BMD T-score Research Articles

Features of Body Composition in Centenarians with Coronary Artery Disease

Purpose . To investigate the body composition in patients over 90 years old (long-livers) with coronary artery disease (CAD), and analyzed the relationships between the fat and lean tissues, as well as bone mineral density. Material and Methods . A cross-sectional study of 200 patients over 90 years old (140 men and 160 women, mean age 92,4±2,3 года) who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of CAD was conducted. The body composition was analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results . Overweight or obesity were diagnosed in 139 (69.5%) patients. The musculoskeletal index remained within normal values in 145 (72.5%) patients and was below normal in 55 (27.5%) patients. Decrease of total BMD (T-score) below -2.5SD was detected in 81 (40,5%), and normal total T-score — in 60 (30.0%) patients. The smallest values of BMD were found in the ribs, the largest — in the spine and in lower extremities. A positive correlation was registered between body mass index and bone mineral density in all areas of the skeleton (p <0.0001). A significant positive correlation was found between BMD and the fat mass in all parts of the body, especially significant between BMD of the ribs and the trunk adipose tissue (r = 0.85; p <0.0001). A positive correlation has been established between the lean mass and BMD; the most significant between the BMD and the lean mass in the upper extremities (r = 0.69; p <0.0001). A negative correlation was found between the fat and lean mass; the most significant between lean and adipose tissue in the lower extremities (r = -0.46; p <0.0001). Conclusion . The study results indicate some features of body composition in long-livers. The proportion of overweight patients with normal indices of BMD and lean mass was relatively high. Significant relationships between the bone, adipose and lean tissues were confirmed.

A novel effervescent formulation of oral weekly alendronate (70 mg) improves persistence compared to alendronate tablets in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis

BACKGROUND A novel effervescent buffered solution of 70 mg alendronate (ALN-EX) was developed to improve upper gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability over alendronate tablets (ALN-T). Whether a better GI tolerability can improve persistence remains to be determined. AIM This study evaluated persistence and reasons for discontinuation in patients treated with ALN-EX compared to a historical cohort on ALN-T. METHODS Post-menopausal women (PMW) from a standardized clinical database with BMD T-score < -2.5, or between -2 and -2.5 and at least one vertebral fracture, starting ALN-EX between July 2015 and June 2016 were included. A historical cohort comprised of randomly selected and age-matched PMW on ALN-T was used as a control. Persistence at 6 and 12 months and reasons for discontinuation (e.g. adverse events; AE) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS A total of 144 PMW on ALN-EX and 216 PMW on ALN-T were analysed. Persistence at 6 and 12 months was 91% and 81% in the ALN-EX group vs. 75% and 69% in the ALN-T group, this difference attaining statistical significance at both 6- (p < 0.001) and 12 months (p = 0.009). A significantly higher proportion of patients receiving ALN-T discontinued treatment due to GI AEs (4% ALN-EX vs. 11% ALN-T; p = 0.027), or patient's decision to discontinue (6% ALN-EX vs. 13% ALN-T; p = 0.016). The adjusted odds ratio of persisting on ALN-EX treatment at 12 months was 2.02 (95% CI: 1.21-3.41, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that ALN-EX can provide greater persistence and improved tolerability compared to ALN-T, allowing it to be a viable alternative option in the management of osteoporosis.

Racial differences and factors associated with low femoral neck bone mineral density: an analysis of NHANES 2005-2014 data.

Race/ethnicity is an important determinant of osteoporosis risk. The study aims were to (1) estimate the racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of low BMD, (2) identify factors associated with low BMD by race and ethnic group, and (3) evaluate if the association between sleep duration and low BMD is modified by age, sex, gender, and/or race/ethnicity. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2005 to 2014, totally, 7992 participants aged ≥ 50years were included as the primary cohort. Three race/ethnic groups were included: non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Blacks. Low BMD was defined by femoral neck BMD T-scores less than - 1, as measured by DXA scan. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine associations between participants' demographics, comorbidities, lifestyle characteristics, and prevalent low BMD. Prevalence of low BMD was 50.8% among non-Hispanic Whites, 23.7% among non-Hispanic Blacks, and 44.0% among Hispanics. After adjusting for confounders, advanced age, female gender, and fracture history were significantly associated with increased odds of low BMD in all three race/ethnic groups. Family history of osteoporosis, ever used glucocorticoids daily, and vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency were associated with increased odds of low BMD only among non-Hispanic Whites. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) history and diabetes were associated with low BMD only among non-Hispanic Blacks. Short sleep duration was not associated with low BMD in all ethnic groups, but was significantly associated with low BMD in older adults (> 65years) and females. Prevalence of low BMD among three race/ethnic groups in the USA is determined, with race/ethnic disparities in several risk factors associated with low BMD identified. By contrast, advanced age, female gender, and fracture history are associated with increased odds of low BMD across all race/ethnic groups. The association between sleep duration and low BMD is modified by age and sex. Together, these findings may help clinicians and healthcare providers formulate better care for individual's bone health.

