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Objective: To investigating the relationship between α-Klotho and FGF-23 with bone biochemical markers and bone density findings in extremely aged individuals. Methods: A total of 55 individuals with a mean age of 85.6 years were subjected to clinical, biochemical, and bone mineral density analyses and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based detection of α-Klotho and FGF-23. The mean, standard deviation, median, and interquartile ranges of the sample values were determined, and Spearman's test for association assessments was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study participants expressed median FGF-23 and α-Klotho levels of 69.81 RU/mL (51.43 RU/mL) and 733.43 pg/mL (360.83 pg/mL), respectively. The majority of the participants possessed osteopenia (54.5%) and a vitamin D deficiency (57%). The 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations ranged between 7.1 and 47.5ng/mL, with a median of 18.1ng/mL. Conclusion: No substantial associations were discovered between α-Klotho and FGF-23 levels and bone density in the study participants.

ABSTRACT Vitamin D deficiency is a general health problem affecting individuals at all stages of life and on different continents. The musculoskeletal effects of vitamin D are well known. Its deficiency causes rickets, osteomalacia, and secondary hyperparathyroidism and increases the risk of fractures. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that vitamin D performs multiple extraskeletal functions. Several tissues unrelated to calcium and phosphate metabolism express vitamin D receptor (VDR) and are directly or indirectly influenced by 1,25(OH)2D (calcitriol). Some also express the enzyme 1 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) and produce 1,25(OH)2D, inducing autocrine or paracrine effects. Among the pleiotropic effects of vitamin D are the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, hormone secretion, and immune function. In this review, we outline vitamin D physiology and the outcomes of recent large RCTs on its potential extraskeletal effects. Those studies exhibit a need for continued clinical analysis to elucidate whether vitamin D status can influence extraskeletal health. Longer longitudinal follow-up and standardized assays are crucial to better assess potential outcomes.

ABSTRACT Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is an inherited disease caused by a low activity of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase, a hydrolase that removes phosphate groups from many molecules. Decreased alkaline phosphatase activity leads to the accumulation of three main metabolites, i.e., pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), and phosphoethanolamine. Impairment in PLP dephosphorylation induces seizures, while PPi accumulation inhibits bone mineralization. Clinically, HPP has a wide spectrum of presentations, ranging from neonatal death to an apparent lack of symptoms. This disease is classified into six subtypes according to the age at onset of first signs or symptoms. The clinical manifestations of the disease include rickets-like bone changes, bone demineralization, fragility fractures, reduced muscular strength, chest deformity, pulmonary hypoplasia, nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, and chondrocalcinosis. Treatment of HPP consists of enzyme replacement therapy. Before this therapy was approved, treatment was palliative and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Asfotase alfa has changed the prognosis of the disease by reducing bone deformity and improving bone mineralization, lung function, and muscle weakness, among other benefits. In adults, teriparatide and anti-sclerostin antibody have been used off-label in selected cases, demonstrating benefit in accelerating fracture healing and in concomitant treatment of osteoporosis. This review summarizes the main aspects of HPP and identifies the particularities of the disease in adult patients.

