Risk factors for osteoporotic hip fracture among community-dwelling older adults: a real-world evidence study

Abstract Background Hip fractures in the older adults lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Although a low bone mineral density is considered the leading risk factor, it is essential to recognize other factors that could affect the risk of hip fractures. This study aims to evaluate the contribution of clinical characteristics, patient-reported outcomes, and muscle and aerobic capacity for hip fractures in community-dwelling older adults. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study with real world-data from subjects ≥ 60 years old attending an outpatient clinic in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from May 1, 2019, to August 22, 2022. Data about clinical characteristics (multimorbidity, medications of long-term use, sedative and or tricyclic medications, number of falls), patient-reported outcomes (self-perception of health, self-report of difficulty walking, self-report of vision problems, and self-report of falls) and muscle and aerobic capacity (calf circumference, body mass index, and gait speed) were retrieved from an electronic health record. The association of each potential risk factor and hip fracture was investigated by a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and sex. Results A total of 7,836 older adults were included with a median age of 80 years (IQR 72-86) and 5,702 (72.7%) were female. Hip fractures occurred in 121 (1.54%) patients. Multimorbidity was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture (OR = 1.12, 95%CI 1.06-1.18) and each episode of fall increased the chance of hip fracture by 1.7-fold (OR = 1.69, 95%CI 1.52-1.80). Patient-reported outcomes associated with increased fracture risk were regular or poor self-perception of health (OR = 1.59, 95%CI 1.06-2.37), self-report of walking difficulty (OR = 3.06, 95%CI 1.93-4.84), and self-report of falls (OR = 2.23, 95%CI 1.47-3.40). Body mass index and calf circumference were inversely associated with hip fractures (OR = 0.91, 95%CI 0.87-0.96 and OR = 0.93, 95%CI 0.88-0.97, respectively), while slow gait speed increased the chance of hip fractures by almost two-fold (OR = 1.80, 95%CI 1.22-2.66). Conclusion Our study reinforces the importance of identified risk factors for hip fracture in community-dwelling older adults beyond bone mineral density and available fracture risk assessment tools. Data obtained in primary care can help physicians, other health professionals, and public health policies to identify patients at increased risk of hip fractures.

Brazilian society of rheumatology methodological guide for the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines in rheumatology

Abstract Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) are developed to align standards of health care around the world, aiming to reduce the incidence of misconducts and enabling more effective use of health resources. Considering the complexity, cost, and time involved in formulating CPG, strategies should be used to facilitate and guide authors through each step of this process. The main objective of this document is to present a methodological guide prepared by the Epidemiology Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology for the elaboration of CPG in rheumatology. Through an extensive review of the literature, this study compiles the main practical recommendations regarding the following steps of CPG drafting: distribution of working groups, development of the research question, search, identification and selection of relevant studies, evidence synthesis and quality assessment of the body of evidence, the Delphi methodology for consensus achievement, presentation and dissemination ofthe recommendations, CPG quality assessment and updating. This methodological guide serves as an important tool for rheumatologists to develop reliable and high-quality CPG, standardizing clinical practices worldwide.

Telemonitoramento de idosos usuários de anticoagulante durante a pandemia da COVID-19 / Telemonitoring of older anticoagulant users during the COVID-19 pandemic

