Oral health in young women having a low calcium and vitamin D nutritional status.

OBJECTIVE: Oral health plays an important role in an individual's eating choices, which in turn ensure good nutrition throughout life. The deterioration in diet quality may partially explain the association between tooth loss and several systemic diseases, including osteoporosis. The study evaluated the association between oral health and calcium (Ca) and vitamin D nutritional status. The effect of several dietary and lifestyle habits was also evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred six women aged 23.7 ± 0.4 years were evaluated. Ca intake (CaI) and protein intake were recorded, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was evaluated. Dental status and caries risk were assessed by determining the number of decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) teeth and DMFT index, Löe Silness plaque index (PI), and sugar intake (SI). RESULTS: Deficient CaI was observed in 59% of women; 71% had 25OHD <30 ng/mL and 72% consumed soft drinks daily. M/T score was 3%, D/T score was 28.4%, and F/T score was 0%. Thirty-nine percent of women were missing at least one tooth. PI and SI were 2.0 ± 0.1 and 5.2 ± 0, respectively, and DMFT score was 6.6 ± 0.4. CaI adjusted by other risk factors was associated with higher percentage of caries (p < 0.0001), DMFT (p < 0.001), and PI (p < 0.007). One hundred percent of women presented gingivitis. When considering the one third of the studied group with the highest caries scores, DMFT reached 10.6 ± 0.5. This group had significantly lower CaI and 25OHD levels (p < 0.05) and significantly higher protein intake, daily consumption of soft drinks, and PI and SI values compared to the rest of the women (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this cross-sectional report evidenced an association between high cariogenic risk and great severity of oral disease in the studied group of young women and low CaI. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although caries progression is a complex process involving multiple factors, an adequate nutritional status of Ca and vitamin D could be an additional factor that may help preserve a good oral health.

[Health related quality of life assessment in patients with systemic sclerosis]. / La valutazione della qualità della vita nei pazienti con sclerodermia.

OBJECTIVE: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a chronic disabling disease associated to physical and psychological impairment, is often left behind in clinical practice and research. This is due to the use of tools that are not complete or mainly designed for the physical condition only. We tested EQ-5D, a valid, simple and brief questionnaire for HRQoL that has never been validated in SSc. METHODS: Thirty-three consecutive SSc patients referring to our Rheumatology Department and undergoing treatment have been asked to fulfill EQ-5D together with HAQ. RESULTS: EQ-5D demonstrated good acceptability, feasibility and validity in patients affected by SSc. Conceptually equivalent domains of EQ-5D demonstrated a good correlation with HAQ correspondent domains. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest the use of EQ-5D in SSc patients as a HRQoL measure in clinical practice, as well as an out come parameter in randomized clinical trials and/or in pharmaco-economic evaluations.

[Influence of zinc administered by total parenteral nutrition on plasmatic zinc levels, on reactive C protein, on serum interleukin-6 and on serum interleukin-6 soluble receptor, in critical patients]. / Influencia del zinc administrado a pacientes críticos con nutrición parenteral sobre los niveles de zinc plasmático, proteína C reactiva, interleuquina-6 y receptor soluble de interleuquina-6.