Abstract Objective To present an updated and evidence-based guideline for the use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition in clinical practice. Materials and methods This Official Position was developed by the Scientific Committee of the Brazilian Association of Bone Assessment and Metabolism (Associação Brasileira de Avaliação Óssea e Osteometabolismo, ABRASSO) and experts in the field who were invited to contribute to the preparation of this document. The authors searched current databases for relevant publications in the area of body composition assessment. In this second part of the Official Position, the authors discuss the interpretation and reporting of body composition parameters assessed by DXA and the use of DXA for body composition evaluation in special situations, including evaluation of children, persons with HIV, and animals. Conclusion This document offers recommendations for the use of DXA in body composition evaluation, including indications, interpretation, and applications, to serve as a guiding tool in clinical practice and research for health care professionals in Brazil.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between 25OHD (total, bioavailable and free) with bone mass and microarchitecture among primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients and controls. Subjects and methods: Sixty-four patients in the preoperative period of PHPT and 63 matched controls, who had not taken vitamin D in the last three months. To calculate the bioavailable and free 25OHD, the genetic variants of the vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) were determined. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The distributions of total, bioavailable and free 25OHD and their correlation with TBS and DXA were evaluated. Results: PHPT showed BMD and TBS values lower than CTRL in all locations (p < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in the levels of free, bioavailable and total 25OHD between the PHPT and CTRL groups [mean, min-max: 3.4 (1.4-8.6) vs. 3.1 (1.0-9.8) pg/mL, 1.51 (0.43-3.58) vs. 1.41 (0.38-3.48) ng/mL, 22.6 (11.0-39.9) vs. 20.6 (8.9-35.3) ng/dL, respectively; (p > 0.05). The distribution of DBP haplotypes was similar between groups. DXA showed no correlation with any form of 25OHD in both groups. TBS presented a weak correlation with the total 25OHD in PHPT (r = 0.28; p = 0.02) and a moderate correlation with the total, free and bioavailable 25OHD in CTRL (r = 0.42; r = 0.42; r = 0.43; respectively, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The concentrations of total, free and bioavailable 25OHD were similar in both the PHPT and control groups. 25OHD concentrations correlated positively with TBS and not with DXA, especially in controls, suggesting that this method may be more sensitive to assessing the consequences of vitamin D deficiency on bone quality in individuals without PHPT.

ABSTRACT Objective: The fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has been related to biological aging, but data in elderly individuals are scant. We determined the profile of serum FGF23 levels in a population of very-old individuals and studied their correlations with parameters of bone metabolism and health markers, as functional performance. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 182 community dwellers aged ≥ 80 years. Serum levels of FGF23, PTH, calcium, albumin, phosphorus, creatinine, bone markers, and bone mineral density data were analyzed. Physical performance was evaluated with the stationary march (Step), Flamingo, and functional reach tests, along with questionnaires to assess falls and fractures in the previous year, energy expenditure (MET), and the Charlson index (CI). Physical activity was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: Most participants (75%) had FGF23 levels between 30-120 RU/mL (range: 6.0-3,170.0 RU/mL). FGF23 levels correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; r = -0.335; p = 0.001) and PTH (r = 0.318; p < 0.0001). Individuals with FGF23 in the highest tertile had more falls in the previous year (p = 0.032), worse performance in the Flamingo (p = 0.009) and Step (p < 0.001) tests, worse CI (p = 0.009) and a trend toward sedentary lifestyle (p = 0.056). On multiple regression, FGF23 tertiles remained significant, independently of eGFR, for falls in the previous year, performance in the Flamingo and stationary march tests, lean mass index, and IPAQ classification. Conclusion: In a population of very elderly individuals, FGF23 levels were inversely associated with neuromuscular and functional performances. Higher concentrations were related to more falls, lower muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and poorer balance, regardless of renal function, suggesting a potentially deleterious role of high FGF23 concentrations in musculoskeletal health.

ABSTRACT Antiresorptive therapy is the main form of prevention of osteoporotic or fragility fractures. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a relatively rare but severe adverse reaction to antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs. Physicians and dentists caring for patients taking these drugs and requiring invasive procedures face a difficult decision because of the potential risk of MRONJ. The aim of this study was to discuss the risk factors for the development of MRONJ and prevention of this complication in patients with osteoporosis taking antiresorptive drugs and requiring invasive dental treatment. For this goal, a task force with representatives from three professional associations was appointed to review the pertinent literature and discuss systemic and local risk factors, prevention of MRONJ in patients with osteoporosis, and management of established MRONJ. Although scarce evidence links the use of antiresorptive agents in the context of osteoporosis to the development of MRONJ, these agents are considered a risk factor for this complication. Despite the rare reports of MRONJ in patients with osteoporosis, the severity of symptoms and impact of MRONJ in the patients' quality of life make it imperative for health care professionals to consider this complication when planning invasive dental procedures.

