Coronary calcium score in patients with post-surgical hypoparathyroidism

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular risk of patients with post-surgical hypoparathyroidism through coronary calcium score (CACS) evaluation and cardiovascular risk calculators. Subjects and methods: Patients with post-surgical hypoparathyroidism (HG = 29) were compared to a control group (CG = 29), matched by sex and age. Demographic and clinical data were captured by a questionnaire or patient files. Both groups performed a thoracic-computed tomography to evaluate the CACS and the cardiovascular risk was calculated by two risk calculators. Results: In the HG, the supplementation of calcium varied between 500 to 2,000 mg/day and the mean calcitriol was 0.5 ± 0.29 mcg/day. The mean serum calcium and phosphorus were 8.32 ± 0.68 and 4.92 ± 0.87 mg/dL, respectively, and in the range recommended for hypoparathyroidism. The Brazilian Society of Cardiology's risk calculator showed a difference among groups, with no patient in the HG with low risk, but the CACS was similar. A positive CACS in the HG was associated with obesity and high BMI but not with calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation. Conclusion: In conclusion, patients with hypoparathyroidism did not show increased CACS, and it was not related to supplementation.

New treatments for rare bone diseases: hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia.

Phosphorus is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body; it is required to maintain bone integrity and mineralization, in addition to other biological processes. Phosphorus is regulated by parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) in a complex set of processes that occur in the gut, skeleton, and kidneys. Different molecular mechanisms - overproduction of FGF-23 by tumors responsible for oncogenic osteomalacia, generation of an FGF-23 mutant that is resistant to cleavage by enzymes, and impaired FGF-23 degradation due to a reduction in or loss of the PHEX gene - can lead to FGF-23-stimulating activity and the consequent waste of urinary phosphate and low levels of 1,25(OH)2D3. Conventional treatment consists of multiple daily doses of oral phosphate salts and vitamin D analogs, which may improve radiographic rickets but do not normalize growth. Complications of the conventional long-term treatment consist of hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, impaired renal function, and potentially chronic kidney disease. Recently, burosumab, an antibody against FGF-23, was approved as a novel therapy for children and adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia and patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia. Burosumab showed good performance in different trials in children and adults. It increased and sustained the serum phosphorus levels, decreased the rickets severity and pain scores, and improved mineralization. It offers a new perspective on the treatment of chronic and disabling diseases.

Stress fractures.

Stress fractures (SF) represent 10%-20% of all injuries in sport medicine. An SF occurs when abnormal and repetitive loading is applied on normal bone: The body cannot adapt quickly enough, leading to microdamage and fracture. The etiology is multifactorial with numerous risk factors involved. Diagnosis of SF can be achieved by identifying intrinsic and extrinsic factors, obtaining a good history, performing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory and imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging is the current gold standard). Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a known risk factor. In addition, for women, it is very important know the menstrual status to identify long periods of amenorrhea in the past and the present. Early detection is important to improve the chance of symptom resolution with conservative treatment. Common presentation involves complaints of localized pain, with or without swelling, and tenderness on palpation of bony structures that begins earlier in training and progressively worsens with activity over a 2- to 3-week period. Appropriate classification of SF based on type, location, grading, and low or high risk is critical in guiding treatment strategies and influencing the time to return to sport. Stress injuries at low-risk sites are typically managed conservatively. Studies have suggested that calcium and vitamin D supplementation might be helpful. Moreover, other treatment regimens are not well established. Understanding better the pathophysiology of SFs and the potential utility of current and future bone-active therapeutics may well yield approaches that could treat SFs more effectively.

New treatments for rare bone diseases: hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia

Abstract Phosphorus is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body; it is required to maintain bone integrity and mineralization, in addition to other biological processes. Phosphorus is regulated by parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) in a complex set of processes that occur in the gut, skeleton, and kidneys. Different molecular mechanisms - overproduction of FGF-23 by tumors responsible for oncogenic osteomalacia, generation of an FGF-23 mutant that is resistant to cleavage by enzymes, and impaired FGF-23 degradation due to a reduction in or loss of the PHEX gene - can lead to FGF-23-stimulating activity and the consequent waste of urinary phosphate and low levels of 1,25(OH)2D3. Conventional treatment consists of multiple daily doses of oral phosphate salts and vitamin D analogs, which may improve radiographic rickets but do not normalize growth. Complications of the conventional long-term treatment consist of hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, impaired renal function, and potentially chronic kidney disease. Recently, burosumab, an antibody against FGF-23, was approved as a novel therapy for children and adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia and patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia. Burosumab showed good performance in different trials in children and adults. It increased and sustained the serum phosphorus levels, decreased the rickets severity and pain scores, and improved mineralization. It offers a new perspective on the treatment of chronic and disabling diseases. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2022;66(5):658-65