A pandemia da COVID-19 trouxe desafios para o monitoramento de usuários de anticoagulantes, sobretudo idosos, sendo o telemonitoramento uma alternativa para dar continuidade aos cuidados para esses pacientes. O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever a experiência do telemonitoramento de idosos usuários de anticoagulantes na pandemia da COVID-19. Trata-se de estudo referente ao serviço farmacêutico de telemonitoramento de idosos (≥60 anos) em uso de anticoagulantes orais em ambulatório de geriatria privado (Belo Horizonte). Idosos tiveram parâmetros de efetividade e segurança dos anticoagulantes monitorados mensalmente por telefone (abr-dez/2021). Problemas identificados geraram intervenções ao paciente ou equipe multiprofissional. Ao total 425 idosos foram incluídos no serviço. A maioria usava apixabana (189;41,9%), rivaroxabana (146;34,4%) e varfarina (47;11,1%). Observou-se média de idade de 82,1 anos, maioria feminina (65,2%), maioria com alto risco de vulnerabilidade (69%), e incidência de 9,9% de COVID-19. Realizou-se 219 intervenções relativas à varfarina (média de 4,6 intervenções/paciente); referiram-se à solicitação de exame de RNI (57,5%), orientações em saúde (19,6%), alteração da dose (redução - 10,5%; aumento - 5,9%; suspensão - 0,6%), ou encaminhamento (5,9%). Usuários de outros anticoagulantes não apresentaram alterações nos parâmetros acompanhados. Onze idosos sofreram quedas e 10 demandaram internação por eventos tromboembólicos ou hemorrágicos. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nas proporções de internação entre usuários de varfarina ou outros anticoagulantes (p=0,314). Acompanhar idosos usuários de anticoagulantes é importante, sobretudo considerando-se o alto nível de fragilidade identificado e os riscos tromboembólicos e não-tromboembólicos que a COVID-19 traz. O telemonitoramento foi importante, permitindo realização de múltiplas intervenções.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges to the monitoring of anticoagulant users, especially older adults, making telemonitoring an alternative to provide continuity of care for these patients. The present study aimed to describe the experience of telemonitoring of older anticoagulant users during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a descriptive study concerning the telemonitoring pharmaceutical service for older adults (≥60 years old) using oral anticoagulants in a private geriatric outpatient clinic (Belo Horizonte). Older people had parameters of effectiveness and safety of anticoagulants monitored monthly by telephone (Apr-Dec/2021). Identified problems generated interventions for the patient or the multidisciplinary team. A total of 425 older adults were included in the service. Most used apixaban (189;41.9%), rivaroxaban (146;34.4%) and warfarin (47;11.1%). There was a mean age of 82.1 years, mostly female (65.2%), most at high risk of vulnerability (69%), and an incidence of 9.9% of COVID-19. There were 219 interventions related to warfarin (average of 4.6 interventions/patient); including requests for an INR test (57.5%), health guidelines (19.6%), dosage change (reduction - 10.5%; increase - 5.9%; suspension - 0.6%), or referral (5.9%). Users of other anticoagulants did not show alterations in the monitored parameters. Eleven older adults suffered falls and 10 required hospitalizations due to thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events. There was no statistically significant difference in hospitalization rates between users of warfarin or other anticoagulants (p=0.314). Monitoring older anticoagulant users is important, especially considering the high level of frailty identified and the thromboembolic and non-thromboembolic risks that COVID-19 brings. Telemonitoring was important, allowing for multiple interventions to be performed.

Sedative use and incidence of falls and hip fractures among older adults in an outpatient geriatric clinic / Perfil de uso de sedativos e ocorrência de quedas e fratura de fêmur entre idosos em um ambulatório de geriatria

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of sedatives by older adults attending a private outpatient geriatric clinic in Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil, and its association with falls and hip fractures. METHODS: Using a longitudinal design, the prevalence of benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine ("z-drugs") intake by older adults was described and their association with the incidence of falls and fractures (30 days after the initial visit) was evaluated through logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 7821 older adults were included in the study, most of them women (72.50%), with a mean age of 77.5 years and a mean Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index (IVCF-20) score of 16.5. The overall prevalence of sedative use (any sedative) was 6.19%, with 4.48% benzodiazepines and 1.98% z-drugs. The most widely used sedatives were clonazepam (29.04%), zolpidem (28.65%), and alprazolam (23.44%). Falls were reported for 182 patients (2.33%), with a higher incidence among users of any sedatives (4.34; p = 0.002; OR = 1.94, adjusted for sex, age, and IVCF-20) and benzodiazepines (5.14%; p < 0.001; OR = 2.28) than among non-users (2.19%). Hip fractures occurred in 33 patients (0.42%), and again were more frequent among users of sedatives (1.03%; p = 0.032; OR = 2.57) and benzodiazepines (1.43%; p = 0.003; OR = 3.45) than among non-users (0.38%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of sedatives, especially benzodiazepines, is associated with an increased incidence of falls and hip fractures in older adults