ABSTRACT The effects of vitamin D on the musculoskeletal system are well established. Its deficiency causes osteomalacia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and an increased risk for fractures and falls. However, clinical and experimental evidence points to extra-skeletal actions of vitamin D, including on immune and respiratory systems. Thus, during this COVID-19 pandemic, a possible deleterious role of vitamin D deficiency has been questioned. This paper aims to present a brief review of the literature and discuss, based on evidence, the role of vitamin D in the lung function and in the prevention of respiratory infections. Relevant articles were searched in the databases MEDLINE/PubMed and SciELO/LILACS. The mechanisms of vitamin D action in the immune system response will be discussed. Clinical data from systematic reviews and meta-analyses show benefits in the prevention of respiratory infections and improvement of pulmonary function when vitamin D-deficient patients are supplemented. At the time of writing this paper, no published data on vitamin D supplementation for patients with COVID-19 have been found. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended during this period of social isolation to avoid any deficiency, especially in the context of bone outcomes, aiming to achieve normal values of 25(OH)D. The prevention of respiratory infections and improvement of pulmonary function are additional benefits observed when vitamin D deficiency is treated. Thus far, any protective effect of vitamin D specifically against severe COVID-19 remains unclear. We also emphasize avoiding bolus or extremely high doses of vitamin D, which can increase the risk of intoxication without evidence of benefits.

ABSTRACT Hypovitaminosis D is a common condition with a negative impact on health. This statement, prepared by experts from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism and the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine, includes methodological aspects and limitations of the measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] for identification of vitamin D status, and identifies individuals at increased risk for deficiency of this vitamin in whom 25(OH)D measurement is recommended. For the general population, 25(OH)D levels between 20 and 60 ng/mL are considered normal, while individuals with levels below 20 ng/mL are considered to be vitamin D deficient. This statement identifies potential benefits of maintaining 25(OH)D levels > 30 ng/mL in specific conditions, including patients aged > 65 years or pregnant, those with recurrent falls, fragility fractures, osteoporosis, secondary hyperparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease, or cancer, and individuals using drugs with the potential to affect the vitamin D metabolism. This statement also calls attention to the risk of vitamin D intoxication, a life-threatening condition that occurs at 25(OH)D levels above 100 ng/mL

SUMMARY Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare disease with a high mortality rate in its severe forms. It is caused by mutations within the gene encoding the tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP), an enzyme responsible for bone mineralization. In 2015, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of asfotase alfa, the first medication showing benefit in the treatment of HPP. We describe a case with a 2-year follow-up of the first Brazilian child treated with asfotase alfa. A 5-year-old boy, born to consanguineous parents, was diagnosed with HPP at the age of 20 months. During prenatal ultrasonography, polyhydramnios and shortening of long bones were detected. After birth, he presented delayed motor development, repeated respiratory infections, and bone deformities. At the age of 2 years and 8 months, he started walking and had already lost his primary teeth. He had reduced levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), elevated levels of pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP), and a p.Ala33Val (c.98C>T) missense mutation in homozygosis in the TNSALP gene. His parents and sister also had reduced ALP levels, high PLP levels, and the same mutation in heterozygosis. His father and sister were healthy, and his mother was diagnosed with rickets in childhood, which resulted in short physical stature and lower limb deformities. The patient was started on asfotase alfa at the age of 2 years and 10 months. After 2 years of treatment, he improved his motor skills, had no further episodes of severe respiratory infection, and showed improved radiological findings of rickets, without any severe side effect.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Vitamin D is considered a pre-hormone and plays a crucial role in calcium homeostasis and, consequently, in bone health. The best source of vitamin D is the skin in response to sunlight. Only small amounts of this vitamin are found in some foods (especially fatty fish), which makes availability of vitamin D in the diet limited. Brazilian population studies show that the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in our country is high. Objective: To define the reference intervals for vitamin D [25(OH)D]. Discussion: Consensus of specialists - literature review. Conclusion: The standardization of reference intervals is fundamental for the correct diagnosis and treatment of hypovitaminosis D.

