Fitness age outperforms body mass index in differentiating aging patterns and health risk profiles of healthy adults aged 51-80 years.

Physical fitness has been extensively shown to strongly associate with general health status and major health risks. Here we tested the ability of a novel estimate of fitness age (FitAge) to differentiate aging trajectories.This study aimed at (1) testing the ability of FitAge to differentiate aging patterns among decelerated, normal, and accelerated agers in selected health domains, (2) estimating the risk for developing major health issues depending on the aging trajectory, and (3) comparing FitAge to body mass index (BMI) categorization in differentiating healthy from unhealthy aging patterns.A total of 176 volunteers participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants underwent clinical screening and a comprehensive assessment of body composition, nutritional and health-related status, cognitive functioning, and haematochemical analyses with routine tests, oxidative stress, and inflammation markers. Scores for major health risks were also computed.FitAge outperformed BMI in estimating major health risk scores and was able to differentiate decelerated from normal and accelerated agers for health risk profile and several physiological domains. Body composition, immune system activation, and inflammation markers emerged as those variables flagging the largest differences between decelerated and accelerated aging patterns.The novel estimate of biological aging can accurately differentiate both in women and men decelerated from accelerated agers in almost all the domains scrutinized. Overall, decelerated aging is linked to positively oriented features which associate with reduced risk of developing major health issues.The present findings have potential relevance and practical implications to identify individuals at higher risk of accelerated aging according to their FitAge estimated via simple and cost-effective motor tests.

A novel estimate of biological aging by multiple fitness tests is associated with risk scores for age-related diseases.

Introduction: Recent research highlights the need for a correct instrument for monitoring the individual health status, especially in the elderly. Different definitions of biological aging have been proposed, with a consistent positive association of physical activity and physical fitness with decelerated aging trajectories. The six-minute walking test is considered the current gold standard for estimating the individual fitness status in the elderly. Methods: In this study, we investigated the possibility of overcoming the main limitations of assessing fitness status based on a single measure. As a result, we developed a novel measure of fitness status based on multiple fitness tests. In 176 Sardinian individuals aged 51-80 years we collected the results of eight fitness tests to measure participants' functional mobility, gait, aerobic condition, endurance, upper and lower limb strength, and static and dynamic balance. In addition, the participants' state of health was estimated through validated risk scores for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, mortality, and a comorbidity index. Results: Six measures contributing to fitness age were extracted, with TUG showing the largest contribution (beta = 2.23 SDs), followed by handgrip strength (beta = -1.98 SDs) and 6MWT distance (beta = -1.11 SDs). Based on fitness age estimates, we developed a biological aging measure using an elastic net model regression as a linear combination of the results of the fitness tests described above. Our newly developed biomarker was significantly associated with risk scores for cardiovascular events (ACC-AHA: r = 0.61; p = 0.0006; MESA: r = 0.21; p = 0.002) and mortality (Levine mortality score: r = 0.90; p = 0.0002) and outperformed the previous definition of fitness status based on the six-minute walking test in predicting an individual health status. Discussion: Our results indicate that a composite measure of biological age based on multiple fitness tests may be helpful for screening and monitoring strategies in clinical practice. However, additional studies are needed to test standardisation and to calibrate and validate the present results.

Subclinical hyperthyroidism: the cardiovascular point of view.

OBJECTIVE: Subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHyper), defined as reduced thyrotropin with free hormones within the reference range, is a common medical finding, in particular in elderly people. In the last years has gained attention due to its health-related conditions, in particular at the cardiovascular level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched electronic database (PubMed) and search engines (Google Scholar) of articles and reviews using the terms "subclinical hyperthyroidism", "Atrial fibrillation", Ischemic stroke", "Hypertension", Heart failure", and "Mortality". RESULTS: Subclinical hyperthyroidism was clearly associated with the onset of atrial fibrillation and, consequently, with ischemic stroke. However, the latter association is less clear. The effect on hypertension is doubtful and fair. Subclinical hyperthyroidism could increase the risk of acute heart failure, possibly by increasing heart rhythm. Data on mortality are scanty but seem to suggest a possible association, probably linked to the detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system. CONCLUSIONS: Current findings mainly described possible associations with rhythm alterations, heart failure, and stroke but the effective beneficial effects of the treatment of subclinical hyperthyroidism are still lacking.