Stress fractures

ABSTRACT Stress fractures (SF) represent 10%-20% of all injuries in sport medicine. An SF occurs when abnormal and repetitive loading is applied on normal bone: The body cannot adapt quickly enough, leading to microdamage and fracture. The etiology is multifactorial with numerous risk factors involved. Diagnosis of SF can be achieved by identifying intrinsic and extrinsic factors, obtaining a good history, performing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory and imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging is the current gold standard). Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a known risk factor. In addition, for women, it is very important know the menstrual status to identify long periods of amenorrhea in the past and the present. Early detection is important to improve the chance of symptom resolution with conservative treatment. Common presentation involves complaints of localized pain, with or without swelling, and tenderness on palpation of bony structures that begins earlier in training and progressively worsens with activity over a 2- to 3-week period. Appropriate classification of SF based on type, location, grading, and low or high risk is critical in guiding treatment strategies and influencing the time to return to sport. Stress injuries at low-risk sites are typically managed conservatively. Studies have suggested that calcium and vitamin D supplementation might be helpful. Moreover, other treatment regimens are not well established. Understanding better the pathophysiology of SFs and the potential utility of current and future bone-active therapeutics may well yield approaches that could treat SFs more effectively.

Incidence of fractures and clinical profile of patients following up at a Fracture Liaison Service in the city of Curitiba.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporotic fractures are common, and their incidence are increasing worldwide. The first fracture doubles the risk of new fractures. Despite that, up to 80% of patients with a fragility fracture are evaluated or treated to reduce the risk of new fractures. AIMS: To evaluate the results of the operation of the hospital Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) and to analyze the clinical characteristics of the patients attending the service in its first 2 years of operation and to estimate the fracture risk reduction ratio. METHODS: The FLS managed patients older than 50 years who were admitted with a low-energy trauma fracture between January 2017 and April 2018. This management consists in a full medical evaluation, nutritional and physical activity guidance, and specific osteoporosis treatment, if needed. RESULTS: We monitored and treated 135 patients. Forty percent of them had a previous fracture and only 20.3% of them received treatment to prevent new fractures. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, the estimated incidence of new fractures over 24 months was 12.1% (95% CI 7.2-20.8%), indicating that the percentage of patients without new fractures due to bone fragility during treatment was estimated at 87.9% (95% CI 79.2-92.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation and treatment of patients who sustained a fragility fracture to prevent a secondary fracture is effective in reducing the risk of new fractures in high-risk patients.

Assessment of trabecular and cortical parameters using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography, histomorphometry and microCT of iliac crest bone core in hemodialysis patients.

Patients with end-stage renal disease develop changes in bone quality and quantity, which can be assessed using different methods. This study aimed to compare and to correlate bone parameters obtained in vivo using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) with those obtained by bone biopsy using histomorphometry and microcomputed tomography (microCT) analysis of the iliac crest core, and to evaluate if HR-pQCT is helpful in aiding with categorization of those with high turnover. Twenty hemodialysis patients, 13 females (7 postmenopausal), underwent bone biopsy from 2018 to 2020. The mean age was 48.5 ± 10.6 years, and the mean hemodialysis vintage was 15 years. Histomorphometry identified mineralization defects, low turnover, and high turnover in 65%, 45%, and 35% of the patients, respectively. The highest values of trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) were obtained by histomorphometry, while the highest values of cortical thickness (Ct.Th) were obtained by HR-pQCT at the distal tibia. Moderate correlations were found between BV/TV values obtained by microCT of the bone core and HR-pQCT at the distal radius (r = 0.531, p = 0.016) and at the distal tibia (r = 0.536, p = 0.015). BV/TV values obtained from the bone core by histomorphometry and microCT were also significantly correlated (r = 0.475, p = 0.04). Regarding Ct.Th, there was a strong correlation between the radius and tibia HR-pQCT (r = 0.800, p < 0.001), between bone core microCT and the distal radius HR-pQCT (r = 0.610, p < 0.01), as between histomorphometry and microCT (r = 0.899, p < 0.01). In groups classified by bone turnover, patients with high turnover presented lower BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, and Ct.Th than those with low turnover in peripheral sites using HR-pQCT. By this method, it was possible to identify low turnover from tibia BV/TV > 12,4% plus Tb.Sp ≤ 0.667 mm (AUC 0.810, 95% CI 0.575 to 0.948) and high turnover from total bone mineral density (BMD) ≤ 154.2 mg HA/cm3 (AUC 0.860, 95% CI 0.633 to 0.982, p < 0.001) and cortical BMD ≤ 691.6 mg HA/cm3 (AUC 0.840, 95% CI 0.609 to 0.963, p < 0.001). In conclusion, HR-pQCT had significant correlation with iliac crest bone in BV/TV and Ct.Th, which are known to provide bone strength. This method is quick and non-invasive and may be helpful in categorizing those with high versus low turnover in hemodialysis patients.

