Diferente evolución de la esclerostina sérica respecto de otros marcadores de remodelado óseo en el primer año tras un trasplante hepático / Different development of serum sclerostincompared to other bone remodeling markersin the first year after a liver transplant

Objetivo: Nuestro estudio tiene como objetivo principal valorar la evolución de los niveles de esclerostina en pacientes con trasplante hepático, e investigar su relación con otros marcadores de remodelado óseo. Material y método: Estudio observacional prospectivo. Se incluyeron 83 pacientes con trasplante hepático. Se determinaron los valores de esclerostina, β-crosslaps, fosfatasa alcalina ósea, osteocalcina y proteína C reactiva la semana anterior al trasplante y posteriormente, a los 1, 3, 6 y 12 meses. Se determinaron basalmente la 25 hidroxi-vitamina D y la paratohormona. En cada revisión se evaluó la existencia de fracturas. La evolución de los marcadores respecto del valor basal se determinó mediante la prueba t-Student. Un valor de p inferior a 0,05 se consideró estadísticamente significativo. Resultados: 56 varones y 27 mujeres (edad media: 56,2±10,4 años). Los niveles basales de esclerostina (0,76±0,35 ng/ml) disminuyeron de forma significativa precozmente (0,55±0,22 ng/ml en el primer mes, p=0,034), tendencia que se mantuvo hasta los 12 meses (0,62±0,22 ng/ml, p=0,047). Al contrario, los niveles basales de osteocalcina (17±10,3 ng/ml) y β-crosslaps (0,44±0,3 ng/ml) se incrementaron significativamente a los largo del estudio; en el caso de la osteocalcina, hasta los 12 meses (37,27±26,84 ng/ml, p<0,01) y el β-crosslaps, hasta los 6 meses (0,62±0,34 ng/ml, p<0,01), con un descenso posterior (0,47±0,31 ng/ml, p=0,2). Conclusiones: Tras el trasplante hepático existe un descenso de los niveles de esclerostina, opuesto a la elevación de otros marcadores de remodelado, β-crosslaps y osteocalcina. Son necesarios más estudios para determinar si estos cambios tienen un impacto en la aparición de osteoporosis en pacientes sometidos a trasplante

Objetive:Our main objective was to evaluate the development of sclerostin levels in patients with liver transplantation,and to investigate their relationship with other bone remodeling markers.Material and method:Prospective observational study of 83 patients with liver transplantation. Sclerostin, β‐crosslaps,bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and C‐reactive protein values were determined the week before the transplantand subsequently, at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The hydroxy‐vitamin D and the paratohormone were determined basally. Ineach revision, the existence of fractures was evaluated. The development of the markers compared to the baseline valuewas determined by the t‐Student test. A p‐value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:56 men and 27 women (mean age: 56.2±10.4 years). Baseline sclerostin levels (0.76±0.35 ng/ml) decreasedsignificantly early (0.55±0.22 ng/ml in the first month, p=0.034), a trend that remained until 12 months (0.62±0.22ng/ml, p=0.047). On the contrary, the basal levels of osteocalcin (17±10.3 ng/ml) and β‐crosslaps (0.44±0.3 ng/ml) in‐creased significantly throughout the study; in the case of osteocalcin, up to 12 months (37.27±26.84 ng/ml, p<0.01) andβ‐crosslaps, up to 6 months (0.62±0.34 ng/ml, p<0.01), with a subsequent decrease (0.47±0.31 ng/ml, p=0.2).Conclusions:There is a decrease in the levels of sclerostin after liver transplantation, as opposed to the elevation ofother markers of remodeling, β‐crosslaps and osteocalcin. More studies are needed to determine if these changes havean impact on the occurrence of osteoporosis in patients undergoing transplantation

Serum Levels of Osteocalcin and Insulin Resistance in Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance or New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus After Liver Transplantation.

