Violet S. Lagari

The Role of Diet in Osteoporosis Prevention and Management

Diet, a modifiable osteoporosis risk factor, plays an important role in the acquisition and maintenance of bone mass. The influence of diet on bone begins in childhood; even maternal diet can influence bone mass in the offspring. A good general nutritional status and adequate dietary protein, calcium, vitamin D, fruits, and vegetables have a positive influence on bone health, while a high caloric diet and heavy alcohol consumption have been associated with lower bone mass and higher rates of fracture. The evidence for a role of other minerals and vitamins in skeletal health is not as strong, but recent evidence suggests that vitamins C and K might also have an effect on bone.

Phytoestrogens in the Prevention of Postmenopausal Bone Loss

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a condition associated with low bone mass resulting from the increased bone resorption that occurs following a decline in estrogen levels. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that have affinity to the estrogen receptor and are able to act as either estrogen agonists or antagonists. Because of their structural similarity to 17-beta-estradiol, they have been studied extensively for their role in the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss. An extensive number of studies employing different types of isoflavone preparations (including soy foods, soy-enriched foods, and soy isoflavone tablets) have been conducted in a wide range of populations, including Western and Asian women. Although there is considerable variability in study design and duration, study population, type of soy isoflavone employed in the intervention, and study outcomes, the evidence points to a lack of a protective role of soy isoflavones in the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss.

Differences in Vitamin D3 Dosing Regimens in a Geriatric Community-Dwelling Population

OBJECTIVE The adequate dose of vitamin D supplementation for community-dwelling elderly people has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to determine the efficacy of a low-dose and a higher dose of vitamin D3 in maintaining 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels at or above 30 ng/mL. METHODS This was a single site, double-blind, randomized exploratory clinical trial that enrolled adults 65 years of age and older. Within strata of baseline 25(OH)D levels (<30 versus ≥ 30 ng/mL) subjects were randomized in a 1:2 ratio to receive either 400 or 2,000 IU vitamin D3 daily for 6 months. The main outcome measures were changes in serum 25(OH)D levels according to baseline 25(OH)D levels and dose of vitamin D3. RESULTS At baseline, 41 of 105 participants (39%) had low 25(OH)D levels (<30 ng/mL). After 6 months of vitamin D3 supplementation, 21 of 32 participants (66%) receiving 400 IU and 14 of 59 participants (24%) receiving 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 still had low 25(OH)D levels. The largest increases in serum 25(OH)D levels were observed in subjects with baseline levels <30 ng/mL who received 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily. CONCLUSION Regardless of baseline 25(OH)D level, in persons 65 years of age and older, 6-month vitamin D3 supplementation with 400 IU daily resulted in low 25(OH)D in most individuals, while 2,000 IU daily maintained 25(OH)D levels within an acceptable range in most people on this regimen.

Coccidiomycosis Thyroiditis in an Immunocompromised Host Post-Transplant: Case Report and Literature Review

CONTEXT Acute infectious thyroiditis, particularly fungal thyroiditis, is rare and typically presents in immunocompromised individuals. Here we report the first case of coccidiomycosis thyroiditis occurring in an organ recipient as a consequence of likely allograft contamination and discuss the management strategies for thyroid masses in the setting of disseminated infection. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION AND SYNTHESIS In this clinical case seminar, we summarize the previously published cases of coccidiomycosis thyroiditis based on a MEDLINE search of all peer-reviewed publications (original articles and reviews) on this topic. We identified six other cases, five of which also occurred in immunocompromised hosts, although none occurred in organ recipients. CONCLUSION A case of coccidiomycosis thyroiditis occurring in a post-liver transplant immunocompromised host is reported. Analysis of donor serum revealed the liver allograft as the likely infectious source, resulting in hematological spread to the thyroid. Although our patients thyroid gland was lacking gross structural abnormalities at presentation, new-onset thyroid masses developed after relative immune restoration and initiation of antifungal therapies. The differential diagnosis of new-onset thyroid masses in immunocompromised hosts is discussed, with a focus on immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. The role of thyroidectomy in the management of fungal thyroiditis is also discussed.

Considerations regarding adherence of anti-osteoporosis therapy

Abstract Osteoporosis remains a challenging disease to treat due to a number of barriers including patient adherence to therapies. One of the most recent advances has been the development of the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, which is helpful in conveying fracture risk to patients and providing treatment guidance to clinicians. The decision to use an anti-osteoporosis therapy must be tailored to the patient’s specific clinical scenario. The bisphosphonates are first-line agents in the treatment of osteoporosis and are efficacious in substantially reducing fracture risk between 25% and 70% on average depending on fracture site. Compliance with oral bisphosphonate pills can be poor, resulting in a significant deterrent to the proper management of osteoporosis. Non-pill forms of bisphosphonate and nonbisphosphonate therapy are available for the treatment of osteoporosis and may increase compliance. Among these is Binosto, a new formulation of weekly effervescent alendronate, as well as intravenous bisphosphonates, teriparatide, and subcutaneously administered denosumab, which are all costly medications and are unlikely to become the mainstay of treatment over the oral bisphosphonate pills. Having a detailed conversation between the patient and physician is essential to the development of a tailored treatment plan that will decrease fracture risk.