T Scores, FRAX, Frailty Phenotype, Falls, and Its Relationship to Fractures in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis.

Background:Despite the magnitude of fracture and the consequences in patients receiving hemodialysis, optimal risk assessment tools in this population are not well explored. Frailty and falls—known risk factors for fracture in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and non-CKD populations—are common in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) therapy. While the relationship between T scores in relation to fractures in patients receiving HD is recognized, there is a paucity of data to the additional contributions of fracture assessment tool (FRAX), frailty status, and falls in its relationship with fracture.Objectives:To evaluate the clinical utility of adding FRAX, frailty status, and falls to T scores at the femoral neck to determine whether it enhances fracture discrimination in patients on maintenance HD.Design:A cross-sectional observational study.Setting:Two main dialysis units in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.Patients:A total of 109 patients on maintenance HD at two dialysis units from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018, were included in the study.Measurements:Fracture (the main outcome) was documented based on the review of medical charts, self-recall, and additionally vertebral fractures were identified by an x-ray. Areal bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). FRAX score was calculated using an online algorithm based on 11 clinical risk factors. We calculated the FRAX score for hip fracture and major osteoprotoic fracture with and without the inclusion of BMD. Frailty was assessed using the Fried criteria, which included assessments of unintentional weight loss, weakness (handgrip strength), slowness (walking speed), and questionnaires for physical activity and self-perceived exhaustion. Patients were enquired about the history and frequency of falls.Methods:A total of 131 patients underwent frailty assessments at the two dialysis units during the dialysis treatment. Following frailty assessments, they were referred for DXA scans and upon receipt of the results undertook FRAX questionnaires. They were additionally sent for lumbar x-rays and contacted for a history of falls. Association between the BMD-T score, FRAX, frailty status, falls, with fracture were examined with sequential multivariable logistic regression models. Differences were considered statistically significant at P values <.05.Results:A total of 109 patients were included in the data analysis. The composite of fracture occurred in 37.6% of patients. About 59.3% were identified as frail, and 29% of the participants had at least one fall in the last year. On multivariate regression analysis, each lower standard deviation (SD) in femoral neck T score was associated with 48% higher odds of fracture (odds ratio [OR] = 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-1.68, P = .005). With the inclusion for FRAX scores (hip), the OR for fracture remained significant at 1.38 (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.04-1.63, P = .043). The addition of frailty status and history of falls did not further improve the model. Low T score and FRAX were both independent risk factors in patients on HD therapy.Limitations:This is a single-center study with a small sample size which limits the generalizability of the findings. Due to the cross-sectional study, associations identified may be difficult to interpret.Conclusions:Both BMD measurements by DXA and FRAX are useful tools to assess fracture in patients receiving HD. The addition of frailty status and history of falls is not associated with fractures in this population. Larger prospective studies are needed to determine whether the inclusion of frailty and falls to the conventional models will improve fracture assessment in the population receiving HD.Trial Registration:The study was not registered on a publicly accessible registry as it did not involve health care intervention on human participants.

