Significant bone loss after stopping long-term denosumab treatment: a post FREEDOM study.

We evaluate 38 elderly women who had received long-term denosumab treatment after stopping the drug. Taking into account the gain during treatment and the loss after stopping treatment, they lost 35.5% of the total gain in the spine, 44.6% of the total gain in the femoral neck, and 103.3% in the total hip. INTRODUCTION: Denosumab (DMAb) is a soluble inhibitor of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and, therefore, does not incorporate into the bone matrix. Consistently, DMAb discontinuation is associated with reversal of the effects attained with treatment. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess changes in BMD after a year of discontinuation of DMAb in a group of postmenopausal women treated with DMAb for 7 or 10 years. Secondly, is to evaluate the occurrence of fragility fractures. METHODS: Women who had participated in the FREEDOM study and its extension were invited to participate in this follow-up study. BMD at LS and hip and spine X-rays were obtained. Results were compared to the last value obtained while in treatment to assess changes after discontinuation. RESULTS: Thirty-eight women, mean age: 81 ± 3.4 years completed study procedures; none had received bisphosphonates after stopping DMAb. Mean gap time between DMAb last dose and the follow-up visit was 17 months (range 16-20 months). Bone mineral density (BMD) decreased significantly in all regions: - 8.1% in LS, - 6% in FN, and - 8.4% in TH. Five (5/38, 13.15%) patients had a fragility fracture, one suffered a wrist fracture, and four experienced vertebral fractures. Three patients suffered one vertebral fracture and one of them had two vertebral fractures. Laboratory results showed the following mean values: CTX = 996 ± 307 pg/ml (normal values 550 ± 226 pg/ml); osteocalcin = 55.2 ± 18.6 ng/ml (normal value 42 ng/ml); and 25 OH vitamin D = 23.7 ± 6.9 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: Our results describe the rapid bone loss occurring after cessation of denosumab treatment. Further studies are needed to assess if patients have a higher risk of fracture after stopping DMAb and if so, which patients have the highest risk, and assess the role of transitioning to bisphosphonates in the long term.

Punto interdomal en técnica cerrada / Interdomal suture in closed approach

El manejo de la punta nasal es un elemento clave en toda rinoplastía. Las primeras técnicas empleadas sacrificaban la estructura del arco alar con resultados posoperatorios indeseables. En la era moderna de la rinoplastía, el manejo de la punta nasal se enfocó en remodelar, preservar y reposicionar los cartílagos alares mediante el uso de suturas. El punto interdomal es una sutura en forma de ocho o loop simple desde la porción más anterior de un domo hacia el contralateral uniendo la región más alta de las cruras mediales. En el presente artículo se realiza una revisión del uso de puntos de suturas en el manejo de la punta nasal, se describen las características del punto interdomal en técnica cerrada y se muestran sus resultados en una serie de casos.

The nasal tip surgery is a key element in rhinoplasty. The first techniques employed sacrificed the alar arch structure with undesirable postoperative results. In the modern era of rhinoplasty, nasal tip surgery focused on reshaping, preserving and repositioning the alar cartilages using reversible sutures. The interdomal suture is a figure-eight or simple loop suture placed from the most anterior portion of one dome to the contralateral joining the highest region of the medial crura. This article reviews the use of suture techniques in nasal tip reshaping and describes the interdomal suture in closed approach and its results in a clinical series.

Evaluation of bone microarchitecture by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in hemodialysis patients.