Liver transplantation (LT) patients are at high risk of developing new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT). Osteocalcin has been proposed as a mediator between bone tissue and glucose metabolism, but its role in the pathogenesis of diabetes is not defined yet. Our objective was to assess the relationship between serum osteocalcin and glucose metabolism parameters in liver transplantation recipients. A total of 187 liver transplantation patients were cross-sectionally studied, 54 of them developed NODAT. None had been diagnosed of diabetes mellitus prior to transplant. In 133 nondiabetic patients, a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to assess blood glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels at baseline and 120 min. Serum total osteocalcin was measured at baseline in all patients.After OGTT, 10.5% of LT patients had NODAT criteria, 51.9% showed impaired glucose tolerance, and 37.6% had normal glucose tolerance. Overall, NODAT prevalence was 36.3%. HOMA-IR was significantly higher in NODAT compared with impaired glucose tolerance and normal glucose tolerance groups (p<0.001). Osteocalcin was inversely correlated to HOMA-IR (r=- 0.16, p=0.05), BMI (r=- 0.27, p=0.000) and waist circumference (r=- 0.21, p=0.005). Patients in the lowest osteocalcin tertile (< 16.5 ng/ml) had significantly higher fasting plasma glucose and HOMA-IR index (p=0.029 and 0.037, respectively) than those in medium or highest tertiles. In multiple linear regression analysis, osteocalcin was negatively associated with fasting plasma glucose (standardized ß coefficient-0.16; p=0.041) and 2-h insulin (standardized ß coefficient-0.21; p=0.028). Prevalence of NODAT/impaired glucose tolerance is high in liver transplantation patients and is associated with insulin resistance. In these patients total osteocalcin is inversely associated with plasma glucose level and insulin resistance indexes.

Denosumab compared with risedronate in postmenopausal women suboptimally adherent to alendronate therapy: efficacy and safety results from a randomized open-label study.

Denosumab has been shown to reduce new vertebral, nonvertebral, and hip fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In subjects who were treatment-naïve or previously treated with alendronate, denosumab was associated with greater gains in bone mineral density (BMD) and decreases in bone turnover markers when compared with alendronate-treated subjects. This trial was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of denosumab with risedronate over 12 months in postmenopausal women who transitioned from daily or weekly alendronate treatment and were considered to be suboptimally adherent to therapy. In this randomized, open-label study, postmenopausal women aged ≥55 years received denosumab 60 mg subcutaneously every 6 months or risedronate 150 mg orally every month for 12 months. Endpoints included percentage change from baseline in total hip BMD (primary endpoint), femoral neck, and lumbar spine BMD at month 12, and percentage change from baseline in sCTX-1 at months 1 and 6. Safety was also assessed. A total of 870 subjects were randomized (435, risedronate; 435, denosumab) who had a mean (SD) age of 67.7 (6.9) years, mean (SD) BMD T-scores of -1.6 (0.9), -1.9 (0.7), and -2.2 (1.2) at the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine, respectively, and median sCTX-1 of 0.3 ng/mL at baseline. At month 12, denosumab significantly increased BMD compared with risedronate at the total hip (2.0% vs 0.5%), femoral neck (1.4% vs 0%), and lumbar spine (3.4% vs 1.1%; p<0.0001 at all sites). Denosumab significantly decreased sCTX-1 compared with risedronate at month 1 (median change from baseline of -78% vs -17%; p<0.0001) and month 6 (-61% vs -23%; p<0.0001). Overall and serious adverse events were similar between groups. In postmenopausal women who were suboptimally adherent to alendronate therapy, transitioning to denosumab was well tolerated and more effective than risedronate in increasing BMD and reducing bone turnover.

Increased leptin/adiponectin ratio and free leptin index are markers of insulin resistance in obese girls during pubertal development.

BACKGROUND: Modifications in body fat in obese patients during puberty determine changes in adipokines that affect insulin sensitivity. AIMS: We hypothesized that the leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio and free leptin index (FLI) are good markers of insulin resistance (IR) and total body fat (TBF) during pubertal development. METHODS: A prospective study of 32 obese girls (OG) and age-matched control girls (CG) was performed. OG were divided into those that maintained a weight loss (WL) of >1 SD of initial body mass index (BMI) (WL group, n = 25) and those without WL (NWL group, n = 7). Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed to evaluate IR. Correlations of adipokines, L/A, and FLI with BMI, waist circumference, percentage of TBF (%TBF) and IR were performed over pubertal development. RESULTS: The L/A ratio and FLI were increased in OG at baseline. Both indexes decreased in the WL group as puberty progressed, with no change in CG or NWL. In the WL group, a correlation between L/A and FLI with OGTT and %TBF, and L/A and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was found throughout the study. CONCLUSION: The L/A ratio and FLI are good markers to follow changes in IR and %TBF after WL during puberty. Insulin more accurately reflects the changes in IR than HOMA.