Prevention and treatment of oral adverse effects of antiresorptive medications for osteoporosis - A position paper of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM), Brazilian Society of Stomatology and Oral Pathology (Sobep), and Brazilian Association for Bone Evaluation and Osteometabolism (Abrasso).

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.

Bone Marrow Adiposity in Premenopausal Women With Type 2 Diabetes With Observations on Peri-Trabecular Adipocytes.

CONTEXT: No study has yet evaluated the relationships among bone marrow adiposity (BMA), bone histomorphometry (BH), and glycemic control in premenopausal women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the effect of glycemic control on BMA, correlate the parameters of BH with BMA, and correlate BMA with the use of hypoglycemic agents and with bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated 26 premenopausal women with T2DM who were divided into groups with HbA1c < 7% (good control [GC], n = 10) and HbA1c > 7% (poor control [PC], n = 16). BMA parameters (adipocyte number [Ad.N], total adipocyte perimeter [Ad.Pm], total adipocyte area [Ad.Ar], percentage adipocyte volume per marrow volume [Ad.V/Ma.V]) and peri-trabecular adipocyte number divided by bone surface (Ad.N/BS) were evaluated. BH static (bone volume fraction [BV/TV], osteoid thickness [O.Th], osteoid surface/bone surface [OS/BS]) and dynamic parameters and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 were measured. BMA data were compared between the GC and PC groups. Correlations were performed. RESULTS: Ad.N, Ad.Pm, and Ad.Ar were higher in PC (all, P = 0.04). HbA1c correlated positively with Ad.N/BS (P < 0.01) and Ad.N/BS correlated negatively with O.Th (P < 0.01) and OS/BS (P = 0.02). Positive and negative correlations were observed between insulin and metformin use, respectively, with all adipocyte parameters except Ad.N/BS (P < 0.05). Structural parameters were negatively correlated with the BMA. BMD of the femoral neck (r = -549, P < 0.01) and total femur (r = -0.502, P < 0.01) were negatively correlated with Ad.V/Ma.V. CONCLUSION: Poor glycemic control is associated with hyperplasia and hypertrophy of BMAs and with lower BV/TV. Ad.N/BS, a new BMA parameter, is correlated with HbA1c and negatively with O.Th. The use of insulin seems to stimulate the expansion of BMA while that of metformin has the opposite effect. These findings suggest that the increase in BMA may play a role in the T2DM bone disease; on the other hand, good glycemic control might help prevent it.

Bone density and quality in patients treated with direct-acting oral anticoagulants versus warfarin.

INTRODUCTION: Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are therapeutic alternatives to warfarin that act independently of vitamin K, thus not affecting bone matrix formation. The aim of this study was to compare bone mineral density (BMD) and microarchitecture in patients treated with DOACs versus warfarin. METHODS: Cross-sectional, observational study in patients using oral anticoagulants for >1 year and a paired control group (CG). Based on the type of anticoagulant used, the patients were grouped into a DOAC (DOACG) or warfarin (WG) group. All patients filled out a questionnaire and underwent BMD evaluation and trabecular bone score (TBS) measurement. RESULTS: In all, 150 patients were included (50 patients in each group). The mean age was 60.49 ± 7.48 years, and most participants were men (64%). The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia (comparison between groups p > 0.05). Low bone mass was diagnosed in 42%, 50%, and 66% of the patients in the CG, DOACG, and WG, respectively (p = 0.012). On logistic regression analysis, BMD was associated with body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR] 0.846, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.763-0.926, p = 0.001), creatinine level (OR 0.024, 95%CI 0.001-0.434, p = 0.017), and TBS value (OR 17.777, 95%CI 4.526-96.903, p = 0.000). The mean TBS decreased progressively from the CG to the DOACG and WG (1.328 ± 0.112, 1.264 ± 0.138, and 1.203 ± 0.112, respectively, p < 0.001). On multivariate linear regression, negative predictors of TBS included warfarin use (-0.06, 95%CI -0.11 to -0.02, p = 0.006), BMI (-0.01, 95%CI -0.01 to -0.00, p < 0.001), and hyperglycemia (-0.07, 95%CI -0.11 to -0.03, p = 0.003), while positive predictors were an active IPAQ classification (0.06, 95%CI 0.01-0.11, p = 0.029) and family history of hip fracture (0.07, 95%CI 0.01-0.14, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Patients using anticoagulants have lower BMD and TBS values compared with controls. This negative effect on bone was more pronounced with warfarin, but was also seen with DOACs.