Relationship of Bone Mineral Density and Knee Osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence Grade): Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) are the 2 most common bone disorders associated with aging. We can simply assume that older patients have a higher incidence of OA and OP with more severity. Although several papers have conducted studies on the relationship between OA and OP, none of them has demonstrated a conclusive link. In this study, we used radiological knee OA and bone mineral density (BMD; T-score of the total hip and lumbar spine) to analyze the incidence of OA and OP in a large population. We aimed to determine the relationship between OA and OP and investigate the associated risk factorsMethodsThis cross-sectional study used data extracted from the 2010–2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We evaluated a total of 4,250 participants aged ≥ 50 years who underwent knee radiography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and their laboratory results. The relationship between radiological knee OA and BMD was assessed. The generalized linear model was used to evaluate the relationship between BMD and Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade.ResultsThe higher KL grade was associated with older age, higher body mass index (BMI), female sex, and lower hemoglobin level (p < 0.001). No significant association was found between OA and the following variables: white blood cell, platelet, total cholesterol, vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, dyslipidemia, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and regular exercise (p > 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors (age, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and alcohol consumption), the average T-scores of total hip and lumbar spine were the highest in the mild OA group with KL grade 2 (−0.22 ± 1.08 and −0.89 ± 1.46, respectively, p < 0.001). The average T-scores of the total hip and lumbar spine significantly decreased as OA progressed from moderate (KL grade 3; −0.49 ± 1.05 and −1.33 ± 1.38, respectively, p < 0.001) to severe (KL grade 4; −0.73 ± 1.13 and −1.74 ± 1.75, respectively, p < 0.001). T-scores of the moderate-to-severe OA group were significantly lower than those of the non-OA group (KL grades 0 and 1, p < 0.001).ConclusionsCompared with the non-OA group, BMD (T-scores of the total hip and lumbar spine) was higher in the mild OA group and lower in the moderate-to-severe OA group.

Distal Radius Fraktürü Ve Şiddetli Osteoporoz Saptanan Primer Amenoresi Olan Bir Turner Sendromu Olgusu

Turner Syndrome (TS) is partial or total monosomy X with a prevalence of 2500/1 and characterized by premature ovarian failure, short stature, and multiple skeletal anomalies and is also called congenital ovarian dysplasia. Delayed puberty and estrogen deficiency are some of the determining factors for Osteoporosis formation in TS. Bone mineral density is among the best parameters to evaluate the bone mineral condition. Most female TS patients need estrogen replacement treatment to stimulate and continue feminization and to prevent osteoporosis. Forty-two years-old patient with TS was admitted to our clinic for rehabilitation following a right distal radius fracture occurring when she was trying to get up from the floor trying to get support from her right hand. The patient with primary amenorrhea wasn't admitted to the hospital before except her admittance for amenorrhea when she was 20 years old and was diagnosed with Turner syndrome. In her bone mineral density (DXA) measurement, L2-L4 vertebra BMD T-score was -4.0 (0.719 g/cm), Z score was -3.8, total femur T-score was 1.7 (0.788 g/cm) and femur neck T score was -1.7 (0.799). No pathological vertebral fractures were detected. The patient was given oral risedronate sodium 35 mg and calcium 1200 mg vitD 3 880 IU/day treatment for osteoporosis and followed-up. Our aim in this case presentation was to present the fact that severe osteoporosis and fracture may occur unless early hormone replacement treatment is started in a primary amenorrheic patient with Turner Syndrome.

Relationship between calcium metabolism and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in north Sardinia population.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) has a reported recurrence ranging from 26.8 to 50%. Osteoporosis and Vitamin D deficiency seems to have an impact on recurrence of BPPV. to evaluate the impact of osteoporosis and Vitamin D deficiency on recurrence of BPPV. 73 consecutive patients were divided in two groups according to the presence (group 1) or absence (group 0) of a recurrent episode. BMD, femoral and lumbar T-scores and Vitamin D levels were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to investigate correlations. patients in group 1 had statistically significant lower values of both femoral (-1,62±1,06 vs. -0,53±1,51; p = 0,001), lumbar T-score (-2,10±1,19 vs -0, 53±1.51, p = 0.001) and Vitamin D (19.53±15.33). The values of femoral T-score and Vitamin D could be combined in a model able to properly classify 65.8% of the cases (p = 0.002) as isolated or recurrent BPPV, with high accuracy (AUC 0.710 [0.590 -0.830]). present data show a probable correlation between osteoporosis and Vitamin D with recurrent BPPV.

Frequency of normal bone measurement in postmenopausal women with fracture: a registry-based cohort study.