ABSTRACT Radiographic vertebral fractures (VFxs) are the most common fractures in osteoporosis and are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. A subset of VFxs manifest clinically, usually with a sudden onset of severe back pain. Romosozumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds and inhibits sclerostin, increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption, leading to rapid and large increases in bone density and strength and reduction in fracture risk. The FRAME (Fracture Study in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis) study of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis demonstrated a significant reduction in new VFxs with romosozumab versus placebo. Here, we report the effect of romosozumab versus placebo on clinical VFx incidence over 12 months in women reporting back pain suggestive of VFxs. FRAME enrolled 7180 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, mean age 70.9 years (hip T‐score −2.5 to −3.5). In the first year of the study, women received monthly romosozumab 210 mg (n = 3589) or placebo (n = 3591). At regular monthly visits, women reporting back pain suggestive of a clinical VFx had a confirmatory spine X‐ray. Clinical VFx risk in the romosozumab group versus the placebo group was calculated by Cox‐proportional hazards model. Of 119 women in FRAME with back pain suggestive of a clinical VFx over 12 months, 20 were confirmed to have experienced a new/worsening VFx. Three women receiving romosozumab had a clinical VFx (

ABSTRACT Objective This study sought to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation and aquatic exercise on pulmonary function in postmenopausal women. Materials and methods This prospective and controlled study included 104 women (62 ± 6.5 years) divided into three groups: a control group lacking vitamin D and calcium supplementation which remained sedentary (CG; n = 17); a control group receiving vitamin D and calcium supplementation which remained sedentary (CDG, n = 33); and a group that completed aquatic exercises three times a week and received vitamin D and calcium supplementation (DTG, n = 54). Data before and after 6 months of the study were analyzed, including serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and calcium concentrations, peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), and cirtometry. Results We observed significant increases in 25(OH)D concentrations in CDG (52.9 ± 2.4 to 69.1 ± 2.2; nmol/L; p < 0.0001) and DTG groups (55.5 ± 3 to 71.5 ± 3 nmol/L; p < 0.0001). PEF increased by 7 ± 2% (p = 0.0080) in CDG group and 11 ± 2% (p < 0.0001) in DTG group, whereas FVC increased by 7 ± 2% (p = 0.0016) in the CDG group and 10 ± 2% (p < 0.0001) in the DTG group, whereas CG had no changes in any of these parameters. The increment value of cirtometry in DTG group (+43 ± 3%) were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher than those in CG (−4 ± 8%) and CDG (+4 ± 9%) groups. Conclusion Our data suggest that vitamin D supplementation improves pulmonary function parameters in postmenopausal women.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the usefulness of a third-generation PTH assay in the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Subjects and methods Forty-one PHPT patients (4 men and 37 women) with 61.2 ± 10.9 (mean ± SD) years, were studied and had PTH levels measured with two different methods using the same immunochemiluminescent assay plataform (Elecsys 2010 System, Roche). We compared a second-generation assay (I-PTH) with a third-generation PTH assay (Bio-PTH). Two populations of 423 and 120 healthy adults with serum 25OHD levels above 25 ng/mL were used to define normal values in the I-PTH and Bio-PTH assays respectively. Results Normal PTH values based in the healthy adults population were 24.2-78.0 pg/mL for the I-PTH assay and 19.9-58.5 pg/mL for Bio-PTH assay. In PHPT patients, PTH values ranged from 67 to 553 pg/mL (median: 168 pg/mL) using the I-PTH assay and from 55 to 328 pg/mL (median: 111 pg/mL) using the Bio-PTH assay. Results obtained with the Bio-PTH assay were significantly lower (p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon). In general I-PTH and Bio-PTH showed highly significant correlation (r = 0.952, p < 0.0001). Passing–Bablok analysis gave a regression equation of Bio PTH = 13.44 + 0.59 x intact PTH. PHPT patients had 25OHD levels ranging from 4 to 36 ng/mL (mean 16.2 ng/mL); 35 subjects (85.3%) had values bellow 25 ng/mL. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that both second and third generation PTH methods are strongly correlated in PHPT patients and control subjects. Lower results with Bio-PTH tests are expected in function of the assay specificity determined by the amino-terminal antibody used.