Early changes in biochemical markers of bone formation during teriparatide therapy correlate with improvements in vertebral strength in men with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

UNLABELLED: Changes of the bone formation marker PINP correlated positively with improvements in vertebral strength in men with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) who received 18-month treatment with teriparatide, but not with risedronate. These results support the use of PINP as a surrogate marker of bone strength in GIO patients treated with teriparatide. INTRODUCTION: To investigate the correlations between biochemical markers of bone turnover and vertebral strength estimated by finite element analysis (FEA) in men with GIO. METHODS: A total of 92 men with GIO were included in an 18-month, randomized, open-label trial of teriparatide (20 µg/day, n = 45) and risedronate (35 mg/week, n = 47). High-resolution quantitative computed tomography images of the 12th thoracic vertebra obtained at baseline, 6 and 18 months were converted into digital nonlinear FE models and subjected to anterior bending, axial compression and torsion. Stiffness and strength were computed for each model and loading mode. Serum biochemical markers of bone formation (amino-terminal-propeptide of type I collagen [PINP]) and bone resorption (type I collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide degradation fragments [CTx]) were measured at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 18 months. A mixed-model of repeated measures analysed changes from baseline and between-group differences. Spearman correlations assessed the relationship between changes from baseline of bone markers with FEA variables. RESULTS: PINP and CTx levels increased in the teriparatide group and decreased in the risedronate group. FEA-derived parameters increased in both groups, but were significantly higher at 18 months in the teriparatide group. Significant positive correlations were found between changes from baseline of PINP at 3, 6 and 18 months with changes in FE strength in the teriparatide-treated group, but not in the risedronate group. CONCLUSIONS: Positive correlations between changes in a biochemical marker of bone formation and improvement of biomechanical properties support the use of PINP as a surrogate marker of bone strength in teriparatide-treated GIO patients.

Serum visfatin and vaspin levels in prepubertal children: effect of obesity and weight loss after behavior modifications on their secretion and relationship with glucose metabolism.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of obesity, weight loss and oral glucose ingestion on serum visfatin and vaspin levels in prepubertal children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 100 prepubertal obese Caucasian children (OB) and 42 controls (C) were studied. The OB group was studied at baseline and after moderate (n=46) and extensive (n=14) body mass index (BMI) reduction by conservative treatment, undergoing body composition studies (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). Serum visfatin and vaspin levels were studied throughout the OGTT, as were their relationships with insulin, leptin, leptin soluble receptor (sOB-R), adiponectin (total and high molecular weight), resistin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α levels at every time point. RESULTS: OB had higher visfatin (P<0.001), but similar vaspin than C. BMI reduction decreased visfatin levels (P<0.001), with BMI, waist circumference and the surrogate markers of body fat (leptin and sOB-R) showing significant correlations (P<0.05) with this peptide, but not with vaspin. Visfatin and vaspin decreased during the OGTT (P<0.001). Weight reduction did not alter visfatin dynamics in the OGTT, but decreased the area under the curve (AUC) for vaspin (P<0.001), with a correlation between the AUCs for vaspin and insulin after weight loss (P<0.05). Visfatin levels were positively correlated with resistin and IL-6, after controlling for BMI and HOMA (homeostatic model assessment) index at every time point in the study. CONCLUSION: Serum visfatin, but not vaspin, levels are influenced by body fat content in obese children, whereas both adipokines are modulated by glucose intake in a BMI-dependent manner.

Acylated ghrelin levels in pre-pubertal obese children at diagnosis and after weight reduction: effect of oral glucose ingestion.