OBJETIVO: Investigar a utilização de sedativos entre idosos atendidos em ambulatório privado de geriatria em Belo Horizonte (MG), bem como sua associação com quedas e fraturas de fêmur. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de estudo longitudinal, no qual foi descrita a prevalência de uso de benzodiazepínicos e drogas Z entre idosos (60 anos ou mais) e avaliada sua associação com a incidência de queda e fratura (30 dias após consulta inicial) por meio de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 7821 idosos, com maioria feminina (72,50%), idade média de 77,5 anos e Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clínico Funcional (IVCF-20) médio de 16,5 pontos. A prevalência de uso de sedativos em geral foi de 6,19%, sendo 4,48% de benzodiazepínicos e 1,98% de drogas Z. Os medicamentos sedativos mais utilizados foram clonazepam (29,04%), zolpidem (28,65%) e alprazolam (23,44%). Relatou-se queda para 182 idosos (2,33%), com incidência maior entre usuários de sedativos (4,34; p = 0,002; OR = 1,94 ajustada por sexo, idade e IVCF-20) e de benzodiazepínicos (5,14%; p < 0,001; OR = 2,28) do que entre não usuários (2,19%). Identificou-se fratura de fêmur em 33 idosos (0,42%), sendo mais frequente entre usuários de sedativos (1,03%; p = 0,032; OR = 2,57) e de benzodiazepínicos (1,43%; p = 0,003; OR = 3,45) do que entre não usuários (0,38%). CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que a incidência de quedas e fraturas de fêmur em idosos possui associação com o uso de medicamentos sedativos, em especial os benzodiazepínicos

Risk factors for hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 among frail community-dwelling elderly people: a retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Advanced age, multiple chronic diseases and frailty have been correlated with worse prognosis among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inpatients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential risk factors for hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 among frail community-dwelling elderly people. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cohort study of patients followed up at a geriatric outpatient clinic in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: The associations of demographic characteristics (age and sex) and clinical characteristics (frailty, multimorbidity, number of medications with long-term use, obesity, smoking, diabetes mellitus, pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease) with the risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 were explored using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: 5,295 patients (mean age 78.6 ± 9.4 years; 72.6% females) were included. After adjustments, the number of medications with long-term use was found to increase the odds of hospitalization due to COVID-19 (odds ratio, OR: 1.13; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.06-1.22). Frailty, multimorbidity and diabetes mellitus also increased the odds of hospitalization (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.09; OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.09-1.26; and OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.45-3.54, respectively) and the odds of death due to COVID-19 (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.00-1.14; OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03-1.32; and OR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.79-6.14, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Multimorbidity, frailty and diabetes mellitus increased the odds of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 and the number of medications with long-term use increased the odds of hospitalization due to COVID-19 among frail community-dwelling elderly people.

Artificial urinary sphincter for urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: a historical cohort from 2004 to 2015

ABSTRACT This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate a cohort of patients with prostate cancer and persistent urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. From January 2004 to December 2015, eighty-six individuals were identified to have received an AUS implant, provided by a private nonprofit HMO operating in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. On total, there were 91 AUS implants, with a median interval between radical prostatectomy and AUS implant of 3.6 years (IQR 1.9 to 5.5). The rate of AUS cumulative survival, after a median follow-up of 4.1 years (IQR 1.7-7.2 years), was 44% (n=40). The median survival of AUS implants was 2.9 years (IQR 0.5-7.9 years). Thirty-seven AUS implants (40.7%) resulted in grade III surgical complications. There were 5 deaths at 2.1, 4.7, 5.7, 5.7 and 6.5 years of follow-up, but none due to causes directly associated to the AUS implant. Persistent severe incontinence was documented in 14 (15.3%) additional patients. From the 51 AUS implants which resulted in grade III surgical complications or persistent severe incontinence, 24 (47.1%) underwent surgical revisions. Explantation of the sphincter or its components was observed in 6 cases (25.0%). Mechanical failure, described as fluid loss and/or inability to recycle the AUS device, was observed in 4 devices (16.7%). In conclusion, although AUS implants are recommended as the gold-standard treatment of severe urinary incontinence after prostatectomy, the observed high rates of malfunction and grade III adverse events are a matter of concern warranting further assessment on the safety and efficacy of these devices.