OBJECTIVES: To study the interrelationship between serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum Interleukin-6 soluble Receptor (IL-6 sR), C-Reactive Protein (C-RP), plasmatic Zinc levels (PlZn) and their response in relation to Zn administered by TPN, in critical patients. METHODS: 17 patients, receiving TPN as a consequence of acute pancreatitis (n = 4) or after a major abdominal surgery due to intestinal cancer (n = 7), intestinal fístula (n = 3), intestinal obstruction (n = 2) or intestinal íleus (n = 1) were studied. At the beginning (To) and at the end of the TPN administration (6-21 days) serum IL-6 and IL-6 sR were determined by ELISA; C-RP ultrasensitive (C-RP us) by inmunoturbidimetric method; Zn was determined in TPN and in plasma by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Characteristics of the patients were (mean +/- SD and ranges): age: 60.6 +/- 11.7 (37-77) years; BMI (kg/m(2)): 26.0 +/- 3.4 (19.9-34.0). RESULTS: The results (mean +/- standard deviation and ranges) were: Zn provided by TPN (mg/d): 6.1 +/- 2.0 (range 2.8 to 10.8). Biochemical levels were, at To and Tf, respectively: (mean+/-SD and ranges) were at To y Tf, respectively: Zn Pl (microg/dl): 104 +/- 46 (35-177); 120 +/- 55 (52-229); IL-6 (pg/mL) 93 +/- 74 (10-262); 117 +/- 180 (7-761); IL6sR (pg/mL): 1,012 +/- 322 (589-1855); 1,269 +/- 451 (631-2195); C-RP us (mg/L): 71 +/- 63 (2-196); 65 +/- 43 (0-137). There was no correlation between variations of IL6, IL6sR, C-RP, PlZn levels and the daily amount of Zn administered in the TPN mixtures. Two patients presented a bad evolution; they received 4.2 and 5.2 md/d of Zn and showed an increase of IL6 levels, maintained high levels of IL6sR but C-RP levels decreased. CONCLUSIONS: the range of 2.8 to 10.8 mg/d of Zn administered in TPN mixtures did not exacerbate the inflammatory response.

Influencia del zinc administrado a pacientes críticos con nutrición parenteral sobre los niveles de zinc plasmático, proteína C reactiva, interleuquina-6 y receptor soluble de interleuquina-6 / Influence of zinc administered by total parenteral nutrition on plasmatic zinc levels, on reactive C protein, on serum interleukin-6 and on serum interleukin-6 soluble receptor, in critical patients

Objetivos: Estudiar, en pacientes críticos, la respuesta de los niveles de Zn en plasma (ZnPl), de IL-6 sérica, del IL-6sR y de la PCR en relación al Zn administrado en la NPT, para evitar la deficiencia o el exceso de Zn. Métodos: 17 pacientes que recibieron NPT, por pancreatitis aguda o luego de una cirugía abdominal mayor. Al inicio (To) y a la finalización (Tf) de la NPT (6 a 21 días) se determinó en suero: IL-6 y IL-6 sR (ELISA); PCR (inmunoturbidimetría); ZnPl y Zn en NPT (Espectrometría de Absorción Atómica). Características físicas: edad, años (promedio ± DE y rangos): 60,6 ± 11,7 (37-77); BMI (kg/m2): 26,0 ± 3,4 (19,9-34,0). Resultados: Promedio ± DE (y rangos): aporte de Zn en la NPT: 6,1 ± 2,0 mg/día (2,8 a 10,8); parámetros bioquímicos, a To y Tf, respectivamente: Zn Pl (μg/dl): 104 ± 46 (35-177); 120 ± 55 (52-229); IL-6 (pg/mL) 93 ± 74 (10-262); 117 ± 180 (7-761); IL6sR (pg/mL): 1012 ± 322 (589-1.855); 1.269 ± 451 (631-2.195); PCR (mg/L): 71 ± 63 (2-196); 65 ± 43 (0-137). Dos pacientes, que fallecieron, incrementaron más de 4 veces los niveles de IL6, mantuvieron altos niveles de IL-6sR, pero disminuyendo los de PCR, recibiendo 4,2 y 5,2 mg/d de Zn. El 60% de los pacientes con evolución clínica favorable presentó una disminución de los niveles de IL6. Conclusiones: en los pacientes críticos, con evolución favorable, dosis de Zn de 2,8 a 10,8 mg/d en la NPT no exacerbaron la respuesta inflamatoria, evaluada mediante los niveles de IL-6, IL6sR y PCR (AU)