BACKGROUND: Ghrelin isoforms are involved in energy homeostasis and carbohydrate metabolism. AIM: To determine the influence of oral glucose ingestion and weight reduction on acylated ghrelin (AG) serum levels and on the AG to total ghrelin (TG) ratio (AG/TGr) in obese pre-pubertal children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy obese children were studied at diagnosis (D) and after reduction of their body mass index (BMI) of over 1 (-1; no.=51) and 2 SD score (-2; no.=21). Body composition was analyzed and serum levels of glucose, insulin, TG and AG, and the AG/TGr were determined at every time-point in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at D and at -2. The control group consisted of 32 lean children. RESULTS: At D AG and TG levels were lower in obese children and negatively correlated with BMI. TG levels were negatively correlated with the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index in the whole cohort, as with the body fat content (BFC) in the obese patients. Weight loss exclusively reduced BFC and improved HOMA, increasing AG transiently and TG sustainedly, with AG/TGr exclusively decreasing at -2. Glucose ingestion caused a sustained increase in AG and decrease in TG, thus increasing the AG/TGr throughout the entire OGTT; this remained unaltered after weight reduction. CONCLUSIONS: TG and AG levels are influenced by BMI, showing an impairment in childhood obesity that can be improved through weight loss. The different fractions of ghrelin appear to play different roles in carbohydrate metabolism and the calculation of AG/TGr could be useful in the follow up of childhood obesity.

Increased circulating adiponectin levels and decreased leptin/soluble leptin receptor ratio throughout puberty in female ballet dancers: association with body composition and the delay in puberty.

INTRODUCTION: Ballet dancers (BDs) have a negative energy balance related to physical training that results in alterations in body composition, sexual development, and adipokine secretion. Our aims were to study anthropometric parameters, body composition, and their relationship with adipokines throughout pubertal development. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We carried out a prospective follow-up study of 22 female Caucasian BDs (Tanner II stage) followed throughout puberty. Nutritional status was determined by measurement of height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). We calculated growth velocity, bone maturity, and body composition at Tanner stages II, III, and V by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Circulating leptin, adiponectin, and soluble leptin receptor (sObR) levels were determined. RESULTS: BDs presented a delay in skeletal maturation during puberty, without affectation of final height. Energy intake was deficient according to their physical exercise, and they had a delay of 1 year in the mean age of menarche. Leptin levels were decreased, whereas sObR and adiponectin levels were increased throughout puberty. The percentage of trunk fat, total fat mass, and fat of the extremities was decreased throughout the study period (P<0.01). Lean mass was increased in the lower extremities, and bone mineral density was normal. CONCLUSION: A negative energy balance together with maintained physical exercise induced modifications in body composition in BDs. Changes in leptin and adiponectin levels appear to be more related to total fat content than to BMI. Furthermore, the onset and delayed progress of puberty may be related with an inadequate energy balance due to increased exercise.

Receptor Wnt: fisiología, fisiopatología y potenciales nuevas dianas terapéuticas / Wnt receptor: physiology and potential new therapeutic targets

La vía de señalización Wnt (canónica) constituye un mecanismo esencial en la regulación del remodelado óseo, implica el correcto funcionamiento de diversos factores conectados entre sí, y es capaz de ejercer un control global sobre el osteoblasto, favoreciendo su proliferación, diferenciación o apoptosis. Uno de los componentes imprescindibles de dicha vía es el complejo co-receptor formado por una proteína relacionada con el receptor de LDL (LRP5/6) y un receptor frizzled (Fz); el funcionamiento adecuado de este complejo conlleva la activación de mecanismos de transcripción genética en el núcleo, mediados por beta-catenina, que regulará la expresión de genes relacionados con la diferenciación o función del osteoblasto. La identificación de mutaciones en el gen del complejo co-receptor Fz-LRP5/6 ha derivado en un mayor entendimiento de enfermedades heredadas que cursan con masa ósea elevada o disminuida. Asimismo, el hallazgo de elementos antagonistas de la vía Wnt, como esclerostina o Dickkopf, está permitiendo descubrir nuevas dianas terapéuticas que ejerzan un efecto anabólico en el tejido óseo, al mismo tiempo que no alteren su función biomecánica fisiológica(AU)

The canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway constitutes an essential mechanism in the regulation of bone mass. It implies the correct functioning of different interconnected factors and can exercise a global control on the osteoblast, favoring its proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis. One of its most important components is a co-receptor complex formed by the Frizzled (Fz). The adequate function of this complex leads to the activation of the genetic transcription mechanisms in the nucleus mediated by beta-catenin. This will regulate gene expression related with the differentiation or function of the osteoblast. Identification of mutations in the co-receptor Fz receptor-LRP5/6 complex results in greater understanding of hereditary diseases that occur with elevated or decreased bone mass. Further, the finding of antagonist elements of the Wnt pathway, such as sclerostin or Dickkopf proteins is making it possible to discover new therapeutic targets that exercise an anabolic effect in the bone tissue but does not alter its physiological biomechanics(AU)

Effect of alendronate in elderly patients after low trauma hip fracture repair.