Autoimmune-polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is a primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the autoimmune regulator gene (AIRE). Patients with AIRE mutations are susceptible to Candida albicans infection and present with autoimmune disorders. We previously demonstrated that cytoplasmic AIRE regulates the Syk-dependent Dectin-1 pathway. In this study, we further evaluated direct contact with fungal elements, synapse formation, and the response of macrophage-like THP-1 cells to C. albicans hyphae to determine the role of AIRE upon Dectin receptors function and signaling. We examined the fungal synapse (FS) formation in wild-type and AIRE-knockdown THP-1 cells differentiated to macrophages, as well as monocyte-derived macrophages from APECED patients. We evaluated Dectin-2 receptor signaling, phagocytosis, and cytokine secretion upon hyphal stimulation. AIRE co-localized with Dectin-2 and Syk at the FS upon hyphal stimulation of macrophage-like THP-1 cells. AIRE-knockdown macrophage-like THP-1 cells exhibited less Dectin-1 and Dectin-2 receptors accumulation, decreased signaling pathway activity at the FS, lower C. albicans phagocytosis, and less lysosome formation. Furthermore, IL-1β, IL-6, or TNF-α secretion by AIRE-knockdown macrophage-like THP-1 cells and AIRE-deficient patient macrophages was decreased compared to control cells. Our results suggest that AIRE modulates the FS formation and hyphal recognition and help to orchestrate an effective immune response against C. albicans.

Objective. To evaluate vitamin D deficiency and body composition of women submitted to bariatric surgery and relate their body mass index variation after surgery to 25(OH)D concentrations. Method. A cross-sectional and controlled study was performed including 49 obese adult volunteer women, submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB group). Collected Data. Body mass index (BMI), self-declared ethnicity, economic condition, physical activity level, serum concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D; radioimmunoassay), parathormone, and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic DXA-QDR-1000) were collected. Results. 25(OH)D deficiency was found in 27 (55.1%) and 8 (21.1%) in the RYGB and control groups (p=0.002). Secondary hyperparathyroidism was more frequent in the RYGB group compared to the control group (15 (30.6%) versus 1 (2.6%); p=0.001). There was no relation of the studied variables and body composition with 25(OH)D deficiency. 25(OH)D concentrations were correlated (r=−0.531; p

INTRODUCTION: Several methods have been proposed to improve operative success in renal hyperparathyroidism. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate stereomicroscopy in parathyroid tissue selection for total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation in secondary (SHPT)/tertiary (THPT) hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: 118 renal patients underwent surgery from April of 2000 to October 2009. They were divided into two groups: G1, 66 patients operated from April of 2000 to May of 2005, with tissue selection based on macroscopic observation; G2, 52 patients operated from March of 2008 to October 2009 with stereomicroscopy for tissue selection searching for the presence of adipose cells. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. Patients presented SHPT (dialysis treatment) or THPT (renal-grafted). Follow-up was 12-36 months. Intra-operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) was measured in 100/118 (84.7%) patients. RESULTS: Data are presented as means. G1 included 66 patients (38 SHPT, 24 females/14 males; 40.0 years of age; 28 THPT, 14 females/14 males; 44 years of age). G2 included 52 patients (29 SHPT, 11 females/18 males; 50.7 years of age; 23 THPT, 13 females/10 males, 44.4 years of age). SHPT patients from G2 presented preoperative serum calcium higher than those of SHPT patients in G1 (p < 0.05), suggesting a more severe disease. Definitive hypoparathyroidism was found in seven of 118 patients (5.9%). Graft-dependent recurrence occurred in four patients, two in each group. All occurred in dialysis patients. CONCLUSION: Stereomicroscopy in SHPT/THPT surgical treatment may be a useful tool to standardize parathyroid tissue selection.