Clinical and radiological outcome after minimally invasive surgical approach for type II unstable odontoid fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior odontoid screw fixation is a valid surgical option for unstable odontoid fractures, as type II Anderson D'Alonzo fractures. Grauer further divided type II fractures in subtypes according to the fracture line, providing recommendations for implementation of screw fixation techniques. OBJECTIVE: Primary endpoint of our study is to evaluate the postoperative results of minimally invasive odontoid screw insertion in terms of outcome, fusion rate and stability of cranio-cervical junction. Secondary endpoint was to investigate the influence of age or fractures' features on outcome and fusion rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report the clinical and radiological features of 32 patients harbouring unstable type II fractures operated by a minimally invasive odontoid screw insertion technique. All patients underwent a high resolution multiplanar CT in order to assess fracture features according to Grauer's classification; the integrity of ligaments was investigated by MRI. In addition, a preoperative neurological performance (modified Rankin Scale, mRS) was evaluated for patients either directly or interviewing their families. Follow-up at one, three and six months and 1 year have been performed (averaging 13.5 months) by cervical CT (fusion rate and stability) and mRS update. In order to investigate the influence of age on postoperative neurological performance, two groups (≤50 yrs, 9 pts/>50 yrs, 23 pts) were separately considered and analysed. Overall, we observed no surgery related complications. We also analysed the fusion rate and its correlation with patient age and Grauer's subtype of fracture. RESULTS: At last available clinical follow-up, the preoperative performance was preserved (mRS 0/1: 24, 75%; mRS 2-4: 9, 15%) although with slight reduction of intact patients (mRS 0: 22 vs. 19; 71.8 vs. 59.3%). Younger patients (≤50 yrs) fared significantly better than older ones, achieving a good clinical outcome (mRS 0/1) in 100% vs. 69.5% (9/9 vs. 16/23 pts). Statistical analysis showed a fair correlation between age and outcome. Other factors such as sex and Grauer's type did not influence significantly the clinical outcome. Nine patients did not complete a full radiological follow-up and were therefore excluded from analysis of radiological outcome. Among the remaining 23 patients, only 25% of those who were followed three months or less showed fusion; conversely, all patients who have been examined from 6 to 48 months fused. Among the non-union patients, two underwent a second surgery by posterior approach. CONCLUSIONS: In our recent experience, the minimally invasive AOSF proved safe and effective in treating odontoid peg fractures. Selection based on Grauer's type is mandatory to achieve best results. While in the elderly, an anterior approach is well accepted as the first choice treatment, we recommend that this option should be offered as a suitable alternative to Halo or orthosis also in younger patients since it provides prompt, excellent clinical outcome and high fusion rate especially in this age group.

Helicobacter pylori CagA antibodies and thyroid function in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.

OBJECTIVE: H. pylori infection is reportedly associated with autoimmune diseases such as chronic thyroiditis and autoimmune diabetes. The aim of this study is to determine the association between H. pylori infection and its virulent strain CagA with antibodies against thyroperoxidase (TPO Ab) and thyrotropin (TSH) in a cohort of latent autoimmune diabetes in adult (LADA) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 234 LADA patients (53.8% women). Antibodies against H. pylori whole antigens and CagA, TPO Ab and TSH were assessed in all patients. RESULTS: Prevalence of IgG against H. pylori and GagA was 52.1% and 20.9% respectively. Antibodies against H. pylori were not associated with TPO Ab and TSH (rho = 0.067, p = 0.620 and rho = 0.156, p = 0.099, respectively). Antibodies against CagA showed a positive association with TSH and TPO Ab (respectively rho = 0.309, p = 0.036 and rho = 0.419, p = 0.037). Subjects with hypothyroidism (TSH ≥ 3.5 µU/ml) had an increased frequency of Ab anti CagA (p = 0.059). CONCLUSIONS: The infection by H. pylori strains expressing CagA is associated with increased TPO Ab and TSH levels in LADA patients, suggesting a possible mechanism involved in thyroid autoimmunity and dysfunction of the gland. Further research is needed to test this hypothesis.