SUMMARY: One year of once weekly alendronate, when given shortly after the surgical repair of a hip fracture, produces reductions in bone markers and increases proximal femoral bone density. The therapy was well tolerated. INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture is the most devastating type of osteoporotic fracture and increases notably the risk of subsequent fractures. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effects of 1 year therapy with a weekly dose of alendronate in the bone mineral density and bone markers in elderly patients after low trauma hip fracture repair. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-nine patients (81 +/- 7 years; 79.8% women) were randomized to be treated either with calcium (500 mg/daily) and vitamin D(3) (400 IU/daily; Ca-Vit D group) or with alendronate (ALN, 70 mg/week) plus calcium and vitamin D(3) (500 mg/daily and 400 IU/daily, respectively; ALN + Ca-Vit D group). RESULTS: One hundred forty-seven (61.5%) patients completed the trial. Alendronate increased proximal femoral bone mineral density (BMD) in the intention-to-treat analysis (mean difference (95% confidence interval); total hip 2.57% (0.67; 4.47); trochanteric 2.96% (0.71; 5.20), intertrochanteric 2.32% (0.36; 4.29)), but the differences were not significant in the BMD of the femoral neck (0.47%; (-2.03; 2.96) and the lumbar spine (0.69%; (-0.86; 2.23)). Bone turnover markers decreased during alendronate treatment. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates for the first time the anti-resorptive efficacy of alendronate given immediately after surgical repair in an elderly population with recent hip fracture. This effect should positively affect the rate of subsequent fractures.

Sexual and reproductive health in HIV-positive women: a dedicated clinic improves service.

We run a one-stop clinic for HIV-positive women, offering sexually transmitted infection screening, cervical cytology and family planning. We completed an audit cycle, and showed that all aspects of our care had improved since the introduction of this integrated service.

Síndrome hipoglucémico en tumor neuroendocrino plurihormonal con presentación inicial de gastrinoma / Hypoglycemic syndrome in a neuroendocrine tumor producing multiple hormones initially presenting as gastrinoma

Es bien conocida la capacidad que presentan los tumores neuroendocrinos de producir múltiples sustancias hormonales. El síndrome clínico en el momento del diagnóstico dependerá de la hormona que esté siendo secretada de forma predominante. Existe la posibilidad de que se desarrolle un segundo síndrome hormonal puesto que a lo largo de su evolución puede cambiar la hormona dominante y consecuentemente el cuadro clínico. En el síndrome de Zollinger-Ellison es frecuente la elevación plasmática de múltiples péptidos gastrointestinales, si bien la tasa de aparición de un segundo síndrome hormonal es menor de lo que generalmente se piensa. Presentamos el caso de un paciente diagnosticado de tumor neuroendocrino maligno con presentación inicial de gastrinoma que desarrolla un síndrome hipoglucémico. Se comentan los aspectos clínicos e inmunohistoquímicos de interés y especialmente sus implicaciones pronósticas (AU)

Neuroendocrine tumors can produce multiple hormones. The clinical syndrome at diagnosis is dictated by the predominant hormone secreted at that time. The possibility that another clinical syndrome will subsequently occur cannot be ruled out because the dominant hormone, and consequently the syndrome, may change. Plasma elevation of multiple gastrointestinal peptides is common in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES). However, the rate of developing a second symptomatic endocrine syndrome is much lower than is generally believed. We present a patient with a neuroendocrine tumor initially diagnosed as gastrinoma who developed a hypoglycemic syndrome. The clinical and immunohistochemical features are described with special emphasis on prognostic implications (AU)

Uso de insulina glargina en el período preconcepcional / Use of glargine before pregnancy

Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 34 años diagnosticada de diabete smellitus tipo 1 en terapia intensiva desde los 15 años. La paciente fue incluida en un ensayo clínico con insulina glargina. A pesar de las recomendaciones, la paciente se quedó embarazada. Debido a la falta de seguridad de la insulina glargina en la gestación, se recomendó un cambio de pauta terapéutica manteniendo el análogo lispro preingestas y NPH en 3 dosis. La paciente decidió continuar con la insulina glargina por presentar un menor número de hipoglucemias nocturnas y una clara mejoría de su calidad de vida. Tanto el embarazo como el posparto cursaron con normalidad. Hasta ahora, la experiencia con insulina glargina durante la gestación es limitada. En nuestro caso, el tratamiento con insulina glargina en el período periconcepcional consiguió la optimización del control metabólico sin complicaciones maternas nifetales (AU)