Association between fractures and traditional risk factors for osteoporosis and low bone mineral density in patients with obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reasons for request of bone mineral density (BMD) evaluation and correlate the BMD results with previous fractures, risk factors for osteoporosis, and clinical characteristics in patients with obesity. METHODS: Cross-sectional, retrospective, single-site study including adult patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 and BMD evaluation between January 2015 and May 2016 selected from a BMD database. Data on demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, comorbidities, medications, risk factors, previous fractures, and indications for BMD evaluation were collected from the participants' medical records. RESULTS: The study included 619 patients (89.9% women, mean BMI 34.79 ± 4.05 kg/m2). In all, 382 (61.7%), 166 (26.8%), and 71 (11.5%) patients had class 1, 2, and 3 obesity, respectively. The most frequent (29.9%) reason for BMD evaluation was for osteoporosis monitoring. In all, 69.4% of the patients had low BMD. Multivariate analysis showed that age, calcium supplementation, and previous osteoporosis or osteopenia were associated with low BMD, while age, vitamin D supplementation, use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and low BMD were associated with previous fractures (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Among patients with obesity identified from a tertiary hospital database, those with low bone mass and risk factors traditionally associated with fractures had an increased history of fractures. Patients with greater BMI had better bone mass and fewer fractures. These findings indicate that the association between reduced weight, risk factors for osteoporosis, and fractures remained despite the presence of obesity in our population.

Association between fractures and traditional risk factors for osteoporosis and low bone mineral density in patients with obesity

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the reasons for request of bone mineral density (BMD) evaluation and correlate the BMD results with previous fractures, risk factors for osteoporosis, and clinical characteristics in patients with obesity. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional, retrospective, single-site study including adult patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 and BMD evaluation between January 2015 and May 2016 selected from a BMD database. Data on demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, comorbidities, medications, risk factors, previous fractures, and indications for BMD evaluation were collected from the participants' medical records. Results: The study included 619 patients (89.9% women, mean BMI 34.79 ± 4.05 kg/m2). In all, 382 (61.7%), 166 (26.8%), and 71 (11.5%) patients had class 1, 2, and 3 obesity, respectively. The most frequent (29.9%) reason for BMD evaluation was for osteoporosis monitoring. In all, 69.4% of the patients had low BMD. Multivariate analysis showed that age, calcium supplementation, and previous osteoporosis or osteopenia were associated with low BMD, while age, vitamin D supplementation, use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and low BMD were associated with previous fractures (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Among patients with obesity identified from a tertiary hospital database, those with low bone mass and risk factors traditionally associated with fractures had an increased history of fractures. Patients with greater BMI had better bone mass and fewer fractures. These findings indicate that the association between reduced weight, risk factors for osteoporosis, and fractures remained despite the presence of obesity in our population.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of X-linked hypophosphatemia in Paraná, southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of XLH in Paraná, a state in southern Brazil, and report the clinical features and complications of the disease. METHODS: We invited all endocrinologists (n = 205), nephrologists (n = 221), orthopedic surgeons (n = 1020), and pediatricians (n = 1000) in Paraná to fill out an electronic survey with information on patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), and searched the records of the state's health department for all calcitriol prescriptions in 2018. RESULTS: In all, 244 (10%) specialists responded to the email, of whom 18 (7.4%) reported to be taking care of patients with XLH and answered the online survey. A total of 57 patients with XLH were identified (prevalence 5 per million inhabitants). The median age at diagnosis was 22 years, and 42.2% were children and adolescents. Fifteen patients had genetic testing showing a PHEX mutation. Overall, 91.2% had bone deformities, 30.8% had a history of fragility fractures, and 22.4% had renal complications. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a prevalence of XLH of 5 cases per million inhabitants in the state of Paraná, a rate lower than the one reported in other countries. Manifestations of renal calcification and bone fragility were frequent among the patients. This is the first epidemiological study evaluating the prevalence and clinical presentation of XLH in Latin America.

Prevention and treatment of oral adverse effects of antiresorptive medications for osteoporosis - A position paper of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM), Brazilian Society of Stomatology and Oral Pathology (Sobep), and Brazilian Association for Bone Evaluation and Osteometabolism (Abrasso)

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.

Body composition in nonobese individuals according to vitamin D level.