Objectives: To study the interrelationship between serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum Interleukin-6 soluble Receptor (IL-6 sR), C-Reactive Protein (C-RP), plasmatic Zinc levels (PlZn) and their response in relation to Zn administered by TPN, in critical patients. Methods: 17 patients, receiving TPN as a consequence of acute pancreatitis (n = 4) or after a major abdominal surgery due to intestinal cancer (n = 7), intestinal fístula (n = 3), intestinal obstruction (n = 2) or intestinal íleus (n = 1) were studied. At the beginning (To) and at the end of the TPN administration (6-21days) serum IL-6 and IL-6 sR were determined by ELISA; C-RP ultrasensitive (C-RP us) by inmunoturbidimetric method; Zn was determined in TPN and in plasma by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Characteristics of the patients were (mean ± SD and ranges): age: 60.6 ± 11.7 (37-77) years; BMI (kg/m2): 26.0 ± 3.4 (19.9-34.0). Results: The results (mean ± standard deviation and ranges) were: Zn provided by TPN (mg/d): 6.1 ± 2.0 (range 2.8 to 10.8). Biochemical levels were, at To and Tf, respectively: (mean±SD and ranges) were at To y Tf, respectively: Zn Pl (μg/dl): 104 ± 46 (35-177); 120 ± 55 (52-229); IL-6 (pg/mL) 93 ± 74 (10-262); 117 ± 180 (7-761); IL6sR (pg/mL): 1,012 ± 322 (589-1855); 1,269 ± 451 (631-2195); C-RP us (mg/L): 71 ± 63 (2-196); 65 ± 43 (0-137). There was no correlation between variations of IL6, IL6sR, C-RP, PlZn levels and the daily amount of Zn administered in the TPN mixtures. Two patients presented a bad evolution; they received 4.2 and 5.2 md/d of Zn and showed an increase of IL6 levels, maintained high levels of IL6sR but C-RP levels decreased. Conclusions: the range of 2.8 to 10.8 mg/d of Zn administered in TPN mixtures did not exacerbate the inflammatory response (AU)

Body composition and bone metabolism in young Gaucher disease type I patients treated with imiglucerase.

UNLABELLED: Bone involvement is one of the most disabling complications in patients with type 1 Gaucher disease (GDI) and its pathophysiology is yet to be fully understood. It is well known that body composition is a determinant of bone mass. Previous reports indicating disturbance in glucose and lipid metabolism in GDI patients suggested a posible alteration in body composition in this group of patients. OBJECTIVE: To analyze body composition, bone mass and turnover in young adults with GDI receiving enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). POPULATION: 5 women and 4 men with GDI aged (X +/- SD) 26.9 +/- 6.9 years, receiving imiglucerase in a mean dose of 53 +/- 13 IU/kg/2weeks, during 4.9 +/- 3.9 years; and 145 sex and age matched healthy adults agreed to participate in the study. All control subjects had a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 25 kg/m2. METHODS: Total body dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure body composition and bone mass. Serum creatinine, calcium, osteocalcin (BGP), and type I collagen beta carboxy-terminal telopeptide (betaCTX) were determined in patients and controls. In addition, 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), and chitotriosidase activity were measured in patients. RESULTS: GDI patients presented statistically significant (p<0.01) lower BMI, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), lean mass (LM), and fat mass (FM), compared to controls. LM correlated positively with BMC and BMD in both groups (p<0.01). GDI patients receiving the lower dose of ERT (<60 IU/kg/2weeks) presented lower BMD values than those receiving the higher dose (> or =60 IU/kg/2weeks) (0.968 +/- 0.032 vs 1.088 +/- 0.061 g/m2, respectively, p<0.001). Mean BGP levels were similar in patients and controls, whereas betaCTX levels were higher in GDI patients (p<0.02). All patients presented deficiency levels (<30ng/ml) of 25OHD. CONCLUSIONS: Although the patients had been receiving ERT, they presented a significant diminution in all body composition parameters, the decrease was more evident in those receiving the lower dose. The reduction in bone mass was associated with an imbalance in bone turnover (increased bone resorption). The correlation between LM and bone mass, suggests that metabolic disturbance occurring in GDI patients may be indirectly responsible for bone mass reduction in GDI patients, by altering body composition.