Nefropatia por IgA em portadores de espondiloartrites acompanhados no Serviço de Reumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG / IgA nephropathy in patients with spondyloarthritis followed-up at the Rheumatology Service of Hospital das Clínicas/UFMG

OBJETIVO: Determinar a frequência das glomerulonefrites nos pacientes espondiloartríticos acompanhados em Serviço de Reumatologia Brasileiro e avaliar variáveis clínicas correlacionadas. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Os pacientes foram avaliados quanto às características sociodemográfi cas, tipo de espondiloartrite, tempo e atividade da doença, uso de anti-infl amatórios não esteroides, presença do HLA-B27, níveis de creatinina e ureia séricas, presença de comorbidades e presença de hematúria e/ou proteinúria. Os pacientes com hematúria foram submetidos à pesquisa de dismorfi smo eritrocitário, e aqueles com proteinúria submeteram-se à quantifi cação da proteína na urina de 24 horas. Biópsia renal foi indicada para aqueles com hematúria de origem glomerular e/ou proteinúria maior que 3,5 g. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 76 pacientes. A alteração mais frequente no exame de urina de rotina foi a hematúria microscópica (44,7 por cento), geralmente intermitente e em amostra isolada de urina durante o seguimento do paciente. Em oito (10,5 por cento) dos pacientes a hematúria sugeriu origem glomerular. A biópsia renal foi realizada em cinco deles, e mostrou nefropatia por IgA em quatro (5,3 por cento) e doença da membrana fi na em um paciente. CONCLUSÕES: Notou-se alta frequência de alterações no exame de urina desse subgrupo de pacientes, assim como alta prevalência de nefropatia por IgA. Apesar de mais estudos sobre o assunto serem necessários para melhor esclarecimento desses resultados, a realização periódica de exames de urina deveria ser recomendável.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of glomerulonephritis in patients with spondyloarthritis followed-up at a Brazilian Rheumatology Service, and to evaluate the clinical variables associated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were assessed for sociodemographic characteristics, type of spondyloarthritis, time since diagnosis and disease activity, non-steroidal anti-infl ammatory drug use, HLA-B27 positivity, creatinine and urea serum levels, major comorbidities, hematuria and proteinuria. Patients with hematuria were subsequently assessed for the presence of dysmorphic red blood cells in urine, and those with proteinuria underwent 24-hour urine protein measurement. Renal biopsy was performed in patients with glomerular hematuria and/or proteinuria over 3.5 g/24-hour. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients were assessed. Microscopic hematuria was the most frequently found abnormality in urinalysis (44.7 percent), usually intermittent and in spot urine samples during patients' follow-up. In eight patients (10.5 percent), glomerular hematuria was suspected. Renal biopsy was performed in fi ve of them, showing IgA nephropathy in four (5.3 percent) and thin membrane disease in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: A high frequency of urinalysis alterations was observed in that subgroup of patients, as well as a high prevalence of IgA nephropathy. Although further studies on this subject are needed to better clarify these results, periodic urinalysis of patients with spondyloarthritis should be recommended.

Nefropatia por IgA nas espondiloartrites / IgA nephropathy in spondyloarthritis

Pacientes com espondiloartrites poderiam ser mais acometidos pela nefropatia por IgA do que a população geral, havendo, possivelmente, um mecanismo etiopatogênico comum. O seguinte artigo relaciona quatro casos que exemplificam essa possível associação.

Spondyloarthritis patients can be more frequently affected by IgA nephropathy than the general population, and a common etiopathogenic mechanism can be involved. We report four cases that may exemplify that association.

Fibromialgia e infecção crônica pelo vírus da hepatite C: ausência de associação em duas amostras / Fibromyalgia and hepatitis C virus chronic infection: lack of association in two samples