UNLABELLED: Hemodialyzed patients have decreased bone strength not completely characterized. We evaluated bone microarchitecture in hemodialysis patients and compared it to that of subjects without renal disease by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Hemodialysis patients have a marked decreased in cortical density, thickness, and area with significant reduction in trabecular parameters that correlated with the severity of secondary hyperparathyroidism only in women. INTRODUCTION: Although fracture risk is greatly increased in dialysis patients, the corresponding decreased in bone strength has not been completely characterized. METHODS: We evaluated volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone microstructure by HR-pQCT at the distal radius and tibia in 50 hemodialyzed (HD) patients (30 females, mean age 53.2 ± 6 years and 20 males, mean age 59.1 ± 11 years) and 50 sex- and age-matched controls. RESULTS: At the distal radius HD, women showed a 29% reduction in total and trabecular density and trabecular bone volume fraction (p < 0.0001) compared to controls. Trabecular number was reduced by 25% (p < 0.0001), while trabecular separation was increased by 51%. Cortical thickness (-40%, p < 0.0001) and cortical area (-42%, p < 0.0001) were the parameters most reduced, while compact density was the parameter least reduced (-15%, p < 0.0001). Similar findings were found at the tibia. In HD men, HR-pQCT at the distal radius and tibia showed a reduction in volumetric density and microstructure parameters to a lesser extent than in women. In the hemodialyzed group, cortical thickness at the radius was negatively correlated with age both in women and men. At the distal radius and tibia, we found significant negative correlations between Log iPTH and total alkaline phosphatase with cortical vBMD(r = -0.48, p < 0.01; r = -0.69, p < 0.001), thickness (-0.37, p < 0.05; r = -0.60, p < 0.001), and area ((r = -0.43, p = 0.02; r = -0.65, p < 0.001) but only in women. CONCLUSION: We conclude that hemodialysis patients have a marked decreased in cortical density, thickness, and area with significant reduction in trabecular parameters that correlated with the severity of secondary hyperparathyroidism only in women.

Tumores que comprometen la rinofaringe: nuestra experiencia / Tumors of rhinopharynx: our experience

Las lesiones que comprometen la rinofaringe son de difícil diagnóstico debido al complejo acceso a esta región, excepto cuando éstas alcanzan mayor tamaño o cuando presentan síntomas y/o signos secundarios al compromiso de estructuras adyacentes o de diseminación. El propósito de esta investigación fue analizar y describir casos clínicos de pacientes portadores de patología tumoral de la rinofaringe, con la finalidad de aportar nuevos antecedentes en un área en la cual existen pocos estudios publicados, dada su baja incidencia. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de corte transversal de 10 casos clínicos de pacientes portadores de patologías que comprometían la rinofaringe, evaluados en la unidad de Otoneurología del Instituto de Neurocirugía (1999-2008). De los casos analizados, se observó una mediana de edad de 52,5 años, el tiempo desde la presentación de los síntomas hasta el diagnóstico fue de 8,5 meses. Los tumores de origen epitelial fueron la causa más frecuente, presentándose además tumores de origen óseo y linfoide. El tratamiento fue quirúrgico y asociado a terapia complementaria según necesidad. El número de casos analizados es pequeño, por lo que no es posible sacar conclusiones, sin embargo, dado la clínica inespecífica es fundamental un alto índice de sospecha, e idealmente en el estudio inicial realizar un examen endoscópico en forma rutinaria.

Lesions of rhinopharynx are difficult to diagnose due to the complex access to this área, except when they reach a greater size or when they present symptoms and/or signs secondary to the compression ofadjacent structures or dissemination. The aim of this study was to analyze and to describe clinical cases of patients with rhinopharynx pathologies, with the purpose of giving new antecedents in an area where are few published studies, due to its low incidence. A cross-sectional descriptive study was made of 10 clinical cases of patients with rhinopharynx tumors, which were evaluated in the unit of Otoneurology of the Neurosurgery Institute (1999-2008). The median age was 52.5 years, and the time since the symptoms appear and the diagnosis was made was of 8.5 months. The most frequent causes were tumors of epithelial origin, but also osseous and lymphoid tumors were observed. Treatment was surgical and/or associated to complementary therapy Due to the small number cases analyzed it is not possible to draw conciusions, nevertheless, it is important to have a high índex of suspicion, given the unspecific symptom and signs that they may present, and idealiy in the initial study of these patients it is necessary to perform an endoscopic evaluation.

[The effects of a new model of hospital management on undergraduate teaching of urology]. / Valoración de la docencia de pregrado de urología por docentes y alumnos en el nuevo escenario hospitalario (autogestionado en red).

