index and steroid use, the excess risk was reduced and non-significant in both sexes: women, RR = 1.6 (95% CI 0.9,3.0); men RR = 1.2 (95% CI 0.7,1.8). Radiographic vertebral deformity is associated with a modest excess mortality, particularly in women. Part of this excess can be explained by an association with other adverse health and lifestyle factors linked to mortality.

Estrogen replacement therapy and mortality among older women. The study of osteoporotic fractures

BACKGROUND

Most previous studies of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) and mortality have focused on younger women. Recently, it has been suggested that the effect of ERT on mortality may represent a "healthy-user" effect, ie, those with healthier lifestyles having a greater likelihood of receiving ERT.

METHODS

Nine thousand seven hundred four women, 65 years or older, participated; 1258 (14.1%) reported current use of ERT for at least 1 year at entry. During an average follow-up of 6.0 years, 1054 women (11.8%) died.

RESULTS

After adjusting for multiple variables, mortality rate was lower among current (relative risk [RR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.87) and past users (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.66-0.95), mainly due to reductions in deaths due to cardiovascular disease. The protective effect of ERT was greatest among women younger than 75 years (RR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.40-0.76) compared with women from 75 to 84 years of age (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.62-1.41) and 85 years or older (RR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.43-4.12). The RR for overall mortality was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.68-1.32) among short-term users (1-9 years) compared with 0.55 (95% CI, 0.40-0.75) among long-term users (> or = 10 years). Deaths considered unrelated to ERT tended also to be reduced in current users younger than 75 years (RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.49-1.06) and current long-term users (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.51-1.10).

CONCLUSIONS

Estrogen replacement therapy is associated with lower overall mortality rates and reduced deaths due to cardiovascular disease. Women using ERT had healthier lifestyles, and the risk for death thought to be unrelated to ERT also tended to be lower in ERT users, suggesting in part a healthy-user effect.

[Menopause and postmenopause. Prognostic criteria in insurance medicine]

The increasing proportion of elderly people in the population is presenting politics, society and also medicine with significant new challenges. Gerontology and geriatrics play a role in every area of preventive and curative medicine. Since the life expectancy of women is about 8 years longer than that of men and the greater portion of an aging society will be female, gynaecology takes on special significance. The necessity of developing old-age gynaecology becomes more and more urgent, particularly in view of the fact that postmenopausal women still have more than one third of their lives before them, a period which they would like to and should spend in good mental, psychological and physical condition. Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy has been remarkably successful in treating climateric complaints and in positively affecting the entire organism. The ability of women to virtually avert later consequences of the hormone deficiency, including osteoporosis-induced fractures, heart attacks and strokes, by means of long-term hormone replacement is one of the great achievements of our time. Furthermore, the importance of hormone replacement therapy in the possible reduction of certain types of genital cancer, as endometrial and ovarial carcinoma, cannot be overstated. Gynaecology has taken a great step toward enabling older women to spend this third stage of their lives free of unnecessary disease or suffering. There is a consensus in literature and among medical experts today that the advantages of estrogen replacement during and following menopause have been proven and are to be highly regarded. The advantages and risks of hormone therapy will be explored from the special standpoint of morbidity and mortality ratings, particularly for the disease patterns of osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, heart attack, stroke, as well as breast, endometrial, ovarial and colon cancer. For insurance medicine, these aspects are of paramount significance. Quantification with regard to morbidity and mortality statistics is a challenge that will have to be faced in the years to come.