Obesity is associated with lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels, but the association between 25OHD deficiency and specific body composition (BC) patterns remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between 25OHD levels and BC in a population of healthy, nonobese individuals. Cross-sectional, observational study including a convenience sample of community-dwelling healthy individuals aged ≥18 years who responded to a study advertisement and were randomly selected. The participants filled out a questionnaire and had fasting blood drawn and anthropometric indices taken. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was performed for BC analysis (fat and lean body mass). The subjects were divided according to 25OHD levels into three groups: I (≤20 ng/mL, vitamin D deficient), II (>20 and <30 ng/mL, vitamin D insufficient), and III (≥30 ng/mL, vitamin D sufficient). Of 299 individuals selected, 51 were excluded, yielding a final sample of 248 (128 women) who had serum 25OHD levels measured. Women presented higher 25OHD levels than men (27.8±12.0 ng/mL and 24.8±11.3 ng/mL, respectively; p = 0.03). Including both sexes, Group I had greater body mass index (BMI; 26.6±2.5 kg/m2) and waist circumference (WC; 91.8.8±9.1 cm) compared with the other groups. Group I also had 75.7% and 65.3% of abnormal BMI and WC values, respectively, (p<0.05 for both) and a higher percentage of trunk and android fat confirmed by multivariate analysis. No differences in BC were observed in individuals with insufficient versus sufficient 25OHD levels. Individuals with lower 25OHD levels had increased fat in the android region and trunk. This study confirms the association of lower 25OHD levels with greater BMI and WC and increased deposition of fat in body compartments, which, even in nonobese individuals, are commonly associated with increased metabolic risk.

Reference values of 25-hydroxyvitamin D revisited: a position statement from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) and the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine (SBPC).

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.

Reference values of 25-hydroxyvitamin D revisited: a position statement from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) and the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine (SBPC)

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

Bone Histomorphometry in Young Patients With Type 2 Diabetes is Affected by Disease Control and Chronic Complications.

CONTEXT: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of fractures. No study has evaluated the correlation of bone histomorphometry (BH) parameters with glycemic control and presence of chronic complications (CCs) in premenopausal women with T2DM. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate BH and correlate them with the degree of glycemic control and presence of CCs. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PATIENTS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary medical center. Twenty-six premenopausal women with T2DM were divided into groups with glycated hemoglobin HbA1c < 7% (good control, GC; n = 10) and HbA1c > 7% (poor control, PC; n = 16), and further subdivided into groups with (n = 9) and without (n = 17) CCs. BH parameters (bone volume [bone volume per total volume, BV/TV], trabecular thickness [Tb.Th], trabecular number [Tb.N], trabecular separation [Tb.Sp], osteoid thickness [O.Th], osteoid surface [osteoid surface per bone surface, OS/BS]), mineralizing surface [MS/BS], bone formation rate [BFR]), mineral apposition rate [MAR]) as well as serum pentosidine (PEN) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 were measured. The BH data were compared among the groups and with a BH control group (control group, CG, n = 15) matched by age, sex, and race. RESULTS: BV/TV was increased in GC (P < .001) and PC (P = .05) groups and O.th (P = .03) was smaller in the PC group than in the CG. A comparison of the groups with and without CCs with the CG showed in the group with CCs, O.Th was smaller(P = .01) and BV/TV similar to the CG (P = .11). HbA1c correlated negatively with O.Th (P = .02) and OS/BS (P = .01). There was no correlation of BH to PEN and IGF-1. CONCLUSION: BH in premenopausal patients with T2DM is affected by disease control and chronic complications.

Body composition and nutritional and metabolic parameters in postmenopausal women sufficient, insufficient and deficient in vitamin D

ABSTRACT Objective We investigated changes in body composition and nutritional and metabolic parameters in a group of postmenopausal women who were classified as sufficient, insufficient and deficient in vitamin D. Subjects and methods A total of 106 postmenopausal women were included in this cross-sectional study and classified according to their serum levels of 25-OH-vitamin D as sufficient (≥ 30 ng/mL; group S), insufficient (20.1 and 29.9 ng/mL; group I) or deficient (≤ 20 ng/mL; group D) in vitamin D. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); dietary recall questionnaires were completed; and blood samples were analysed to compare the metabolic and nutritional status of the study groups. Results Eleven (10.4%) of the women were classified in group S, 50 (47.2%) in group I and 45 (42.4%) in group D, with a mean serum level for 25-OH-D of 21.1 ± 7.0 ng/mL in all participants. Body composition did not differ among the groups. Serum levels of 25-OH-D were negatively correlated with serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Conclusions Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were highly prevalent in our group of postmenopausal women, showing an association with an unfavourable lipid profile.