BACKGROUND: Since January 2005, a new model for hospital coordinated assistance was implanted in Chile, denominated Self Managed Hospitals in net, to improve resource use effectiveness and efficiency. This new design changed health care and teaching models. AIM: To analyze, understand and to reflect on how teachers and students of the Urology Unit of the Eastern Campus of the Faculty of Medicine in the University of Chile, perceive learning in this new hospital scenario. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative methodology was used, including semi-structured interviews to chief teachers and focal groups of teachers and students. Also, a written structured questionnaire was answered by a group of 5th year students and interns. RESULTS: University teachers perceive that undergraduate learning is affected in the new hospital scenario. Students think that they have less opportunities to directly interact with patients, and therefore have fewer possibilities to take medical histories, perform physical examinations, and fewer occasions to discuss cases with their tutors. CONCLUSIONS: The new health system that runs hospitals under a network could jeopardize undergraduate teaching. This is the case for the Urology Service at Hospital and the corresponding Department of Specialties, where the dominant perception of teachers and a number of students is that their clinical learning is endangered by these innovations. To obtain the learning objectives of the undergraduate program in this subject, reorientation of their ambulatory practice and derivation skills must be rationally elaborated to improve students accomplishment.

Valoración de la docencia de pregrado de urología por docentes y alumnos en el nuevo escenario hospitalario (autogestionado en red) / The effects of a new model of hospital management on undergraduate teaching of urology

Background: Since January 2005, a new model for hospital coordinated assistance was implanted in Chile, denominated “Self Managed Hospitals in net”, to improve resource use effectiveness and effciency. This new design changed health care and teaching models. Aim: To analyze, understand and to refect on how teachers and students of the Urology Unit of the Eastern Campus of the Faculty of Medicine in the University of Chile, perceive learning in this new hospital scenario. Material and Methods: A qualitative methodology was used, including semi-structured interviews to chief teachers and focal groups of teachers and students. Also, a written structured questionnaire was answered by a group of 5th year students and interns. Results: University teachers perceive that undergraduate learning is affected in the new hospital scenario. Students think that they have less opportunities to directly interact with patients, and therefore have fewer possibilities to take medical histories, perform physical examinations, and fewer occasions to discuss cases with their tutors. Conclusions: The new health system that runs hospitals under a network could jeopardize undergraduate teaching. This is the case for the Urology Service at Hospital and the corresponding Department of Specialties, where the dominant perception of teachers and a number of students is that their clinical learning is endangered by these innovations. To obtain the learning objectives of the undergraduate program in this subject, reorientation of their ambulatory practice and derivation skills must be rationally elaborated to improve student’s accomplishment.

Evaluación nasal en el abordaje quirúrgico de la patología selar / Nasal evaluation in the surgical approach of sellar diseases

Introducción: El abordaje quirúrgico de la hipófisis ha experimentado un importante desarrollo desde sus inicios; desde el abordaje transcraneal al transesfenoidal, siendo éste último el más utilizado para el tratamiento de la patología selar. Objetivo: Comunicar la experiencia quirúrgica del manejo del septum y fosas nasales, en el abordaje selar en el Instituto de Neurocirugía Dr. Alfonso Asenjo (INCA). Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo-transversal de pacientes operados por vía transeptoesfenoidal en el INCA desde el Iº de enero de 2007 al 31 de marzo de 2008. Se expone la experiencia del abordaje y seguimiento de las complicaciones nasales. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 42,96 años, siendo 52,4% de los casos mujeres y 47,6% hombres. Un 61 por ciento de los casos corresponde al primer abordaje, por lo que casi un 40% de las cirugías se realiza en un tabique previamente intervenido. La mediana del retiro de tapones fue a los 4 días. No se utilizó antibióticos profilácticos. Discusión y Conclusiones: El abordaje de Cottle es la técnica quirúrgica habitual. La reposición septal posterior nos ha permitido reoperar por esta vía, en períodos variables de tiempo, hasta cuatro veces sin dejar lesiones nasales. A pesar de no utilizarse antibióticos profilácticos, no se presentaron infecciones en esta serie.