We present the case of a 34-year-oldwoman diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus who had been on intensive therapy since the age of 15 years. The patient was enrolled in a clinical trial using insulin glargine and, despite recommendations, became pregnant. Due to the lack of safety data on insulin glargine during pregnancy, we recommended that she change her evening glargine to insulin NPH distributed into three doses and continue with the pre-meal lispro analogue. Because the patient had experienced a lower frequency of nocturnal hypoglycemia and her quality of life had improved during the clinical trial, she decided to continue with the long-acting insulin at bedtime. The course of the pregnancy and postpartum were normal. To date the experience published on glargine in pregnancy is limited. In our case, treatment with insulin glargine in the periconceptional period achieved optimal metabolic control with no maternal or fetal complications (AU)

Eficacia del tratamiento con alendronato en una población española de mujeres posmenopáusicas con masa ósea baja. Resultados en España del ensayo multinacional fosit / Efficacy of alendronate in treatment of a Spanish population of postmenopausal women with low bone mass. Spanish results in the international fosit trial

Fundamento. El alendronato es un potente inhibidor de la resorción ósea que normaliza la tasa de recambio óseo a niveles premenopáusicos. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la eficacia sobre la densidad mineral ósea y la tolerabilidad de alendronato en mujeres posmenopáusicas con baja masa ósea en España. Métodos. Ensayo clínico controlado y doble ciego del tratamiento con alendronato (10 mg/ día) frente a placebo durante un año con una fase de extensión de un año de duración en la que todas las pacientes recibieron alendronato. Resultados. En las pacientes tratadas con alendronato se comprobó un aumento significativo y progresivo de la densidad mineral ósea en todas las localizaciones y en todos los tiempos estudiados. A los 12 meses de tratamiento, la diferencia entre los grupos de alendronato y placebo en el porcentaje medio de aumento de la densidad mineral ósea fue de 4,75 por ciento en la columna lumbar, de 1,12 por ciento en el cuello femoral, 3,95 por ciento en el trocánter y 3,09 por ciento en cadera total. En las pacientes que recibieron placebo en el primer año y alendronato en el segundo, la diferencia en el segundo año fue de 4,54 por ciento en la columna lumbar; 1,92 por ciento en cuello femoral; 3,41 por ciento en trocánter y 2,43 por ciento en cadera total, todas ellas significativas. Conclusiones. Este estudio muestra que en una población española de mujeres postmenopáusicas con masa ósea baja, el tratamiento durante dos años con alendronato incrementa la densidad mineral ósea de forma rápida en el primer año y que continúa sin alcanzar una meseta en el segundo. La consistencia del efecto de alendronato se evidencia al comparar los incrementos de masa ósea después de un año de tratamiento con alendronato entre aquellos pacientes asignados al brazo tratado y los que inicialmente recibieron placebo y posteriormente alendronato (AU)

Comparison of anthropometric parameters as predictors of serum lipids in premenopausal women.

No single anthropometric parameter has yet been generally accepted as being superior to others in assessing the metabolic risk associated with abdominal obesity. To compare waist circumference (WC) with waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), regarding their association with serum lipids, we studied 166 women aged 20 to 48 yr; 53 were obese [body mass index (BMI) 30-39.9 Kg/m2], 50 were overweight (BMI 25-29.9 Kg/m2) and 63 normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 Kg/m2). Height, body weight, waist and hip circumferences, total serum cholesterol (Ch), low (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL)-Ch and triglyceride (TG) concentrations were measured. The correlation coefficients between the concentration of serum lipid fractions and each anthropometric parameter did not differ significantly for any lipid variable when WC, WHR and WHtR were compared in the 166 women. The same applied for the obese and the overweight group, whereas in normal weight women there was significant association only between WC and LDL-Ch and between WHR and Ch/HDL-Ch ratio. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the proportion of variance in serum lipids did not change significantly when WHR or WHR+WHtR were added to WC into the regression model (18%, 18% and 18% for Ch; 13%, 18% and 18% for HDL-Ch; 18%, 18% and 12% for LDL-Ch; 35%, 35% and 37% for TG, respectively). These results indicate that WC is the main parameter associated with serum lipid levels and that the ratios studied do not provide additional substantial information in women who need weight management.