No evidence of association between subclinical thyroid disorders and common carotid intima medial thickness or atherosclerotic plaque.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Increased carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and the presence of plaques have been shown to be predictors of cardiovascular disease. The cardiovascular risk in patients with overt thyroid diseases is related to increased risk of atherosclerosis, but there has been no clear evidence about subclinical disorders. We have assessed whether subclinical thyroid dysfunction is associated with arterial thickening and plaque. METHODS AND RESULTS: The SardiNIA study is a population-based survey on the Italian island of Sardinia. We reviewed data from 5815 subjects (aged 14-102 years), none of whom had overt hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism or was taking thyroid medication. Serum thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine, together with carotid ultrasound IMT and the presence of common carotid plaques were analysed in all subjects. Possible association of IMT and carotid plaques with thyroid parameters was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. IMT was significantly associated with age, sex, smoking, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high density lipoprotein cholesterol, pulse pressure (PP), history of arterial hypertension, diabetes, and previous cardiovascular events (p = 0.001 or lower, R(2) = 0.47). Carotid plaques were predicted by age, sex, LDL, PP, history of diabetes, previous cardiovascular events, and the use of statins (p = 0.029 or lower). Thyroid hormone was not predictive of carotid atherosclerosis when adjusted for confounders. CONCLUSION: Thyroid hormone is not associated with increased IMT or with the presence of carotid artery plaque. Our data do not support the idea that treating subclinical disorders might help to prevent arterial remodelling or carotid atherosclerosis.

Primary symptomatic adrenal insufficiency induced by megestrol acetate.

Megestrol acetate (MA) is a progestational agent for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and endometrial cancer. MA has also been used to promote weight gain in malnourished elderly patients, in patients with immunodeficiency virus and in cancer-induced cachexia. In addition to thromboembolic disease, MA may induce hyperglycaemia, osteoporosis, suppression of the gonadal axis, and Cushing's syndrome. MA has also been shown to cause symptomatic suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis owing to its intrinsic glucocorticoid-like effect. Three additional patients are presented who developed symptomatic adrenal insufficiency while they were receiving 160-320 mg MA daily. The patients were treated with cortisone acetate supplements, had clear evidence of HPA-axis suppression but recovered fully after MA was discontinued. Patients receiving MA might have an inadequate adrenal response during stressful conditions, possibly because 160-320 mg MA daily may not provide adequate protection to prevent the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. The adverse MA effect on the HPA axis is probably not well recognised in clinical practice, and clinicians need an increased awareness of the endocrine complications secondary to MA treatment.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma: role of TSH and of treatment with L-thyroxine.

The possible association between Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a still debated issue. We analyzed the frequency of PTC, TSH levels and thyroid autoantibodies (TAb) in 13 738 patients (9824 untreated and 3914 under l-thyroxine, l-T(4)). Patients with nodular-HT (n=1593) had high titer of TAb and/or hypothyroidism. Patients with nodular goiter (NG) were subdivided in TAb-NG (n=8812) with undetectable TAb and TAb+NG (n=3395) with positive TAb. Among untreated patients, those with nodular-HT showed higher frequency of PTC (9.4%) compared with both TAb-NG (6.4%; P=0.002) and TAb+NG (6.5%; P=0.009) and presented also higher serum TSH (median 1.30 vs 0.71 µU/ml, P<0.001 and 0.70 µU/ml, P<0.001 respectively). Independently of clinical diagnosis, patients with high titer of TAb showed a higher frequency of PTC (9.3%) compared to patients with low titer (6.8%, P<0.001) or negative TAb (6.3%, P<0.001) and presented also higher serum TSH (median 1.16 vs 0.75 µU/ml, P<0.001 and 0.72 µU/ml, P<0.001 respectively). PTC frequency was strongly related with serum TSH (odds ratio (OR)=1.111), slightly related with anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (OR=1.001), and unrelated with anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies. In the l-T(4)-treated group, when only patients with serum TSH levels below the median value (0.90 µU/ml) were considered, no significant difference in PTC frequency was found between nodular-HT, TAb-NG and TAb+NG. In conclusion, the frequency of PTC is significantly higher in nodular-HT than in NG and is associated with increased levels of serum TSH. Treatment with l-T(4) reduces TSH levels and decreases the occurrence of clinically detectable PTC.