Introduction: Since its beginnings, the surgical approach to the hypophysis has experienced an important development; from the transcranial to the transsphenoidal approach. The latter has evolved into the first one treatment method for sellar diseases. Aim: To report the surgical experience in nasal septum management during sellar approach at the Instituto de Neurocirugia Dr. Alfonso Asenjo (INCA). Material and Method: This study is a descriptive and transversal analysis of patients who underwent trans-septosphenoidal surgery at INCA, from January P, 2007 to March, 31st, 2008. The otorhinolaryngologic experience in the transsphenoidal approach is also presented. Results: Average age of patients was 42.26 years, 52,4% of the cases were female and 47,6% male. 61% of the surgeries corresponded to a first intervention, which explains why nearly 40% of surgeries were performed in a septum that was previously manipulated. Nasal packing was removed within a median of 4 days. No prophylactic antibiotics were used. Discussion and Conclusions: The current surgical technique used is the Cottle approach. Repositioning of the posterior septum allows surgical reinterventions using the same approach, even up to four times, in variable periods of time, without nasal lesions. No infections were reponed in this study.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae: infección vía aérea superior / Mycoplasma pneumoniae: infection of the upper air way

Introducción. Las infecciones agudas de la vía aérea alta (IRAs) son un problema común de consulta médica. Su clínica inicial es inespecífica, dificultando la determinación de un agente etiológico. Estudios revelan predominio etiológico viral, sin embargo, investigaciones recientes demuestran que bacterias atípicas, principalmente Mycoplasma pneumoniae, tienen importante rol como causa de IRAs. El diagnóstico de infección por M pneumoniae se realiza por métodos directos (cultivo y/o RCP) o indirectos (serología). Objetivos. Demostrar incidencia de M pneumoniae como causa de IRA alta. Reconocer características clínicas de la infección por M pneumoniae en IRA alta. Material y método. Estudio descriptivo transversal. Once pacientes ingresados con sintomatología respiratoria alta en Clínica Indisa, durante Octubre 2003 y Septiembre 2005. Se estudiaron las manifestaciones clínicas, radiológicas y detección serológica de M pneumoniae por medio del método ELISA rápido. Se clasificaron según si cumplían o no criterios de faringitis. Resultados. Siete pacientes (63 por ciento) con IRA alta y 4 con faringitis. Detección M pneumoniae (+) en 5 niños y 2 adultos, todos ellos con diagnóstico de IRA alta. Las manifestaciones más frecuentes de este grupo fueron: tos, rinorrea y odinofagia. Conclusión. M pneumoniae cumple un rol importante como agente etiológico de IRA, tanto en niños como en adultos. Su principal forma de presentación clínica corresponde a IRA alta. Importante recalcar que el diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento apropiado de la infección M pneumoniae modifican su historia natural, y a la vez reducen las manifestaciones extrapulmonares y su diseminación en la comunidad.

[Relationship between weight, body composition and bone mass in peritoneal dialysis]. / Relación entre peso, composición corporal y masa osea en diálisis peritoneal.

Patients in chronic dialysis show a decrease in total bone mass. The factors that determine this decrease are not well known. In normal populations weight and its compartments are important determinants of bone mass. We studied total bone mineral content (TBMC), a measure of bone mass, and body composition using DEXA densitometry in 65 patients (45 females and 20 males) who had been in peritoneal dialysis for a mean of 40.3 +/- 23.2 months. Forty-eight patients (73.8%) had been previously in hemodialysis. The mean total time in dialysis for these patients was 76.8 months. As a group patients showed a very significant positive correlation between TBMC and weight, height, and lean body mass. A negative correlation was found between TBMC with the time in dialysis and iPTH. In men we found significant simple positive correlations between TBMC and weight, height and lean body mass. In women we found simple positive correlations of TBMC with weight, height and lean body mass and a negative correlation with iPTH. In the multiple regression analysis, lean body mass was the only body composition parameter that had a significantly positive correlation with TBMC in men; in women only height correlated positively with TBMC and iPTH continued to correlate negatively with bone mass. When we considered pre and postmenopausal women separately, bone mass was correlated positively with height and lean body mass and negatively with iPTH in postmenopausal women and only with height in pre-menopausal females. We conclude that the lean body mass compartment. is the most important component of weight that determines TBMC in peritoneal dialysis patients particularly in males and postmenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, secondary hyperparathyroidism seems to be particularly detrimental on bone mass.