OBJETIVO: avaliar a possível associação entre fibromialgia e infecção crônica pelo vírus da hepatite C (VHC). MÉTODOS: estudo transversal com 186 pacientes fibromiálgicas e 55 pacientes com diagnóstico de doenças difusas do tecido conjuntivo (DDTC) não-fibromiálgicas, e em 33 pacientes com infecção crônica pelo VHC e 34 controles sem doenças infecciosas relacionadas ao fígado, todas do sexo feminino e de idade igual ou superior a 18 anos. A fibromialgia foi diagnosticada segundo os critérios classificatórios do American College of Rheumatology (ACR) de 1990. Infecção crônica pelo VHC foi definida pela presença do RNA do vírus por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). As demais variáveis consideradas para as manifestações extra-hepáticas associadas à infecção crônica compreenderam: fadiga, parestesias, fenômeno de Raynaud, sintomas de boca e/ou olhos secos, depressão e presença de títulos detectáveis de anticorpos antitireoidianos. RESULTADOS: a infecção crônica pelo VHC foi detectada em três pacientes (1,6 por cento) do grupo fibromiálgico e em nenhuma das pacientes com o diagnóstico de DDTC (p = 0,39). A dor musculoesquelética crônica disseminada foi mais prevalente no grupo de pacientes infectadas pelo VHC (45,5 por cento) do que no grupo-controle (26,5 por cento), mas não foi detectada associação entre fibromialgia e infecção crônica pelo VHC (OR = 1,39; IC 95 por cento = 0,43-4,57). Dentre as manifestações extra-hepáticas, apenas os sintomas relativos a boca e/ou olhos secos apresentaram uma associação com a infecção crônica (OR = 6,40; IC 95 por cento = 1,94-21,87). CONCLUSÃO: o estudo não detectou uma associação entre fibromialgia e infecção crônica pelo VHC.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate a possible association between fibromyalgia and hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection. METHODS: cross-sectional study comprising 186 fibromyalgic women, 55 non-fibromyalgic controls with a diagnosis of diffuse connective tissue diseases (DCTD), 33 HCV chronically infected women and 34 selected from the gastroenterology outpatient clinic with no liver related infection disease, all aged 18 or older. Fibromyalgia was diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria. Chronic HCV infection was defined by detection of HCV-RNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Other extra-hepatic manifestations comprised: fatigue, paresthesia, Raynaud´s phenomenon, sicca symptoms, depression and detectable thyroid autoantibodies. RESULTS: HCV-RNA was detected in 3 of the 185 fibromyalgic women (1.6 percent) and in none of the 55 DCTD group (p = 0.39). Chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain was more prevalent in the infected group (45.5 percent) than in the non-infected (26.5 percent), but no association was found between fibromyalgia and HCV chronic infection (OR = 1.39; 95 percent CI = 0.43-4.57). With the regard to other variables, only sicca symptoms were found to be associated with chronic infection (OR = 6.40; 95 percent CI = 1.94-21.87). CONCLUSION: we found no association between fibromyalgia and chronic HCV infection.

Tratamento farmacológico da osteoporose e utilização do hormônio da paratireóide / Pharmacologic treatment of osteoporosis and parathyroid hormone use

A osteoporose é um distúrbio osteometabólico sistêmico, de evolução silenciosa, cuja principal conseqüência é o aumento do risco de fraturas. Decorre do desequilíbrio entre a formação e a reabsorção ósseas, por favorecimento da última. Acomete mais freqüentemente mulheres na pós-menopausa, estimando-se que 30% daquelas com mais de 50 anos terão osteoporose. Nesse grupo de pacientes, o risco de fratura de fêmur é de 17,4% para o tempo restante da vida. Várias drogas têm se mostrado eficazes em aumentar a massa óssea e diminuir o risco de fraturas vertebrais e não-vertebrais. Até o desenvolvimento do paratormônio como agente terapêutico para a osteoporose, todas as drogas em uso tinham a inibição da reabsorção óssea como mecanismo de ação, fato que limitava o resultado terapêutico, sobretudo em casos mais graves ou não-responsivos. Este artigo faz uma revisão sobre o tratamento farmacológico da osteoporose, enfatizando o emprego do paratormônio.

Manifestações pleuropulmonares das doenças ginecológicas / Pleuropulmonary manifestations of gynecological diseases

Os autores apresentam revisäo da literatura acerca das principais doenças ginecológicas inter-relacionadas com alterações pleuropulmonares. Devido à diversidade das doenças primárias que podem determinar tais manifestações a distância e ao fato de este assunto näo ser usualmente abordado em livros-textos, consideram importante esta revisäo, com o objetivo de auxiliar a prática clínica