[Nailfold capillaroscopic report: qualitative and quantitative methods]. / La refertazione dell'esame capillaroscopico: metodi di valutazione qualitativi e quantitativi.

Nailfold capillaroscopy (NVC) is a simple and non-invasive method used for the assessment of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and in the differential diagnosis of various connective tissue diseases. The scleroderma pattern abnormalities (giant capillaries, haemorrages and/or avascular areas) have a positive predictive value for the development of scleroderma spectrum disorders. Thus, an analytical approach to nailfold capillaroscopy can be useful in quantitatively and reproducibly recording various parameters. We developed a new method to assess patients with RP that is capable of predicting the 5-year transition from isolated RP to RP secondary to scleroderma spectrum disorders. This model is a weighted combination of different capillaroscopic parameters (giant capillaries, microhaemorrages, number of capillaries) that allows physicians to stratify RP patients easily using a relatively simple diagram to deduce prognosis.

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome associated with small aorta syndrome: a case report.

It has been widely accepted that the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune hypercoagulability syndrome in which a variety of venous and arterial thrombotic events may occur. Peripheral obliterating arterial disease characterized by aortoiliac steno-occlusion occurring in young women, is reported in the literature under the name of Small Aorta Syndrome (SAS). Although it remains unclear whether SAS represents a separate entity, the small size of the distal aorta increases the risk for aortoiliac occlusive disease. A 41-year old white woman was admitted with acute digital ischemia of the left foot. She had positive lupus anticoagulant and IgG anti-cardiolipin antibodies (61 UI/mL), but antinuclear antibodies and anti-ds-DNA antibodies were negative. She previously had two deep venous thromboses of the legs and, despite the oral anticoagulant therapy, pulmonary embolism occurred. Shortly thereafter, abdominal angio-magnetic resonance imaging suggested that the infra-renal aorta was narrowed more than 50%, without thrombotic occlusion of the terminal aorta and common iliac arteries. These findings were compatible with the features of SAS. There were no atherosclerotic changes in the artery wall and no other prediposing risk factors such as smoking, oral contraceptive or hyperlipidemia. After adequate anticoagulation and intravenous prostacyclin treatment the patient's symptoms and the ischemic lesions improved markedly. To our knowledge this is the first report of the association of SAS and primary APS. The occurrence of SAS in patients with APS may dramatically increase the risk of trombothic events.

Changes in bone volume and bone resorption by olpadronate treatment in an experimental model of uremic bone disease.

Thirty male adult Wistar rats (300-/+10 g body weight) underwent either 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx, n=20) or sham operation (SHAM, n=10) to determine olpadronate effects in an experimental model of uremic bone disease. For a 38-day period, 10 rats received olpadronate (16microg/100g bw) once a week (Nx+OPD) and the other vehicle (Nx). SHAM received vehicle. At baseline, treatment onset (t=7 days) and end of study (t=45 days) calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, bone alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP) and deoxypyridinoline crosslinks (DPyr) were determined. At t=0 and t=45 bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DXA. At t=45 the right tibia was removed for bone histology. There were no differences in serum calcium. Phosphorus increased in Nx and Nx+OPD compared to SHAM (p

Capillaroscopic observations in childhood rheumatic diseases and healthy controls.

OBJECTIVE: To describe, by using video nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC), microvascular abnormalities in children with rheumatic diseases and to evaluate the capillary changes over a follow up period. METHODS: 118 children suffering from rheumatic diseases: 55 juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), 7 mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), 6 primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP), 34 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 8 juvenile systemic sclerosis (JSSc) and 8 juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) were included in the study. Patients with major capillaries abnormalities or scleroderma pattern were followed up for at least 12 months. 70 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were also examined. RESULTS: In HC there was a significant correlation between age and capillary length (p = 0.001). JIA patients showed capillary number, size, shape and arrangement similar to HC. Minor abnormalities were frequently observed. The percentage of major abnormalities were significantly increased compared to HC in MCTD (p = 0.008), SLE (p = 0.0002) and JDM patients (p < 0.0001). 5/8 of JSSc had a scleroderma pattern from the onset of the disease. The serial observations in connective tissue diseases also showed that the evolution of capillaroscopic pattern was not unidirectional. In fact, in some nailfolds there was an increase in capillary loss and in avascular areas, whereas sometimes it remained stable on repeated examination. CONCLUSION: NFC can be used as a simple, inexpensive, non-invasive method to evaluate the microvascular abnormalities in childhood rheumatic conditions, and it may be useful in early recognition and monitoring scleroderma spectrum disorders.