Activation of alpha1-adrenoceptors inhibits growth hormone secretion in humans.

In order to determine whether an alpha1-adrenergic mechanism is involved in the secretion of Growth Hormone (GH) in humans, we studied the effect of the alpha1-adrenergic-stimulating agent methoxamine on serum GH levels in twelve normal males (age range 22-32 years). Intravenous infusion of methoxamine (dose: 6 microg/kg/min; duration: 150 min) significantly reduced serum GH levels at time 120 and 150, and on integrated concentrations. These data suggest that alpha1-adrenergic receptors inhibit tonic GH secretion in humans.

Cooperative study by the Italian neuroendoscopy group on the treatment of 61 colloid cysts.

OBJECTS: Microsurgical resection, stereotactic aspiration and VP shunt have for years been the choice options for the treatment of colloid cysts of the third ventricle. Recently, endoscopic approaches have aroused increasing interest and gained acceptance. Although safer, this minimally invasive approach is considered less efficacious than microsurgery. Relatively long-term results are now available and some conclusions might be inferred on the usefulness of this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1994 and 2005, 61 patients harbouring a colloid cyst of the third ventricle were treated with neuroendoscopic technique in 11 Italian neurosurgical centres. Cyst diameters ranged from 6 to 32 mm. A flexible endoscope was used in 34 cases, a rigid one in 21, both instruments in six. The technique consisted in cyst fenestrations, colloid aspiration, coagulation of the internal cyst wall and, occasionally, capsule excision. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.7 days. Early postoperative neuroimaging revealed a cyst residue in 36 cases (mean diameter 4.3 mm). There were two complications (3.2%). Follow-up varied between 1 and 132 months (mean 32 months, more than 5 years in 17 patients). There were seven asymptomatic recurrences, three of them evolving from a previous residue. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic approach to the treatment of colloid cysts is safe, effective and well accepted by patients. Although asymptomatic, recurrences (11.4%) cast a persisting shadow on the long-term results, and, therefore, the controversy with the traditional microsurgical treatment remains open.

Twenty colloid cysts--comparison of endoscopic and microsurgical management.

The management of colloid cyst remains controversial, evaluation of the competing methods seems to be necessary. We report on our experience with colloid cysts in the last decade: ten were managed solely endoscopically, 10 were resected microsurgically (9 via a transcortical/transventricular, 1 via a transcallosal approach). The outcome in the endoscopic group was excellent in 9 cases and unsatisfying in 1 case (recurrence). In the microsurgical group we achieved a good outcome in 5 of 10 cases, a fair outcome in 4 cases and 1 lethal outcome (caused by pulmonary embolism). Complications in the endoscopic group: one intraoperative bleeding, 1 stitch granuloma, 1 mispuncture of the ventricle, and 1 meningitis. Complications in the microsurgical group: 1 subdural effusion, 1 flap infection, 1 mild hemiparesis, 1 transient impairment of consciousness and 1 pulmonary embolism. Mean operative time and length of hospitalization of the endoscopic group were clearly shorter than in the microsurgical group: 91 min versus 267 min time of surgery, 5.1 days versus 18.9 days of hospitalization. Complete resection was achieved in 8 of 10 cases of microsurgery, and in 3 of 10 cases in endoscopy. Endoscopic management results in lower costs and superior patients' comfort. The reduced number of total resections in the endoscopic group may lead to a higher recurrence rate in long-term follow-up, which might be a serious disadvantage of endoscopy. However, more experience in the endoscopic techniques may result in a higher rate of total resection of colloid cysts.

Microsurgical posterior fossa exploration for trigeminal neuralgia: a study on 48 cases.

