Validation of a novel risk estimation tool for predicting low bone density in Caucasian and African American men veterans.

Osteoporosis in men is a frequently missed diagnosis. We developed an additive risk index, Mscore (male, "simple calculated osteoporosis risk estimation"), based on bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck (FN) in 639 ambulatory older male veterans. Mscore was derived from the nearest whole number ratio among regression coefficients for 5 variables independently associated with osteoporosis. Mscore=[2 x (patient age in decades)-(weight in lb/10)+4 if gastrectomy, +4 if emphysema, +3 if two or more prior fractures+14]. Age and weight variable scores are truncated to integers (i.e., 7 if 75 yr, 18 if 185 lb). Increased risk is reflected in higher Mscore values. We validated Mscore in 197 Caucasian male patients (mean age, 69 yr): values of 9 or higher had 88% sensitivity, 57% specificity, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84 for predicting osteoporosis at the FN (population prevalence, 11%). Mscore values ranged from -9 to 20 allowing us to define low (<9), moderate (9-13), or high (>13) risk categories. Two percent of low-risk men had osteoporosis, 36% or 55% of high-risk men had osteoporosis or osteopenia, respectively. In younger African American (n=134) male veterans (mean age, 61 yr), age and weight were the only variables independently predictive of FN BMD. A reduced Mscore(age-weight) (age and weight variable scores+14) at a cutoff threshold of 9 predicted osteoporosis in African American men (population prevalence, 3%) with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 73%, and an AUC of 0.99. Finally, we compared Mscore with another validated osteoporosis self-assessment tool (OST). OST at a cutoff threshold of 4 or Mscore(age-weight) at a cutoff threshold of 9 performed similarly in both of our populations of Caucasian and African American men. In conclusion, a validated Mscore index with 5 variables was only slightly more robust for predicting osteoporosis in older Caucasian men than 2 (independently derived) risk indices based on age and weight. Mscore(age-weight) or OST is easy to use and can be applied in populations of younger African American men.

A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study of risperidone for decreasing cue-elicited craving in recently withdrawn cocaine dependent patients.

Cocaine use causes an initial increase in dopamine and serotonin neurotransmission that is largely responsible for the pleasurable and reinforcing effects of the drug. Dysregulation of these neurotransmitters during withdrawal plays an important role in craving. Recent research has focused on the use of dopamine and serotonin antagonists early in recovery to reduce cocaine craving in both schizophrenic and non-schizophrenic cocaine dependent patients. This 2-week, double blind, placebo-controlled study compared risperidone vs. placebo in reducing cue-elicited cocaine craving. Thirty-four subjects with cocaine dependence were randomized to either risperidone or a placebo and underwent a weekly cue-exposure procedure. Although both groups had a reduction in craving over time, there were no significant differences among those treated with risperidone (n=19) compared to those taking a placebo (n=16) on the four craving dimensions. The results do not support the hypothesis that risperidone reduces cocaine craving among non-schizophrenic cocaine-dependent individuals.

Cognitive disparity in schizophrenics with and without cocaine dependency.

Although cognition has been investigated in individuals with schizophrenia and in non-schizophrenic cocaine abusers, few studies have focused on cocaine-abusing schizophrenics. Previous studies have shown contradictory results despite the fact that individuals with schizophrenia and cocaine dependence have worse long-term outcomes, and that each disorder separately is associated with neuropsychological impairment. The present study intended to clarify these inconsistencies with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Twenty-four cocaine-dependent schizophrenics and 23 non-drug abusing schizophrenics were recruited from the VA. Participants were administered tests focusing on motor skills, processing speed, attention, concentration, and executive functioning. While individuals with schizophrenia and cocaine dependence performed worse on the Grooved Peg Board and the Stroop A, the non-drug abusing schizophrenics performed worse on Trails Part A and B. However, a MANOVA failed to show group differences in overall neuropsychological performance. These findings are similar to the existing literature and suggest that cocaine may compromise motor functioning.

Normative data for healthy elderly persons with the neurobehavioral cognitive status exam (Cognistat).

This study provides normative data about the cognitive functioning of 134 nonpsychiatric, non-neurological healthy elderly persons ranging from 60 to 85 years of age with the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (Cognistat). Most areas of cognitive functioning remain grossly intact for all age levels. Construction and memory showed evidence of decline with age. These findings were compared with previous normative research with the Cognistat.