Some fractures occur in women with normal BMD. We hypothesized that adding trabecular bone score (TBS) to DXA would (1) demonstrate that few women with fracture have normal bone, i.e., normal BMD T-score and TBS and (2) increase the percentage of women with fracture that have abnormal bone defined as a BMD T-score ≤ - 2.5 or low TBS. The public healthcare system in Manitoba, Canada, makes it possible to link clinical DXA data to population databases. This study included all women age 50+ with a first DXA from February 1999 to March 2018 with valid BMD, TBS, and fracture data. Bone status was defined as Normal = BMD T-score of the spine, femoral neck, and total femur ≥ - 1.0 AND TBS > 1.31; Abnormal = BMD T-score ≤ - 2.5 OR TBS < 1.23; and borderline = all others. Analyses were stratified by age decade. Among women with prior (n = 4649) or incident (n = 2547) fracture, bone status assessed by both BMD and TBS was normal in only 6% and 4%, respectively. In women with prior or incident hip fracture, normal bone was present in < 1%. The prevalence of normal bone declined (p trend < 0.001) with age as expected. BMD T-score osteoporosis was present in 40% with any prior and 46% with any incident fracture. BMD T-score osteoporosis was present in 65% and 60% with prior and incident hip fracture, respectively. Including TBS with BMD increased the percentage of women with abnormal bone to 61% and 68% for any prior or incident fracture and to 80% and 81% for prior or incident hip fracture, respectively (all p < 0.001). Including TBS with BMD increases identification of abnormal bone in women with fracture compared with BMD alone. Normal bone is present in < 6% of women with any fracture and < 1% of those with hip fracture. What is thought to be normal bone in women with fracture is rarely normal.

Use of age-dependent FRAX-based intervention thresholds for Singapore

SummaryAssessment and treatment pathways based on age-specific intervention thresholds in Singapore using FRAX paths can be used to identify patients at high risk of fracture and avoid unnecessary treatment in those at low risk.PurposeIntervention thresholds for the treatment of osteoporosis have been based historically on the measurement of bone mineral density. The development of FRAX® has permitted a more accurate assessment of fracture risk. The aim of the present study was to explore treatment paths and characteristics of women selected for treatment in Singapore based on FRAX.MethodsThe approach to the setting of intervention and assessment thresholds used the methodology adopted by the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group for FRAX-based guidelines in the UK but based on the epidemiology of fracture and death in Singapore. The methodology was applied to women age 50 years or more drawn from the population-based Singapore Chinese Health Study (SCHS) cohort. Missing data for the calculation of FRAX was simulated using data from Chinese cohorts from Hong Kong.ResultsIntervention thresholds expressed as a 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture ranged from 2.9% at the age of 50 years increasing to 32% at the age of 90 years. A total of 1927 of 29,323 women (7%) had a prior fragility fracture and would be eligible for treatment for this reason. An additional 3019 women (10.3%) would be eligible for treatment on the basis of age-dependent thresholds. The mean BMD T-score of women so selected was −2.94.ConclusionProbability-based assessment of fracture risk using age-specific intervention thresholds was developed for Singapore to help guide decisions about treatment.

Osteoporosis treatment considerations based upon fracture history, fracture risk assessment, vertebral fracture assessment, and bone density in Canada.

To inform criteria for pharmacologic treatment in women age 65years and older, we examined subgroups defined from fracture history, MOF calculated with BMD (MOF-BMD), VFA, and BMD T-score using the population-based Manitoba BMD Program registry. The study population consisted of women age>65years was divided into mutually exclusive subgroups based upon fracture history, MOF-BMD ≥ 20%, vertebral fracture on VFA, and osteoporotic BMD T-score. Healthcare records were assessed for the presence of fracture diagnosis codes occurring after DXA assessment. For each subgroup, we estimated the proportion of individuals with BMD T-score in the osteoporotic range, predicted versus observed 10-year MOF probability, hazard ratio (HR) for MOF, and number needed to treat (NNT) for 3years to prevent a fracture event. The study population consisted of 39,475 women (median age 72years). The majority of women (76.8%) selected as being at high risk based on fracture history, MOF-BMD>20%, or vertebral fracture on VFA had a BMD T-score in the osteoporotic range. During a median follow-up of 8years, 5169 (13.1%) sustained one or more incident MOF. Fracture rates and HRs generally paralleled the FRAX prediction, except in women with a positive VFA where predicted risk based upon clinical risk factors prior to VFA underestimated the observed risk. NNT differed by the risk subgroup, and showed a gradient of decreasing NNT (consistent with greater benefit) in individuals with the highest fracture risk. Fracture history, fracture probability from FRAX, targeted vertebral fracture assessment (VFA), and BMD T-score can stratify older women into different levels of risk and treatment benefit. These results are expected to inform clinical practice guidelines in Canada.