Evaluation of cortical bone by peripheral quantitative computed tomography in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: The absolute risk of fractures in renal transplant patients is 3 times that of matched controls. Most of the symptomatic fractures are peripheral, suggesting a greater compromise of cortical bone. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) is a new imaging technique that allows separate noninvasive evaluations of cortical and trabecular bones. We investigated cortical bone by pQCT in 12 renal transplant patients (seven men and five women) for comparison with 27 normal controls. METHODS: pQCT (XCT 960, Stratec, Pforheim, Germany) was performed upon the distal radius of the nondominant forearm (15% the length of the ulna, proximal from the radius end plate). We evaluated total and cortical bone mineral density (TBMD, cBMD), total (cross-sectional) and cortical area (TA, cA), cortical thickness (cThk), endosteal and periosteal circumferences, and the buckling ratio (r/cThK). RESULTS: Compared with normal controls transplant patients as a whole showed a significant increase in TA, in endosteal circumference (P < .001), and in the buckling ratio (P < .001) with a significant reduction in cThK (P < .001). Female patients had a marked decrease in cA (51.4 vs 69.3 [pixel n]; P < .0001) and cThK (2.08 vs 2.78 mm; P < .0001). Male patients also had a decrease in cThK (2.54 vs 3.30 mm; P = .0001) and an increase in endosteal perimeter (31.2 vs 26.4 mm; P < .0001). Total time on dialysis prior to renal graft correlated negatively with cortical thickness (r = .62; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a marked thinning of cortical bone may explain the increased incidence of peripheral fractures among renal transplant patients.

[Whole PTH and 1-84/84 PTH ratio for the non invasive determination of low bone turnover in renal osteodysthrophy]. / Utilidad de la determinación de PTH entera y del cociente PTH 1-84/7-84 en el diagnóstico no invasivo de osteodistrofia de bajo recambio.

The conventional intact PTH assays detect not only PTH 1-84 but also inactive fragments (as PTH 7-84) that accumulate in renal failure. There has been a recent development of a new PTH assay that measures only true 1-84 PTH (Whole PTH or CAP assay, Scantibodies). As 7-84 PTH fragment is antagonistic on bone effects of 1-84 PTH, Moniere-Faugere has suggested that 1-84/7-84 PTH ratio less than 1 is predictive of low turnover. We evaluated the usefulness of CAP assay and the 1-84/7-84 PTH ratio as markers of bone turnover in a groups of 24 patients in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Patients were classified as having low bone turn over if they had a Total PTH (similar to intact PTH) of less than 100 pg/ml. We also measured serum CrossLaps (CTX) as another serum resorption marker. Patients had a mean Whole PTH of 95.5 pg/ml and a mesan total PTH of 155.4 pg/l (range 9 to 900). Whole PTH represented 69.1% of total PTH. Fifteen patients (62.5%) had a total PTH of less than 100. These patients had a 1-84/7-84 relationship of 1.9 +/- 1.8 while 9 patients with Total PTH more than 100 had a relationship of 1.29 +/- 0.6 (p = NS). There was a tight correlation between Whole PTH and total PTH (r = 0.98; p < 0.0001) and with serum CTX (r = 0.78; p < 0.0001). We conclude that 1-84/7-84 ratio does not seem useful in the prediction of low bone turnover and that Whole PTH does not seem to be more useful than intact PTH in the prediction of bone turnover in this population. Future studies should correlate this markers with direct measurements of bone turnover in bone biopsies to demonstrate their usefulness in the prediction of the type of renal osteodystrophy.