Avaliamos medida de PTH intraoperatório (IO-PTH) no intuito de melhorar índices de sucesso no tratamento cirúrgico do hiperparatiroidismo associado à doença renal. MÉTODO: Oitenta e seis pacientes realizaram paratiroidectomia total com autoimplante em musculatura pré-esternal entre abril de 2000 e outubro de 2009 com 26,5 meses de seguimento em média, prospectivo. Foram divididos em dois grupos: hiperparatiroidismo secundário (HPS) - pacientes em diálise e hiperparatiroidismo terciário (HPT) - transplantados renais. Medido IO-PTH (Elecsys-PTH-Immunoassay/Roche) na indução anestésica (IOPTH-0') e 20 minutos (IOPTH-20') após a retirada das paratireoides. RESULTADOS: 80,2% (69/86) do total de pacientes apresentaram queda de 80% ou mais do IOPTH-20' e todos se curaram. Em 11/86 (12,7%) pacientes, foi observada queda entre 70-79%, sendo que dois (18,1%) deles evoluíram com falha cirúrgica. 6/86 (6,9%) pacientes apresentaram redução de IOPTH-20' menor do que 70%: dois foram curados; três apresentaram paratireoide supranumerária/ectópica que foi localizada e removida; um paciente evoluiu com persistência da doença após término da cirurgia com a retirada de quatro paratireoides. CONCLUSÃO: Queda do IOPTH-20' de 80% ou mais foi preditor de cura em todos os pacientes renais durante o período avaliado. Redução menor que 70% sugere paratireoide hiperfuncionante não reconhecida/supranumerária, sendo preditor de falha cirúrgica em 66.6%. A queda marginal de 70%-79% delega ao cirurgião experiente a decisão de continuar ou não o procedimento cirúrgico.

Descrevemos as posições oficiais da Sociedade Brasileira de Densitometria Clínica (SBDens) para a realização e o relato do exame de densitometria óssea. Essas posições foram obtidas por consenso em encontro realizado em São Paulo no ano de 2006. A SBDens contou com o apoio de várias sociedades científicas descritas no texto.We describe the official positions of the Brazilian Society for Clinical Densitometry (SBDens) for the performance and report of the bone mineral density testing. These positions were obtained by consensus in a meeting at São Paulo in 2006. SBDens positions were supported by other scientific societies described in the text.

Osteoporosis (OP) in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients is a secondary process in which numerous factors are involved. Diagnosing OP and the threshold for fractures in this population, based on bone mineral density (BMD) measured by double energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), is still a challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone mineral loss by DXA, its relationship with body composition and fracture incidence, in complete paraplegics patients, compared with aged-matched controls; we include a nonstandard bone site, the distal femur, and describe the technical and practical aspects of this procedure. Twenty-five SCI patients were included in the study and 17 subjects as control group. No prior or recent fractures were observed in X-ray analysis. The BMD of all femoral sites was significantly lower in patients than in controls (femoral neck, total femur, and distal femur); no difference was observed between BMD of the lumbar spine of patients and controls. We found inverse relationship between time of SCI and bone mineral mass only for distal femur BMD. We conclude that the distal femur is a more sensitive bone site for assessing bone loss by DXA, in SCI patients, than the proximal femoral sites.