Study design and baseline characteristics of participants in the Vitamin D in Vulnerable Adults at the VA (the VIVA Study)

Hypovitaminosis D has been associated with age-related physical decline and an increased risk for falls. The objective of this study is to test whether supplementation with 4000IU of vitamin D(3) (vitD(3)) for 9 months will improve, or slow down the decline of the ability to perform physical tests which have been associated with the preservation of independence in sedentary older men. We describe the study design and the baseline characteristics of the 314 men screened in the VIVA-VA Study (Vitamin D In Vulnerable Adults in the VA), a 2-year, single-site, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial that enrolled sedentary male veterans ages 65 to 95. The main inclusion criteria are 25-OH vitamin D (25-OHD) levels between 10 and 30 ng/ml, and a Short Performance Physical Battery (SPPB) score ≤ 9. The primary outcome of the study is the SPPB. Subjects were recruited from the Miami Veterans Medical Center clinics. The study recruited 314 male veterans of multiethnic backgrounds. The baseline characteristics observed from the 314 men screened in the VIVA-VA Study are consistent with what is expected in a cohort of elderly sedentary men: low physical performance scores, and low 25OHD levels despite living in South Florida. The results of this study that uses a high dose of vitamin D in a cohort of sedentary older men could provide an evidence-based indication for vitamin D supplementation to improve physical performance in this population.

The Good and the Bad About the 2017 American College of Physicians Osteoporosis Guidelines

PURPOSE The American College of Physicians (ACP) published a set of guidelines on how to prevent fractures in men and women with low bone density or osteoporosis. As the population ages, the overall risk of fractures increases, thus burdening the health care system. These guidelines review current evidence for osteoporosis management, providing an update to the previous 2008 ACPs guidelines. METHODS The ACP put forth 6 recommendations addressing the complexities in osteoporosis management based on evidence available through October 2016 with a focus on bisphosphonates, calcium, vitamin D, and estrogen. Evidence was graded according to recommended strength by using the ACP standard methods. FINDINGS The ACP recommends anti-osteoporosis therapy with 1 of 3 bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate, or zoledronic acid) or denosumab in patients with osteoporosis, while excluding anabolic therapies, and recommends against raloxifene. Although bisphosphonates are the mainstay of treatment, anabolic therapy and raloxifene may be used in specific situations. Pharmacologic therapy is recommended for 5 years, oversimplifying length of therapy and failing to promote an individualized patient-centered care approach. Moreover, abrupt discontinuation of denosumab is associated with a decline in bone mineral density (BMD), which must be addressed. Routine monitoring of BMD by dual x-ray absorptiometry is not endorsed during treatment, which leads to underrecognition of management issues. Pharmacologic treatment with bisphosphonates for male osteoporosis is recommended, although therapies such as denosumab and teriparatide are excluded. Finally, the ACP recommends treatment for women aged ≥65 years at high risk for fracture with osteopenia after a discussion of patient preferences, fracture risk profile, and medications. IMPLICATIONS Osteoporosis management is complex. The 2017 ACP guidelines address challenges faced by clinicians but oversimplify more complex issues. These are among a number of guidelines that are available for osteoporosis management, which may be used in combination with other sources to assist clinicians with diagnostic and management strategies.

Implementation of a feasible monthly vitamin D intervention in homebound older adults using a Meals-on-Wheels programme.

Commentary on : Houston DK, Tooze JA, Demons JL, et al. Delivery of a vitamin D intervention in homebound older adults using a Meals-on-Wheels program: a pilot study. J Am Geriatr Soc 2015;63:1861–7.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] Studies of vitamin D and falls prevention have demonstrated variable results. … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJ%2BAm%2BGeriatr%2BSoc%26rft.volume%253D63%26rft.spage%253D1861%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1111%252Fjgs.13610%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F26277680%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1111/jgs.13610&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=26277680&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F19%2F3%2F96.atom

Acute-on-Chronic Kidney Injury in Thyroid Hormone Withdrawal: A Case with Possible Implications for Radioactive Iodine Planning

The association between renal dysfunction and hypothyroidism is of increasing clinical importance as thyroid hormone replacement may attenuate decline in renal function and improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although multiple mechanisms for the induction of renal insufficiency in hypothyroidism have been described, the renal impact of short-term, acute hypothyroidism is unknown, which has possible implications for thyroid cancer patients preparing to receive radioactive iodine (RAI). A 56-year-old gentleman with history of unilateral renal agenesis and CKD stage III presented with intermediate-risk papillary thyroid cancer. In preparation for RAI, he underwent thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) associated with acute kidney injury (AKI), as marked by a decrease in his estimated GFR from 53 to 32 mL/min/1.73 m2. Upon resumption of thyroid hormone, renal function returned to baseline within months. Although AKI in this case was not otherwise associated with adverse outcome and reversed upon resumption of thyroid hormone, it is possible that this phenomenon could result in potential harm, particularly in the patient with baseline renal insufficiency. In CKD patients, preparation for RAI therapy may require special consideration; future studies should address the role of recombinant TSH to mitigate deleterious renal effects of acute hypothyroidism in this setting.

If You Take It, It Works …

When presenting the results in the 5-year observational study following the 7-year intervention of the Women’s Health Initiative Calcium and Vitamin D (WHI CaD) Study, the investigators reported that calcium and vitamin D supplementation did not decrease hip fracture. The results regarding fracture reduction were disappointing at first glance because the WHI CaD Study was the largest randomized and rigorous clinical trial with the longest duration of exposure and followup testing. The trial was expected to overcome the limitations of previous randomized clinical trials, which were limited by small sample sizes and short duration of follow-up. We have concerns that, as presented, the results could send the wrong message to the lay public about the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements. The most important take-home message from the WHI CaD trial is that, when taken, calcium and vitamin D supplementation decrease fracture risk. Several arguments bolster our opinion regarding the positive impact of calcium plus vitamin D on reducing and preventing fractures.