Effects of teriparatide [recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34)] on cortical bone in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Treatment with teriparatide (rDNA origin) injection [teriparatide, recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34) [rhPTH(1-34)]] reduces the risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fragility fractures and increases cancellous bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, but its effects on cortical bone are less well established. This cross-sectional study assessed parameters of cortical bone quality by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) in the nondominant distal radius of 101 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who were randomly allocated to once-daily, self-administered subcutaneous injections of placebo (n = 35) or teriparatide 20 microg (n = 38) or 40 microg (n = 28). We obtained measurements of moments of inertia, bone circumferences, bone mineral content, and bone area after a median of 18 months of treatment. The results were adjusted for age, height, and weight. Compared with placebo, patients treated with teriparatide 40 microg had significantly higher total bone mineral content, total and cortical bone areas, periosteal and endocortical circumferences, and axial and polar cross-sectional moments of inertia. Total bone mineral content, total and cortical bone areas, periosteal circumference, and polar cross-sectional moment of inertia were also significantly higher in the patients treated with teriparatide 20 microg compared with placebo. There were no differences in total bone mineral density, cortical thickness, cortical bone mineral density, or cortical bone mineral content among groups. In summary, once-daily administration of teriparatide induced beneficial changes in the structural architecture of the distal radial diaphysis consistent with increased mechanical strength without adverse effects on total bone mineral density or cortical bone mineral content.

[Extended use, up to 6 years, of an oral amino-bisphosphonate in patients with established osteoporosis]. / Uso prolongado, hasta 6 años, de un amino-bisfosfonato oral en pacientes con osteoporosis establecida.

In osteoporotic women (n:163), 63.8 (+/- 8.1) years old and 15.2 (+/- 8.3) years since menopause, oral (200 mg/day) pamidronate was administered during protracted periods, up to 6 years. During the first 4 years of therapy significant increases from basal in both, lumbar spine and femoral neck were reported (p < 0.01). Patients who underwent to 5-6 years of treatment also showed positive results in both skeletal sites. Whole body mineral content estimated a 23.8 g/year mean gain during a 4-year period. Biochemical bone markers of resorption and formation reflected a variable degree of bone turnover decrease. Such changes were more pronounced at the beginning, and remained steady after the first year of continuous therapy. Calcemia remained between normal range without any hypocalcemic episode being reported. Phosphatemia, within normal range, showed a smooth trend to increase. PTH remained within normal range and vitamin D tended to slightly increase. The total number of new bone fractures and total number of patients with new fractures were less frequent during the pamidronate treatment period than before (p < 0.01). Indeed, the relative risk (RR) of fracture was estimated comparing the treatment lapse, 495 patient/year, vs a pretreatment period of 1,814 patient/year. Overall RR resulted less than 1 (RR = 0.83; CI 95% = 0.53-1.26). In total, hip, forearm and "other" fractures, RR was also less than 1 and remained over 1 in vertebral fractures. The latter can be explained because our sample started its treatment probably in a period of increased spine crushing. Overall fracture results, in a sample of patients as own controls and in spite of differences in ages, suggested that during treatment, patients improved their skeletal biomechanical competence, mainly in sites where cortical bone plays a meaningful role, as in femoral neck. It is concluded that pamidronate is an effective tool to ameliorate the skeletal conditions of postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

[In vivo measurement of the mineral content of renal calculi by dual-photon absorptiometry. Correlation with its fragility to extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy]. / Medición vivo del contenido mineral de los cáculos renales por densitometría de doble haz correlación con su fragilidad a la litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque.

