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The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of a self-administered questionnaire to identify subjects with postmenopausal osteoporosis in the setting of first line medical care. A sample of 300 postmenopausal women completed the questionnaire based on 18 items. Bone mineral density at the lumbar spine (BMD-L), total hip (BMD-H), and femoral neck (BMD-N) was used as objective criterion for evaluation. The mean risk score was 8.2 +/- 3.21. BMD was correlated with total risk score: r = -0.32 for BMD-L, -0.36 for BMD-N, and -0.43 for BMD-H. Cutoff points for the risk score (equal likelihood points) according to a T-score threshold of -2.5 were 8.6 for BMD-L and BMD-N and 9.3 for BMD-H; specificity and sensitivity was 62% and 62%, respectively, for BMD-L, 65% and 62% for BMD-N, and 75% and 63% for BMD-H. Stepwise multiple regression analysis of the questionnaire items in relation to BMD showed higher correlation coefficients for models including individual items rather than the overall risk score. Items concerning low weight, older age, and wrist fracture after 50 years of age were always selected as significant determinants of BMD (R = 0.43-0.55). Hormonal replacement therapy was also an important determinant. Lifestyle-related items did not contribute significantly. In conclusion, the diagnostic performance of the 18-item self-administered questionnaire was poorer than a shortened questionnaire omitting lifestyle factors. The clinical utility of a questionnaire should ultimately be evaluated in the specific optic of a chosen global strategy for prevention of osteoporotic fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Malnutrition is common both after the age of 70 and in many types of cancer, being responsible for poor quality of life, poor treatment response and a shorter survival time. Patients with haematological malignancies face specific challenges regarding nutrition because of intensive treatments they endure. Early detection of nutritional problems is important to allow interventions. Objectives To assess the nutritional status of a group of older patients with aggressive haematological malignancies before the onset of systemic therapy using the MNA-SF. Setting The haematology department of a university hospital. Participants Patients≥70 years, with newly diagnosed aggressive haematological malignancies. Methods Observational single centre study. Patients were screened for malnutrition before and two months after start of therapy using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). Results Seventy patients were included. Mean age was 77.4±4.7 years (range 70.0-91.0). At baseline, 20% (CI95=11-31%) were malnourished and 61% (CI95=49-73%) were at risk for malnutrition. Recent weight loss and declined food intake were the most recorded MNA-SF parameters. Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 26.3±4.1 (range 19.8-41.1) and 41% (n=29) of patients had a BMI<25. Conclusions Using the MNA-SF, most of the older patients with an aggressive haematological malignancy are at risk for malnutrition. Therefore, nutritional assessment with individualised dietary advice and follow-up during treatment should be recommended as an integrated part of the treatment plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]