[Risk of infections and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus]. / Riesgo de infecciones y control metábolico en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although association between Diabetes Mellitus (DM) type 2 and prevalence of infections is a frequently considered issue in current literature there is few evidence of it. The objective of this study has been to analyse the infection risk in DM type 2 patients according to their glycemic control level (Hb Aic%). PATIENTS AND METHOD: In this cohort-study of 740 patients, we evaluated the incidence rates of infectious episodes in DM2-type diabetic patients during a period of 5 years, from May, 1997 to May, 2002. RESULTS: The average period of follow-up was 4.26 years. We found no significant correlation (p=0.33) between higher levels of HbAic% and presentation of infections. Data clearly show a direct correlation between risk of infection and number of associated chronic diseases (p=0.035), age (p=0.007) and diabetes duration (0.012). We also found an unexplained association between more aggressive treatment and higher glycemic levels (Hb Aic%) (p=0.0001) and also higher infection risk (0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Although there is no association between risk of infection and glycemic control (Hb Aic%) among analysed patients, this study shows a clear correlation between risk of infection and number of complications or number of associated chronic diseases.

Riesgo de infecciones y control metabólico en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Risk of infections and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Fundamento y objetivo: La asociación entre diabetes mellitus (DM) tipo 2 y la prevalencia de infecciones es una situación frecuente a considerar en la practica clínica. Sin embargo, la evidencia de esta mayor susceptibilidad en los diabéticos para contraer infecciones es escasa. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido analizar el riesgo de infección en pacientes DM tipo 2 según el grado de control glucémico (Hb Aic por ciento).Pacientes y método: Estudio de cohortes históricas sobre 740 pacientes. Se evaluaron las tasas de incidencia de episodios infecciosos en diabéticos tipo 2 durante un periodo de 5 años, desde mayo de 1997 hasta mayo de 2002.Resultados: La media de seguimiento en los diabéticos fue de 4,26 años. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la presentación de infecciones en relación al control metabólico de los pacientes (p=0,33).Existe un mayor riesgo de infección en diabéticos con un número de procesos crónicos asociados elevado (p=0,035). Existe un mayor riesgo de infección cuanto más elevada es la edad del paciente (p=0,007) y a más años de evolución de la enfermedad (p=0,012). Se observó que los pacientes tratados con medidas higiénico-dietéticas sin otro tratamiento farmacológico tenían mejores controles de Hb Aic por ciento (p=0,0001), y menor riesgo de infecciones (p=0,038) que los tratados con insulina más ADO combinados. Conclusiones: No existe correlación entre el grado de control glucémico (Hb Aic por ciento) con la frecuencia de infecciones en los pacientes diabéticos estudiados. Sí aparece un mayor riesgo de infección en aquellos con un número de procesos crónicos asociados elevado (AU)

Incidence of nonvertebral fractures in relation to time on treatment and bone density in glucocorticoid-treated patients: a retrospective approach.

The effects of duration of treatment and bone mineral density (BMD) on nonvertebral fracture in 560 glucocorticoid users were examined by using baseline and retrospective data from 2 parallel studies assessing the efficacy and safety of alendronate therapy. Baseline spine and hip BMD were significantly (P < 0.01) lower with increased time spent receiving glucocorticoids. Forty-three patients (7.7%) had experienced at least 1 nonvertebral fracture after starting glucocorticoid treatment. The hazard function for nonvertebral fracture occurrence increased significantly (P < 0.01) with time spent receiving glucocorticoids: fracture incidence per 1,000 person-years on glucocorticoids was 18 (< 5 years), 31 (5-10 years), and 35 (> 10 years). Patients with a history of nonvertebral fractures after starting glucocorticoid treatment had significantly lower lumbar spine (P < 0.01) and hip (< 0.01) BMD value than those without fractures. This retrospective analysis suggests that a BMD measurement of spine and hip may identify risk for nonvertebral fractures in a heterogeneous population of glucocorticoid users.