Muscle mass measurements in hip fracture patients and control general population depending on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device used: The General Electric Lunar and Hologic systems

ObjectivesThe prevalence of sarcopenia, an independent risk factor for fragility fractures, is high in geriatric hip fracture patients. We aim to compare patients with hip fractures to the general population using different dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) devices – General Electric (GE) Lunar and Hologic. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data of patients diagnosed with osteoporotic hip fractures. At our institute, 252 patients with hip fractures were measured with the GE Lunar DXA. The control group included 252 matched individuals from a general population dataset whose data were measured with the Hologic DXA; controls were selected using nearest-neighbor propensity score matching. Measurements included appendicular lean mass (ALM), bone mineral density, and subsequent rates of sarcopenia and osteoporosis. ResultsThe BMD T-score was significantly lower in patients with hip fractures than in matched controls (−2.7 vs. −2.1, respectively; P < 0.001). However, mean lean body mass of the arm was significantly greater in the hip fractures group compared to the matched control groups (4.092 kg vs. 3.869 kg, respectively; P = 0.024). Additionally, mean lean body mass of the leg was similar between groups (11.565 kg vs. 11.986 kg, respectively; P = 0.084). ALM/height2 and subsequent sarcopenia rates were not different between groups (hip fractures and 6.257 kg/m2 and 38.5%; matched controls, 6.198 kg/m2 and 33.7%). ConclusionsDespite experiencing hip fractures, muscle mass measurements and sarcopenia prevalence were similar between the groups. Muscle mass measurements for evaluating sarcopenia present significant discrepancies according to the DXA used.

SUN-383 Potential Impact of Using Male vs Female T-Scores for BMD Classification in Men

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is traditionally associated with post-menopausal women, but up to up to one-third of osteoporosis-related fractures occur in elderly men. The International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD), the World Health Organization, and the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) all recommend using a white female reference for BMD T-score for men. However, in clinical practice and previous clinical trials, a sex-specific white male reference T-score is used. This report examines the implications of using a female versus male reference for T-score calculation in men.METHODS: We reviewed BMD findings in 703 men (age 70-85y) who experienced a proximal femur, humerus, or distal radius/ulna fracture. For this cohort, femoral neck BMD was used to calculate a BMD T-score using either the young adult male and young adult female peak values (mean BMD 0.930 ± 0.136 and 0.849 ± 0.111 g/cm2, respectively). Osteoporosis was defined by BMD T-score ≤ -2.5, and osteopenia by BMD T-score < -1.0 and > -2.5. We also calculated FRAX-estimated fracture risk for hypothetical men ages 60-85y, with and without prior fracture. We used the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommendations for treatment based on BMD (osteoporosis by BMD, or osteopenia by BMD with a 10-year risk of hip fracture ≥ 3% or 10-year risk of major osteoporotic fracture ≥ 20%).RESULTS: The mean BMD for this cohort was 0.670 g/cm2 and the median T scores were -2.0 (male reference) and -1.7 (female reference). Using the male T-score, 29% of men were classified as having osteoporosis, while using the female T-score, only 21% were so classified. 36% of men age 70-79y and 19% of men age 80-85y with osteoporosis (using the male T-score) would be reclassified from osteoporosis to osteopenia when a female T-score is used. Hypothetical cases of men age 60-85y (height 170 cm, weight 70 kg, BMD 0.590 g/cm2 equivalent to a male T -2.5 or female T -2.2) were used to calculate 10-year hip fracture risk using FRAX. For these hypothetical cases, the calculated 10-year risk of hip fracture exceeded the NOF treatment threshold of 3% (10-year hip fracture risk) for all cases, with or without prior fracture.CONCLUSION: For elderly men with fracture with male-T osteoporosis and female-T osteopenia, the T-score reference population used does not alter treatment recommendations because the calculated hip fracture risk is already above the treatment threshold of 3%. This is also true for men age ≥70 without a prior fracture. Hence the debate pertaining to the appropriate T-score reference population for men has limited relevance for men age ≥ 70 years who are being screened for osteoporosis.

Targeted vertebral fracture assessment for optimizing fracture prevention in Canada.

This analysis was performed to inform appropriate use of VFA testing as part of Osteoporosis Canada's Guidelines Update, assuming vertebral fracture is an indication for pharmacotherapy in women and men. Women and men aged 70years and older without previous high-risk fracture (i.e., hip, spine, or multiple fractures) were identified in a BMD registry for the province of Manitoba, Canada. MOF probability with BMD was computed using the Canadian FRAX® tool. VFA was performed in those with a minimum BMD T-score of -1.5 or lower. The study population consisted of 7289 women (mean age 76.7 ± 5.6years) and 1323 men (77.9 ± 5.8years). More women than men qualified for VFA testing (48.7% vs 25.4%, respectively, p < 0.001). Among those undergoing VFA, a vertebral fracture was more commonly detected among men than women (22.9% vs 13.3%, p < 0.001), and vertebral fracture prevalence increased with lower BMD T-score (both p trend <0.001). The number needed to screen with VFA to detect a vertebral fracture was 8 for women and 4 for men. MOF probability was substantially lower in men than in women, and fewer men than women (3.3% vs 20.2%, p < 0.001) met a treatment threshold of MOF 20% or greater. In those with MOF probability <20%, VFA identified an incremental 5.4% of men and 3.4% of women for treatment based upon vertebral fracture. The number needed to screen to identify a previously unappreciated vertebral fracture is low and further improves with lower BMD T-score. VFA identified more men as qualifying for treatment than MOF probability. In women, treatment qualification was predominantly from MOF probability.