After a few years of experience with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and other fragmentation techniques, it has become apparent that stone fragility is a significant clinical distinction that should be taken into consideration when selecting a treatment program. In 30 unselected patients, stone mineral content, density and area were measured in vivo by dual-photon absorptiometry prior to perform ESWL treatment. Stone area determinations showed a median of 4.21 with a range of 0.46 to 49.7 cm2. Stone mineral content (g) and stone density (g/cm2) values were 2.47 and 0.46 with ranges of 0.37 to 13.7 and 0.167 to 1.203 respectively. The number of shocks needed for total fragmentation were 2375 with a range of 1200 to 7800. No correlation could be found between the number of shocks needed for fragmentation and the stone area or density. On the other hand, a strong linear correlation (r = 0.81, p < 0.001) (Fig. 1) could be demonstrated between stone mineral content and the number of shocks needed for fragmentation. Our results support the concept that size alone is not always a suitable criterion for selecting a stone as appropiate for ESWL, since no correlation could be found between stone area and the number of shocks needed for total fragmentation. We were also unable to find any correlation between in vivo stone density measured by dual-photon absorptiometry and the number of shocks required for stone fragmentation. Instead, a strong linear correlation between stone mineral content and its resistance to shock wave fragmentation was found. Therefore, calculation of mineral content appears to be the determinant of the amount of energy required for total fragmentation. Our results strongly suggest that in vivo stone mineral content measurement provides helpful information for predicting the fragmentation prospect of a stone.

Medición vivo del contenido mineral de los cáculos renales por densitometría de doble haz correlación con su fragilidad a la litotricia extracorpórea por ondas de choque. / [In vivo measurement of the mineral content of renal calculi by dual-photon absorptiometry. Correlation with its fragility to extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy]

After a few years of experience with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and other fragmentation techniques, it has become apparent that stone fragility is a significant clinical distinction that should be taken into consideration when selecting a treatment program. In 30 unselected patients, stone mineral content, density and area were measured in vivo by dual-photon absorptiometry prior to perform ESWL treatment. Stone area determinations showed a median of 4.21 with a range of 0.46 to 49.7 cm2. Stone mineral content (g) and stone density (g/cm2) values were 2.47 and 0.46 with ranges of 0.37 to 13.7 and 0.167 to 1.203 respectively. The number of shocks needed for total fragmentation were 2375 with a range of 1200 to 7800. No correlation could be found between the number of shocks needed for fragmentation and the stone area or density. On the other hand, a strong linear correlation (r = 0.81, p < 0.001) (Fig. 1) could be demonstrated between stone mineral content and the number of shocks needed for fragmentation. Our results support the concept that size alone is not always a suitable criterion for selecting a stone as appropiate for ESWL, since no correlation could be found between stone area and the number of shocks needed for total fragmentation. We were also unable to find any correlation between in vivo stone density measured by dual-photon absorptiometry and the number of shocks required for stone fragmentation. Instead, a strong linear correlation between stone mineral content and its resistance to shock wave fragmentation was found. Therefore, calculation of mineral content appears to be the determinant of the amount of energy required for total fragmentation. Our results strongly suggest that in vivo stone mineral content measurement provides helpful information for predicting the fragmentation prospect of a stone.

Effect of low doses of deflazacort vs prednisone on bone mineral content in premenopausal rheumatoid arthritis.

Longterm administration of steroid drugs, particularly prednisone, is known to induce osteoporosis, as well as bone growth inhibition and delayed fracture union. Recently deflazacort, an oxazoline prednisone derivative, has been developed to reduce such deleterious effects. We carried out a comparative study in premenopausal patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sixteen cases whose mean age was 36.5 years and mean disease duration 29 months, all fulfilling ARA criteria, were evaluated in a randomized, double blind trial. Visually identical deflazacort or prednisone capsules were given and patients were instructed to maintain an adequate calcium intake. Laboratory tests focussed on bone mineral density in lumbar spine, femoral neck and Ward's triangle and whole body mineral content. Differences between baseline and 12-month values were processed statistically. Persistent synovitis control proved similar for both drugs and features suggestive of Cushing's syndrome were only found in the prednisone group. The difference in whole body bone mineral content between the deflazacort and prednisone groups just failed to reach statistical significance. In the deflazacort group, the difference between the nonsignificant bone mineral density increase at the femoral neck and the significant decrease in the prednisone group proved statistically significant. Ward's triangle was the most sensitive area to bone mineral density changes in patients receiving prednisone, with a highly significant intergroup difference (p < 0.01). We believe this is the first study on corticosteroid induced osteoporosis, as evaluated by whole body mineral content measurements in premenopausal patients with short term RA, showing that deflazacort is a promising alternative in cases severe enough to require steroid therapy.