Telopeptido carboxilo terminal del colageno tipo i ( beta-ctx ) serico y / compromiso oseo en la insuficiencia renal cronica / Serum beta-type I collagen carboxyterminal telopeptide ( beta-CTXs ) and bone involvement in chronic renal failure

La osteodistrofia renal (ODR) se caracteriza por alteraciones óseas. Se evaluaron métodos bioquímicosalternativos a la biopsia ósea en pacientes renales para determinar cambios rápidos delremodelamiento óseo en 43 pacientes predialíticos (PD) y 49 hemodializados (HD). Los PD presentaronfosfatemia, fosfatasa alcalina ósea (FAO), hormona paratiroidea intacta (PTHi) y beta-telopéptido carboxilo terminaldel colágeno tipo I (betaCTXs) mayores y clearence de creatinina (Ccr) menores (p<0.001) que los controles.La fosfatemia de HD fue más elevada, significativamente respecto de controles (p<0.0001); FAO, PTHi y betaCTXsfueron mayores a los otros dos grupos (p<0.0001). En ambos grupos renales betaCTXs y FAO correlacionaroncon PTHi (p<0.002 y p<0.0001, respectivamente) y entre sí (p<0.0001). Los PD con Ccr <40 ml/min presentaronPTHi, FAO y bCTXs (p<0.004, p<0.05 y p<0.001, respectivamente) más elevados que aquellos con Ccr>40ml/min. En PD, betaCTXs (p<0.05) y en HD tanto betaCTXs como FAO (p<0.0001) estaban aumentados respecto decontroles, aun con PTHi normal. Los incrementos mayores en los marcadores óseos se observaron en los pacientescon mayores niveles de PTHi (p<0.001). En conclusión; aun sin PTHi elevada existe un aumento deresorción ósea (posiblemente por otros factores) y la medición de betaCTXs sería una herramienta apropiada notraumática para detectar tempranamente alteraciones óseas por IR que permitiría tomar medidas preventivaspara evitar dicha pérdida. Asimismo, instalada la ODR determinar el aumento del remodelamiento sería sumamenteútil para identificar pacientes que requieran biopsia ósea. El reemplazo de la misma por beta-CTX séricodeberá esperar estudios que demuestren la correlación existente entre ambas metodologías.

Telopeptido carboxilo terminal del colageno tipo i ( beta-ctx ) serico y / compromiso oseo en la insuficiencia renal cronica / Serum beta-type I collagen carboxyterminal telopeptide ( beta-CTXs ) and bone involvement in chronic renal failure