Abstract P6-11-01: Adherence to guidelines for bone health in a predominantly Hispanic cohort of breast cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitors

Abstract Introduction: Aromatase inhibitors (AI), by reducing estrogen levels, decrease the risk of recurrence of hormone receptor positive breast cancer but also lead to accelerated bone loss and increased fracture risk. This has led to guidelines for treating women on AIs with bone antiresorptive agents earlier in order to avoid fractures. The 2017 joint position statement from the International Osteoporosis Foundation, Cancer and Bone Society, European Calcified Tissue Society, International Expert Group for AI Bone Loss, European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Disease, International Menopause Society, and the International Society for Geriatric Oncology recommends treating patients on AI with either denosumab or bisphosphonates with BMD T-scores &amp;lt; -2.0, T-scores &amp;lt; -1.5 with one additional risk factor, or with ≥ 2 risk factors even without a BMD for the duration of AI therapy. The Garbar Breast Care Center at TTUHSC-El Paso serves a predominantly Hispanic patient population. As disparities in cancer care have been well documented amongst minorities, we sought to determine the adherence to the current guidelines for fracture prevention in this group. Methods: Post-menopausal women diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer and receiving adjuvant AIs who had a BMD done were included. Patients with pre-existing osteoporosis or already receiving antiresorptive therapy prior to cancer diagnosis were excluded. Electronic medical records of patients seen in clinic between 9/2015 and 3/2018 were reviewed to extract data regarding bone mineral density (T score, Z score), risk factors, and use of antiresorptive therapies. Study was approved by the institutional IRB. Results: A total of sixty patients were included. Median age was 65 years and 92% were Hispanic. Stage distribution was as follows: I, 40%, II, 43% and III, 17%. Thirty-eight (63%) met criteria to be treated with an antiresorptive agent. Thirty-two (53%) had T-scores &amp;lt; -2.0 and 6 (10%) had a T-score &amp;lt; -1.5 with at least 1 additional risk factor. Only 15 (39%) of the 38 patients who met guidelines for treatment were on antiresorptive therapy. Of the 15 patients who were on treatment, 10 had osteoporosis (T-score &amp;lt; -2.5), and 5 had osteopenia (T-score -2 to -2.5). Two additional patients were on antiresorptive therapy that did not meet the guidelines. Of the remaining 23 patients who met guidelines for treatment but were not treated, 6 had frank osteoporosis, 11 had a T-score between -2.0 and -2.5, and 6 had T-scores &amp;lt; -1.5 with at least one additional risk factor. Perceived barriers to appropriate institution of anti-resorptive therapy amongst oncologists were a) lack of timely dental evaluation and risk of osteonecrosis, b) cost of denosumab and zoledronic acid c) risk of myalgias and arthralgias with anti-resorptive agents potentially affecting compliance with AI therapy. Conclusion: In a predominantly Hispanic population, we found that only 39% of patients with indications for anti-resorptive therapy were on appropriate treatment. This has important implications for long term bone health amongst these cancer survivors. As adjuvant bisphosphonates have also been associated with a decrease in bone metastases and improvement of breast cancer specific survival, the low rate of adherence to guidelines can potentially contribute to inferior long-term survival. Timely access to dental services can potentially improve compliance rates. Citation Format: Tamis M. Bright, Meghan K. Mcalice, Abelardo Escriba-Omar, Sumit Gaur, Alexander V. Philipovskiy. Adherence to guidelines for bone health in a predominantly Hispanic cohort of breast cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-11-01.