Objectives To evaluate the usefulness of vertebral morphometry in identifying unreferred vertebral fractures and correlate potential risk factors. Subjects and methods Female patients above 45 years, postmenopausal for at least 2 years, diagnosed with osteoporosis and undergoing treatment for at least three months were considered eligible. All of them underwent bone densitometry and vertebral morphometry performed by concomitant DXA. The presence of fractures was defined between T7 and L4; only moderate and severe fractures were considered for analysis. All volunteers were submitted to laboratory tests, anthropometry and responded a questionnaire on their lifestyle habits and medical history. Results Thirty two (17%) out of the 188 female patients presented with at least one vertebral fracture, among whom only 4 (12.5%) were previously aware of the fracture. The fractures were mainly located on the thoracic spine. Nine patients had severe fractures (28.1%), whereas 23 had moderate fractures (71.9%). On average, patients with fractures were 5 years older and weighed 5 kilograms less than those without fractures. The creatinine clearance was on average 9 mL/min less in patients with vertebral fracture. The assessment of vertebral fractures by morphometry is a fast, accurate and complementary method associated with low radiation exposure for identifying moderate and severe vertebral fractures. Predisposition to vertebral fractures does not depend solely on BMD.

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify which component of body composition (BC) has greater influence on postmenopausal women bone mineral density (BMD). Subjects and methods: Four hundred and thirty women undergoing treatment for osteoporosis and 513 untreated women, except for calcium and vitamin D. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed in order to correlated BMD at lumbar spine (LS), total femur (FT), femoral neck (FN) with body mass (BM), total lean mass (LM) and total fat mass (FM), all determined by DXA. Results: BM significantly correlated with all bone sites in untreated and treated women (r = 0.420 vs 0.277 at LS; r = 0.490 vs 0.418 at FN, r = 0.496 vs 0.414 at FT, respectively). In untreated women, the LM correlated better than FM with all sites, explaining 179% of LS; 32.3% of FN and 30.2% of FT; whereas FM explained 13.2% of LS; 277% of FN, 23.4% of FT In treated women, correlations with BC were less relevant, with the LM explaining 6.7% of BMD at LS; 15.2% of FN, 16% of FT, whereas the FM explained 8.1% of LS; 179% of FN and 176% of FT. Conclusion: LM in untreated women was better predictor of BMD than FM, especialy for distal femur, where it explained more than 30% of the BMD, suggesting that maintaining a healthy muscle mass may contribute to decrease osteoporosis risk. Treatment with anti-osteoporotic drugs seems to mask these relationships. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2018;62(4):431-7

ABSTRACT Objective Vertebral fracture is the most common osteoporotic fracture, affecting quality of life and increasing mortality. Epidemiological data on incidence of vertebral fracture are scarce in Brazil and throughout Latin America. Our aim was to determine vertebral fracture incidence and risk factors in a female Brazilian population. Subjects and methods Postmenopausal women with low bone mass were studied from the Brazilian placebo group of Arzoxifene Generations Trial (n = 974), followed for up to 5 years. The primary endpoint was new vertebral fractures, detected by X-Ray. Experimental design defined two strata: A. Osteoporosis or previous vertebral fracture with osteopenia; B. Osteopenia without previous fracture. Previous fracture, T-score, ionized calcium, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and glucose were analyzed at baseline. Crude and adjusted incidence rates of vertebral fractures were estimated and Poisson regression model was used. Results Incidence rate was 7.7 (95% CI of 5.4 to 10.9) per 1,000 person-years (PY), increasing as a function of age. Women with new vertebral fractures had higher prevalence of previous nonvertebral fracture after menopause, were older and had lower lumbar spine (LS) T-score. Fracture risk increased by 46% for each unit reduction in LS T-score. Variables correlated with new vertebral fracture were age (p = 0.034), LS T-score, stratum A (p = 0.001 for both) and previous nonvertebral fracture after menopause (p = 0.019). In the final model, LS T-score was the strongest predictor. Conclusions Incidence rate of vertebral fracture of 7.7 per 1,000 PY. Age and previous fractures were associated with new vertebral fracture, but LS T-score was the most important predictor.