La osteodistrofia renal (ODR) se caracteriza por alteraciones óseas. Se evaluaron métodos bioquímicosalternativos a la biopsia ósea en pacientes renales para determinar cambios rápidos delremodelamiento óseo en 43 pacientes predialíticos (PD) y 49 hemodializados (HD). Los PD presentaronfosfatemia, fosfatasa alcalina ósea (FAO), hormona paratiroidea intacta (PTHi) y beta-telopéptido carboxilo terminaldel colágeno tipo I (betaCTXs) mayores y clearence de creatinina (Ccr) menores (p<0.001) que los controles.La fosfatemia de HD fue más elevada, significativamente respecto de controles (p<0.0001); FAO, PTHi y betaCTXsfueron mayores a los otros dos grupos (p<0.0001). En ambos grupos renales betaCTXs y FAO correlacionaroncon PTHi (p<0.002 y p<0.0001, respectivamente) y entre sí (p<0.0001). Los PD con Ccr <40 ml/min presentaronPTHi, FAO y bCTXs (p<0.004, p<0.05 y p<0.001, respectivamente) más elevados que aquellos con Ccr>40ml/min. En PD, betaCTXs (p<0.05) y en HD tanto betaCTXs como FAO (p<0.0001) estaban aumentados respecto decontroles, aun con PTHi normal. Los incrementos mayores en los marcadores óseos se observaron en los pacientescon mayores niveles de PTHi (p<0.001). En conclusión; aun sin PTHi elevada existe un aumento deresorción ósea (posiblemente por otros factores) y la medición de betaCTXs sería una herramienta apropiada notraumática para detectar tempranamente alteraciones óseas por IR que permitiría tomar medidas preventivaspara evitar dicha pérdida. Asimismo, instalada la ODR determinar el aumento del remodelamiento sería sumamenteútil para identificar pacientes que requieran biopsia ósea. El reemplazo de la misma por beta-CTX séricodeberá esperar estudios que demuestren la correlación existente entre ambas metodologías. (AU)

[Raynaud's phenomenon]. / Il fenomeno di Raynaud.

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a vasospastic disorder characterized by episodic color changes of blanching, cyanosis, and hyperemia in response to cold and/or emotional stress. Although most typically noted in the fingers, the circulation of the toes, ears, nose and tongue is also frequently affected. Population studies have shown that RP in adults is more common in women than men, with prevalence estimates ranging from 4% to 30%. Geographic variations in the prevalence reflect differences in climate. RP may be a primary or a secondary process. LeRoy and Medsger suggested criteria for primary RP: symmetric attacks, the absence of tissue necrosis, ulceration or gangrene, the absence of a secondary cause, negative antinuclear antibodies, normal nailfold capillaroscopy and a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Secondary RP is characterized by an age of onset of more than 30 years, painful and asymmetric attacks, ischemic skin lesions, positive autoantibodies, capillaroscopic abnormalities and/or clinical features suggestive of connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Among the CTDs, systemic sclerosis has the highest frequency of RP. Finding a cause for RP requires a knowledge of the patient's occupational, smoking, drug history, physical examination, nailfold capillaroscopy, routine laboratory tests and autoantibodies. Furthermore, RP should be distinguished from acrocyanosis, a condition characterized by continuous cyanosis of the hands or feet that is aggravated by cold temperature. The most important instruction to the patient is abstinence from any smoking, offending drugs should be discontinued, and abrupt changes in temperature. If these measures are inadequate, calcium-channel blockers are the most widely used (nifedipine 30 mg up to 90 mg daily). Alternatively, sympatholytic agent (prazosin), angiotensin II -receptor type I antagonist (losartan), selective sertonin-reuptake inhibitor (fluoxetine) may be useful. In the severe cases the role of prostaglandins is well established, but standard therapeutic protocols are not jet available.

Comparison of the effects of 3,5,3'-triiodothyroacetic Acid and triiodothyronine on goiter prevention and involution and on hepatic and skeletal parameters in rats.

3,5,3'-triiodothyroacetic acid (TRIAC) has been used to suppress pituitary TSH secretion with reported attenuation of extrapituitary effects. We investigated whether equivalent doses of T (3) and TRIAC preventing the induction of goiter by methimazole (MMI) had a different or similar impact on peripheral tissues, such as liver and bone. In particular, we compared the effects of both compounds on the activity of the hepatic thyroid hormone-responsive enzymes, malic enzyme and L-glicerol-3-P dehydrogenase; bone mineral density and biochemical parameters of bone turnover, such as bone alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP) and the carboxy-terminal telopeptide region of type I collagen (beta-CTX); and the activity of thyroid ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). We also compared the effects of T (3) and TRIAC on the involution of MMI-induced goiter. Our results showed that TRIAC was more effective than T (3) to reduce MMI-induced goiter in a short-term goiter involution assay. TRIAC increased hepatic enzymes activity and beta-CTX levels, a parameter of bone resorption, more than T (3). However, bone mineral density was not altered by either treatment. Both compounds even reduced ODC activity at doses that were not effective at the pituitary level. These results demonstrate increased TRIAC hepatic and antigoitrogenic activity compared to T (3). TRIAC induces an imbalance in bone remodeling without affecting bone mineral density. Further studies are required to clarify this point.

High prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in healthy elderly people living at home in Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nutritional status of vitamin D in urban populations of healthy elderly people living at home, in different regions of Argentina. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: In total, 386 ambulatory subjects over 65 y of age from seven cities (between latitude 26 degrees S and 55 degrees S) were asked to participate between the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Of these, 369 accepted, 30 were excluded because of medical history or abnormal biochemical determinations. Finally, 339 subjects (226 women and 113 men) (X+/-s.d.) (71.3+/- 5.2 y) were included. RESULTS: Serum 25OHD levels were lowest in the South (latitude range: 41 degrees S-55 degrees S): 14.2+/-5.6 ng/ml (P<0.0001vs North and Mid regions); highest in the North (26 degrees S-27 degrees S): 20.7+/-7.4 ng/ml (P<0.03 vs Mid, P<0.0001vs South); and intermediate in the Mid region (33 degrees S-34 degrees S) 17.9+/-8.2 ng/ml. Serum mid-molecule PTH (mmPTH) and 25OHD were inversely related: (r=-0.24, P<0.001). A cutoff level of 25OHD at which serum mmPTH levels began to increase was established at 27 ng/ml. A high prevalence (87-52%) of subjects with 25OHD levels in the deficiency-insufficiency range (25OHD levels <20 ng/ml) was detected. CONCLUSION: This study shows that vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in the elderly is a worldwide problem. Correction of this deficit would have a positive impact on bone health of elderly people.

Bone mass changes in vivo during the entire reproductive cycle in rats feeding different dietary calcium and calcium/phosphorus ratio content.

The purpose of this study was to quantify in vivo the impact of different dietary Ca contents on the maternal total skeleton and skeletal sub-areas in adult rats during pregnancy and lactation, using DXA. Twenty-four female Wistar rats (approximately 5 months old) were mated and divided into three groups (n = 8) and fed one of the following diets, varying only in Ca content (LCD: 0.14%, NCD: 0.6% or HCD: 1.2%). Pups were adjusted to 8-9 per dam. Maternal ionic calcium and in vivo bone mineral density (BMD) were measured at the beginning, after delivery and after weaning. Regardless of the diet, ionized calcium decreased from onset to weaning ( P < 0.05). At weaning, bone mass decreased 7.3% in NCD, 15% in LCD and 10.5% in HCD from initial values. Total skeleton, whole and proximal tibia and spine BMDs only decreased at delivery in the LCD group ( P < 0.05) but, irrespective of the diet, at weaning, they were lower compared to delivery and initial values ( P < 0.05). LCD group presented the lowest BMD in the proximal tibia and spine regions ( P < 0.05). At birth, pups did not present differences, however, at weaning, LCD pups reached the lowest body weight ( P < 0.05), NCD presented the highest body Ca content ( P < 0.05) and there were no differences between LCD and HCD. This in vivo study showed that regardless of the dietary calcium content, the maternal skeleton is slightly affected by pregnancy but severely affected by lactation. However, the degree of such response appears to depend not only on dietary Ca content but also on dietary Ca/P molar ratio.