Cost-effectiveness of sequential treatment with abaloparatide followed by alendronate vs. alendronate monotherapy in women at increased risk of fracture: A US payer perspective

ObjectivesEmerging evidence supports sequential therapy with anabolic followed by antiresorptive in patients at high-risk of fragility fractures. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of sequential treatment with abaloparatide (ABL) followed by alendronate (ALN) [(ABL/ALN)] compared to ALN monotherapy and to sequential treatment starting with antiresorptive therapy (ALN/ABL/ALN). MethodsA previously validated Markov microsimulation model was used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of sequential ABL/ALN compared to ALN monotherapy and to sequential ALN/ABL/ALN from a lifetime US payer perspective. In line with practice guidelines, patients were assumed to receive ABL for 18 months followed by 5 years of ALN, or ALN monotherapy for 5 years, or a sequence of ALN for 2 years followed by 18 months of ABL and then by 3 years ALN. Evaluation was conducted for patients aged 50–80 years old with a BMD T-score ≤-3.5 and without a history of prior fracture, or with a T-score between -2.5 and -3.5 and a history of ≥ 1 osteoporotic fracture. ResultsSequential ABL/ALN was cost-effective (threshold of US$150,000 per QALY) vs generic ALN monotherapy in women ≥60 years with a BMD T-score ≤−3.5 and in women with BMD T-score between −2.5 and −3.5 and history of osteoporotic fracture. In all simulated populations, sequential ABL/ALN therapy was dominant (lower costs, more QALYs) compared with sequential ALN/ABL/ALN, resulting from limited effect of ABL in patients previously treated with an antiresorptive agent. ConclusionsSequential ABL/ALN therapy is cost-effective vs ALN monotherapy for US postmenopausal women aged ≥60 years at increased risk of fractures.

Cost-effectiveness of five versus ten years of alendronate treatment prior to drug holiday for women with osteoporosis.

We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis to compare 5 versus 10years of alendronate treatment prior to 5-year drug holiday for postmenopausal osteoporotic women. We created an individual-level state-transition microsimulation model to compare 3 treatment strategies for US postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and femoral neck BMD T-scores between - 2.5 and - 3.5 at baseline: recurrent periods of 5years of alendronate followed by 5years of drug holiday (alendronate 5/5), recurrent periods of 10years of alendronate followed by 5years of drug holiday (alendronate 10/5), and no alendronate treatment. Base-case analysis revealed for women initiating treatment at ages 50, 60, and 70, the alendronate 5/5 strategy dominated (was more effective and less costly than) the alendronate 10/5 strategy and no treatment. For women age 80, the alendronate 10/5 strategy dominated. When assuming a lower relative risk of nonvertebral fracture during years 6-10 of alendronate treatment than the base-case assumption, the alendronate 10/5 strategy became the most cost-effective strategy even at younger treatment initiation ages. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis results supported the base-case findings; for treatment initiation ages of 50, 60, and 70, the alendronate 5/5 strategy was favored, whereas for treatment initiation age of 80, the alendronate 10/5 strategy was favored; however, there was uncertainty in these findings. After 5years of alendronate treatment, younger postmenopausal women (ages 50-70) with osteoporosis would likely benefit from a drug holiday, whereas older women (age 80) are likely to benefit from treatment for 10years before a drug holiday.

Associations between physical activity and bone structure in older adults: does the use of self-reported versus objective assessments of physical activity influence the relationship?

To compare associations of current and past self-reported bone-specific physical activity, and current accelerometer-determined physical activity (PA), with bone structure (bone mineral density [BMD] and microarchitecture) in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Fifty community-dwelling postmenopausal women (mean age 64.4 ± 7.7) with hip or spine BMD T-score < - 1.0 SD were recruited for an exercise intervention. At baseline, current, past and total Bone-specific Physical Questionnaire (BPAQ) scores were self-reported, and percentages of sedentary, light and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) were objectively determined by accelerometer measurements. Bone structure was assessed by lumbar spine and hip dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), 3D modelling algorithms (3D-SHAPER) of hip DXA scans and distal tibial high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) scans. Current BPAQ scores and MVPA were significantly positively associated with femoral neck areal BMD (β = 0.315, p = 0.031 and β = 0.311, p = 0.042, respectively) following multivariable adjustments. MVPA was also positively associated with femoral cortical surface BMD (β = 0.333, p = 0.028) and mean cortical thickness (β = 0.374, p = 0.013). Past and total BPAQ scores demonstrated positive associations with tibial trabecular number (β = 0.391, p = 0.008 and β = 0.381, p = 0.010, respectively), and negative associations with trabecular separation (β = - 0.396, p = 0.006 and β = - 0.380, p = 0.009, respectively) and distribution (β = - 0.411, p = 0.004 and β = - 0.396, p = 0.006, respectively). Current BPAQ score was positively associated with tibial cortical periosteal perimeter (β = 0.278, p = 0.014). BPAQ scores were most consistently associated with tibial bone parameters in older women, with past PA having lasting benefits for trabecular microarchitecture, and current PA positively associated with cortical bone.