The authors present their experience in the microsurgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TGN). Over the last five years 48 patients were explored and 34 (71 %) underwent microvascular decompression (MVD) for significant arterial or venous conflicts. The remaining 14 patients (29 %) underwent partial sensory rhizotomy (PSR) because of negative intraoperative findings (simple contact or no conflict). Excellent or good immediate outcomes were achieved in 87.5 and 12.5 % of patients, respectively. Of the three severe recurrences observed during the follow-up period (24.7 months; range: 7 - 65 months), two underwent percutaneous microcompression and one posterior fossa reexploration, which revealed teflon-induced recompression. None of the PSR cases experienced incapacitating face numbness. MVD, an extremely effective procedure in the immediate post-operative period, is burdened in the long term by 20 % recurrences, the majority occurring within two years from surgery. We believe that careful intraoperative evaluation of the conflict entity could be the key to achieve a significant reduction of recurrences: overestimation of simple vascular contact of doubtful etiologic relevance, may lead to ineffective decompression and unsatisfactory results. In our opinion PSR should be preferred to percutaneous treatments in cases of negative exploration (contact or no conflict). In accordance with others we observed that section of half or less of the inferolateral "portio major" allows long-lasting pain relief and good preservation of sensory function.

Recent experience in the management of meningeal hemangiopericytomas.

Although the histogenesis of meningeal hemangiopericytomas (HMP) remains controversial, both biological and clinical evidence seems to identify these neoplasms as a separate entity with respect to meningiomas. In order to assess the current prognosis of HMP we reviewed our personal experience limited to the last decade (1986-1995): during this period 7 patients (4M, 3F) were treated by surgery alone or surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy. In spite of meticulous attempts at radical resection, the tumors recurred in all but two cases with a mean interval of 85 months, and a total of 18 operations were performed (2.57/patient; range 1-4). Massive intratumoral hemorrhage determined acute deterioration and required emergency surgery in two cases while in one patient diffuse visceral metastases were discovered at autopsy. Five patients are still alive at follow-up but only 2 of them are in good neurological conditions and without evidence of disease. These results are similar to those reported in other series. In view of our results we conclude that intracranial hemangiopericytomas still have a dismal prognosis. Advances in neuroimaging, neuroanesthesia, microneurosurgery and adjuvant therapy do not seem to have significantly affected the recurrence rate, quality of life and mortality.

Surgical treatment of spasmodic torticollis: is there a role for microvascular decompression? With an illustrative case report.

Spasmodic torticollis (ST) is a puzzling movement disorder, characterized by involuntary tonic or clonic contractions of various neck muscles. From time to time, psychogenic, extrapyramidal and neuroperipheral origins have been postulated and reflecting the variety of theories proposed, as many different treatments have been attempted, none of which has shown absolute effectiveness. Surgery of ST classically includes destructive procedures such as myotomies, stereotactically placed lesions, rhizotomies and neurectomies. The recent application of the concept of "neurovascular conflict" to ST induced several authors to perform microvascular decompression (MVD) in these patients, with encouraging and in some cases long-lasting results. Our case report joins this group. From the analysis of pertinent literature we conclude that: a. Spasmodic torticollis is probably a collection of separate clinical entities; b. Even in the so-called "ST of neuroperipheral origin" some coexising central factor must be admitted; c. Neurovascular compression underlies at least some cases of ST. Historical, anatomical, physiopathological and clinical aspects of ST are extensively discussed.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas: is the role of dural arteriovenous malformations underestimated?

Two recent observations of spinal epidural hematomas (SEH) are presented: one of them was associated with iatrogenic coagulopathy, the other, apparently "spontaneous", required reoperation for early recurrence and was finally attributed to ruptured epidural arteriovenous malformation missed during the first procedure. Both patients underwent complete recovery. Although modern neuroimaging provides quick, noninvasive, and sensitive assessment of spinal epidural bleeding, we believe that preoperative spinal angiography is indicated in "spontaneous" SEH with subacute clinical course. Demonstration of underlying vascular anomaly would allow better surgical planning, complete obliteration of abnormal vessels, and prevention of recurrences. Essential epidemiological, pathogenetical, and clinical aspects of SEH are reviewed.

Life threatening intracranial complications of frontal sinus osteomas: report of two cases.

Paranasal sinuses osteomas are known as biological benign tumours. However, due to the peculiar anatomical relationships, patients harbouring an osteoma within the frontal sinus are exposed to serious orbital and intracranial complications. We report two unusual cases of intracranial mucocoeles associated with frontal osteomas. In one of them, a superposed tension aerocoele required emergency surgery. Although aggressive treatment of asymptomatic osteomas is not warranted, these lesions must be carefully observed and resected as soon as they show clinical and/or radiological signs of progression. The physiopathological and clinical aspects are discussed.