ABSTRACT Objective To present an update on the diagnosis and treatment of hypoparathyroidism based on the most recent scientific evidence. Materials and methods The Department of Bone and Mineral Metabolism of the Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia (SBEM; Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism) was invited to prepare a document following the rules set by the Guidelines Program of the Associação Médica Brasileira (AMB; Brazilian Medical Association). Relevant papers were retrieved from the databases MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO, and the evidence derived from each article was classified into recommendation levels according to scientific strength and study type. Conclusion An update on the recent scientific literature addressing hypoparathyroidism is presented to serve as a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition in Brazil.

CONTEXT: It is believed that about 25% of menopausal women in the USA will exhibit some kind of fracture as a consequence of osteoporosis. Fractures of the proximal femur are associated with a greater number of deaths and disabilities and higher medical expenses than all the other osteoporotic fractures together. OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical and epidemiological features of patients with proximal femur fracture in hospitals in São Paulo. DESIGN: Transversal and retrospective study. LOCAL: Hospital São Paulo and Hospital Servidor Público Estadual "Francisco Morato Oliveira". PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged sixty-five years or more hospitalized because of proximal femur fracture, from March to November 1996 (N = 73). This group was compared to patients of the same age without fracture of the proximal femur. INTERVENTION: Evaluation of weight, height, body mass index; lifestyle habits (physical activity at home, ingestion of dairy calcium, drinking of coffee, smoking habit), gynecological history (ages at menarche and menopause, number of pregnancies and lactations), previous morbidity, use of medications, history of previous fractures, family history of osteoporosis. MEASUREMENT: The comparison of the different data regarding lifestyle habits between the two groups was made using the chi-squared test. Other data were analyzed using the Mann -- Whitney test. P £ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: We noted a predominance of proximal femur fracture among females in relation to males (a female/male ratio of 3.3:1) with a progressive increase in the frequency of proximal femur fracture with age in both sexes. The group with proximal femur fracture, in comparison with the control group, showed a lower body mass index, less physical activity, and a greater number of pregnancies and lactations. Other data were not different. CONCLUSION: In accordance with the literature, we found a predomination of proximal femur fracture in women in relation to men, and a favorable effect of higher body mass index and physical activity for decreasing the frequency of proximal femur fracture. We also discuss the role of pregnancies and lactation on the frequency of proximal femur fracture.

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the association of between serum fibroblast growth factor 23 and the functional capacity among independent individuals, aged 80 or older. Methods The functional capacity of 144 elderly was assessed by Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, cognitive tests, handgrip strength and the timed ability to rise from a chair and sit down five times. Fibroblast growth factor 23 was measured using an ELISA assay. Results Participants in the lowest fibroblast growth factor 23 tertile had the highest mean±standard deviation estimated glomerular filtration rate, the highest mean hemoglobin level, the lowest average number of diseases and the lowest number of medications used. In participants with the estimated glomerular filtration rate >45mL/minute/1.73m2, mean fibroblast growth factor 23 level was higher in those with 25(OH) vitamin D

Abstract Osteoporosis is the leading cause of fractures in the population older than 50 years. This silent disease affects primarily postmenopausal women and the elderly, and the morbidity and mortality rates are high. The main goal of treating osteoporosis is the prevention of fractures. The identification of populations at risk through early diagnosis and treatment is essential. The last Brazilian guideline for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis was elaborated in 2002. Since then, new strategies for diagnosis and risk stratification have been developed, and drugs with novel action mechanisms have been added to the therapeutic arsenal. The Osteoporosis and Osteometabolic Diseases Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology, in conjunction with the Brazilian Medical Association and other Societies, has developed this update of the guidelines for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis according to the best scientific evidence available. This update is intended for professionals in many medical and health specialties involved in the treatment of osteoporosis, for physicians in general and for health-related organizations.