Assessing the risk of osteoporotic fractures: the Ecuadorian FRAX model.

A new FRAX® model for Ecuador was released online in April 2019. This paper describes the data used to build the revised model, its characteristics, and how intervention and assessment thresholds were constructed. The national rates of hip fracture incidence standardized by age and sex from the age of 40years for 2016 were used to synthesize a FRAX model for Ecuador. For other major fractures, Ecuadorian incidence rates were calculated using ratios obtained in Malmö, Sweden, for other major osteoporotic fractures. The new FRAX model was compared with the previous model released in 2012. Assessment and intervention thresholds were based on age-specific probabilities of a major osteoporotic fracture equivalent to women with a previous fracture. Fracture incidence rates increase with age. The probability of hip or major fractures at 10years increased in patients with a clinical risk factor, lower BMI, female sex, a higher age, and a lower BMD T-score. Compared to the previous model, the new FRAX model gave similar 10-year fracture probabilities in men and women age less than70years but substantially higher above this age. Notwithstanding, there were very close correlations in fracture probabilities between the two models (> 0.99) so that the revision had little impact on the rank order of risk. The FRAX tool provides a country-specific fracture prediction model for Ecuador. This update of the model is based on the original FRAX methodology, which has been validated externally in several independent cohorts. The FRAX model is an evolving tool that is being continuously refined, as the databases of each country are updated with more epidemiological information.

FRAX-based intervention and assessment thresholds for osteoporosis in Iran.

The fracture risk assessment algorithm FRAX® has been recently calibrated for Iran, but guidance is needed on how to apply fracture probabilities to clinical practice. The age-specific ten-year probabilities of a major osteoporotic fracture were calculated in women with average BMI to determine fracture probabilities at two potential intervention thresholds. The first comprised the age-specific fracture probabilities associated with a femoral neck T-score of - 2.5 SD, in line with current guidelines in Iran. The second approach determined age-specific fracture probabilities that were equivalent to a woman with a prior fragility fracture, without BMD. The parsimonious use of BMD was additionally explored by the computation of upper and lower assessment thresholds for BMD testing. When a BMD T-score ≤ - 2.5 SD was used as an intervention threshold, FRAX probabilities in women aged 50years was approximately two-fold higher than in women of the same age but with an average BMD and no risk factors. The relative increase in risk associated with the BMD threshold decreased progressively with age such that, at the age of 80years or more, a T-score of - 2.5 SD was actually protective. The 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture by age, equivalent to women with a previous fracture rose with age from 4.9% at the age of 50years to 17%, at the age of 80years, and identified women at increased risk at all ages. Intervention thresholds based on BMD alone do not effectively target women at high fracture risk, particularly in the elderly. In contrast, intervention thresholds based on fracture probabilities equivalent to a "fracture threshold" target women at high fracture risk.

Trabecular bone score: a useful clinical tool for the evaluation of skeletal health in women of short stature.

Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) by DXA is underestimated in those with smaller bones and overestimated in those with larger bones. Trabecular bone score (TBS) predicts fracture risk, and is not influenced by bone size. The aim of this study was to evaluate TBS and BMD in women with short stature. We retrospectively analyzed DXA scans of all women aged 50-90 years with short stature (<144 cm) obtained in a single center, from 2006 to 2016. The comparison group comprised women >161 cm in height, matched for age and LS BMD, selected from the same database. The study population included 342 women. The two groups were similar in age, and aBMD at the LS and total hip. Femoral neck aBMD was lower in cases than in taller women. In contrast, TBS was higher in women with short stature than in their taller counterparts (1.347 ± 0.102 vs. 1.250 ± 0.110; p < 0.001). Bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) and the LS TBS-adjusted BMD T-score were also significantly higher in shorter than in taller women. From the entire cohort, 121 women (67 cases) were osteoporotic by aBMD determinations. Among these subjects, TBS was also greater in cases (1.303 ± 0.103) than in women with standard height (1.190 ± 0.099; p < 0.001). Despite being considered osteoporotic, 36% of short women, but none of the taller ones, had a normal TBS. TBS can be a useful adjunct to aBMD for assessing bone quality in short women, in whom aBMD measurement tends to read lower, and, thus could overestimate fracture risk.