Estrogen replacement therapy in the elderly

A woman spends about one-third of her life in her postmenopausal years. Some women supplement this period of decreased estrogen production with estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Since the 1970s, we have evaluated the long-term risks and benefits of ERT in one population of women, the Leisure World retirement community. ERT is the most effective method for preventing osteoporotic bone loss and fractures in postmenopausal women. In Leisure World, ERT reduced the risk of hip fractures about 50 %. The effect is greatest in long-term users but may be lost after discontinuation. Postmenopausal osteoporosis affects the bones of the jaws as well as other skeletal bones. Bone loss in the jaws may result in tooth loss. In Leisure World, estrogen users retain more natural teeth than nonusers. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of hospitalization and death in women. In Leisure World, ERT reduced the risk of fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, other heart disease, and stroke by 20-40 %. The reduction is greatest in long-term and/or current users. ERT is effective in women with and without cardiovascular disease risk factors. A most feared aspect of aging is Alzheimer's disease. In Leisure World, women who had used ERT had a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Risk both increaseng dose and decreased with increasing duration of use. Estrogen use, however, is not without risk. Unopposed estrogen increases risk of endometrial cancer. Risk increases with increasing years of use and remains high after discontinuation. The most important potential risk of ERT is breast cancer. In Leisure World, women who had used a total accumulated estrogen dose of 1500 mg or more had nearly twice the risk of breast cancer compared with nonusers. Short-term low-dose users showed no substantial increased risk. The Leisure World Study shows risks and benefits of ERT similar to other reports in the literature. For postmenopausal women generally, the benefits of ERT--preventing osteoporotic fractures, reducing heart disease, decreasing mortality, and possibly reducing risk of Alzheimer's disease-out-weigh the risks of endometrial and breast cancers. A woman must be fully informed of the risks and benefits of hormone therapy and play an important role in deciding whether to take hormones and which regimen to use.

[Pathologic fractures: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations and results of treatment]

Compared with bone fractures caused by trauma, pathologic fractures due to diseased bone are rare events. A pathologic fracture is one that occurs without adequate trauma and is caused by a benign or malignant bone lesion. Diagnosis of the basic disease is important for the subsequent therapy. In cases of benign bone lesions the aim of treatment is total osseus healing with complete restoration of function. In malignant pathologic fractures surgery is an essential part of the overall oncologic treatment design. In most cases it is combined with adjuvant therapy. Various surgical procedures are available for fractures at different sites and depending on whether the operation is performed with curative or palliative intent. In cases of progressive neoplastic disease stabilization is necessary to attenuate pain and to maintain mobility. Between 1983 and 1993 we treated 131 patients with 143 pathologic fractures. Conservative therapy was possible in 10 cases, while 133 fractures had to be treated surgically. Most fractures were caused by skeletal metastasis (61), solitary bone cysts (19), osteoporosis (17) and plasmocytoma (16). The most frequent localizations of pathologic fractures were humerus and femur. The favoured methods of surgical stabilization were endoprosthesis and reinforced osteosynthesis. Most fractures appeared in adolescent patients up to the age of 19 and in adults between the 5th and the 7th decade, and 57.3% of the fractures were caused by a primary or secondary malignant tumour lesion. Surgical treatment was performed in all but 1 case of malignant pathologic fractures. Of 74 patients, with malignant bone lesions 6 (8.1%), are still alive. For 68 patients who died after stabilization, the average survival time was 11.6 months; individual survival time depended on the kind of the tumour present. In 55 patients with fractures in the area of benign bone lesions complete healing was achieved, in 9 cases with conservative therapy. The rate of recurrence for solitary bone cysts treated by curettage or segment resection was 23.5%. Compared with the recurrence rates published by other authors this is a very good result.

Non-trauma mortality in elderly women with low bone mineral density. Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group

9704 ambulatory women aged 65 years or older were prospectively studied to determine whether low bone mineral density (osteopenia) was associated with mortality. Bone mineral density was measured at entry to the study by single-photon absorptiometry. 299 women died during a mean of 2.8 years' follow-up. Osteopenia was associated with increased non-trauma mortality, probably because it is a marker for several other adverse factors. Each standard deviation decrease in proximal radius bone mineral density (0.104 g/cm2) was associated with a 1.19-fold increase in mortality (95% confidence interval 1.04-1.36), adjusted for age and duration of follow-up. Diminished bone mineral density at the proximal radius was strongly associated with deaths from stroke (relative risk = 1.74; 95% CI 1.12-2.70), an association that was not confounded by history of previous stroke, hypertension, postmenopausal use of oestrogen, thiazide diuretic treatment, diabetes mellitus, and smoking. Most deaths in women with low bone mineral density are unrelated to the occurrence of fractures-an observation that should be taken into account when estimating the need for and cost-effectiveness of bone-density screening and fracture prevention programmes.