Efecto del nivel de calcio de la dieta consumida durante gestación y lactancia sobre el zinc en sangre y hueso, en ratas / Effect of dietary calcium during pregnancy and lactation on zinc levels in blood and bone, in rats

The effect of dietary calcium (Ca) level on maternal zinc (Zn) nutritional status was studied. Female Wistar rats, weighing 250-350 g, were fed during pregnancy and lactation with an experimental diet containing/100 g different levels of calcium: 0.2 g (low calcium: LCa), 0.6 g (normal calcium: NCa) or 0.9 (high calcium: HCa). Maternal blood samples were drawn from the tail at delivery and at the end of lactation. Laboratory determinations were: Zn in whole blood (WB) at delivery and weaning; Zn (ZnF) and Ca (CaF) in the ashed femur at weaning. The results (mean +/- SEM) were: ZnWB (microgram/ml) at delivery and weaning: LCa: 8.73 +/- 1.05; 12.8 +/- 2.02; NCa: 3.49 +/- 0.19; 3.73 +/- 0.37; HCa: 3.21 +/- 0.19; 3.85 +/- 0.27. CaF (mg/100 mg): LCa: 19.2 +/- 0.8; NCa: 21.4 +/- 0.6; HCa: 20.4 +/- 1.1. ZnF (microgram/100 mg): LCa: 30.2 +/- 0.9; NCa: 24.1 +/- 0.3; HCa: 24.1 +/- 0.9. ZnWB was significantly higher in LCa (p < 0.0001) regarding NCa and Hca. ZnF showed an increase and CaF a decrease in LCa regarding NCa and HCa (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in ZnWB, ZnF and CaF between NCa and HCa These results show that: there was no detrimental effect when dietary Ca content was increased by 50 per cent above the normal requirements of the rat.; low dietary Ca during pregnancy and lactation produced an increase of Zn utilization, reflected in maternal blood Zn and in ZnF content.

Papel del calcio y de la vitamina D en la salud ósea (parte II) / Role of calcium and vitamin D in bone health (Part II)

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[Cost-of-illness in systemic sclerosis: a retrospective study of an Italian cohort of 106 patients]. / Analisi dei costi nella sclerosi sistemica. Studio retrospettivo in una casistica di 106 pazienti.

AIMS: It is increasingly important to determine the economic consequences of diseases considering the policy of limited health-care budgets. In this study we evaluated the annual direct and indirect costs of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and we tried also to identify any cost predictors. METHODS: We studied 106 patients (103 female, 3 male), 57 affected by Limited Systemic Sclerosis (LSSc) and 49 affected by Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis (DSSc). Mean age was 57 years (SD +/- 13.8) and mean disease duration was 8,9 years (SD +/- 7.2). Direct Costs: data were calculated referring to DRG (Disease Related Group) expenses for the in-patients. We referred to national pharmacopoeia to calculate the pharmaceutical cost for the out-patients. Indirect costs: we estimated the expense comparing our cases to literature data. Intangible costs: these are attributable to pain and psychological suffering. It is very difficult to express the intangible costs in monetary terms and they are often conveyed as disability and poorer quality-of-life. We used the Health Assessment Questionnaire "HAQ" and the Short Form-36 "SF-36" to evaluate this issues. RESULTS: Our study confirms, the extremely high costs caused by Systemic Sclerosis (total cost's 2001 year is 1,173,842.93 Euro, and average yearly patient cost is 11,073.99 Euro). Considering an estimated prevalence of 375 cases/106, the total yearly economic impact of SSc in Italy should be 249 million euro. Intangible costs were calculated as modifications of the health status. Average value of the HAQ was significantly higher than the control population (0.94 +/- 0.72), average values in the SF-36 were significantly lower than the control population (49.99 +/- 19.16 for physical dimension and 58.42 +/- 27.71 for mental dimension). The diffuse form of SSc, anti-Scl 70 antibodies, high skin score and a poor health status (HAQ and SF-36) were found to be cost predictors. CONCLUSIONS: As reported in the literature, our study confirms, the extremely high costs for total and single patients caused by Systemic Sclerosis. The DSSc are more expensive than the LSSc approximately 11% (p=0.0067). The direct costs are 30% higher in the DSSc than the LSSc (p < 0.001). The indirect and intangible costs are not significantly different. Moreover, our study shows also the possibility of identifying different cost predictors.