Calcium Supplementation Therapy Research Articles

Prognostic value of initial routine laboratory blood tests in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage requiring mechanical ventilation: a retrospective cohort study.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) necessitating mechanical ventilation (MV) presents a serious challenge for intensivists. Laboratory blood tests reflect individual physiological and biochemical states, and provide a useful tool for identifying patients with critical condition and stratifying risk levels of death. This study aimed to determine the prognostic role of initial routine laboratory blood tests in these patients. This retrospective cohort study included 190 aSAH patients requiring MV in the neurosurgical intensive care unit from December 2019 to March 2022. Follow-up evaluation was performed in May 2022 via routine outpatient appointment or telephone interview. The primary outcomes were death occurring within 7 days after discharge (short-term mortality) or reported at time of follow-up (long-term mortality). Clinico-demographic and radiological characteristics, initial routine laboratory blood tests (e.g., metabolic panels and arterial blood gas analysis), and treatment were analyzed and compared in relation to mortality. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses, with adjustment of other clinical predictors, were performed to determine independent laboratory test predictors for short- and long-term mortality, respectively. The patients had a median age of 62 years, with a median World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade (WFNS) score of 5 and a median modified Fisher grade (mFisher) score of 4. The short- and long-term mortality of this cohort were 60.5% and 65.3%, respectively. Compared with survivors, non-survivors had more severe disease upon admission based on neurological status and imaging features and a shorter disease course, and were more likely to receive conservative treatment. Initial ionized calcium was found to be independently associate with both short-term [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.92; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86 to 0.99; P=0.020] and long-term mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92 to 0.99; P=0.010], after adjusting for potential confounders. Moreover, the admission glucose level was found to be associated only with short-term mortality (adjusted OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.34; P=0.004). Laboratory screening may provide a useful tool for the management of aSAH patients requiring MV in stratifying risk levels for mortality and for better clinical decision-making. Further study is needed to validate the effects of calcium supplementation and glucose-lowering therapy on the outcomes in this disease.

Calcium supplementation from chicken eggshells to increase nitric oxide levels and control blood pressure in gestational hypertension

Background: Hypertension is one of the highest causes of death in pregnant women. Calcium deficiency can lead to hypertension. Chicken eggshell can be used as a natural calcium supplementation therapy in hypertension.Purpose: Analyze the effect of chicken eggshell on blood pressure through the increased nitric oxide level in gestational hypertension.Methods: This is Quasy experiment research with pretest and posttest with control group design. Respondents were ≥20 weeks pregnant women with gestational hypertension. Determination of respondents by purposive sampling obtained experimental group (n=12) and control group (n=12). 1.1 g/day of eggshell flour was given for 14 days.Result: Mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in experimental group decreased 14.25 mmHg or 9.5% (p=0.000) and 12.84 mmHg or 13.04% (p=0.000) after received chicken eggshell flour for 14 days compared to control group mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased 1.92 mmHg or 1.35% (p=0.000) and 0.33 mmHg or 0,34% (p=0.121). Nitrit oxide level of experimental group increased 8.250 μmol/L or 20.93% (p=0.020) and control group decreased 3.083 μmol/L or 7.20% (p=0.488).Conclusion: Chicken eggshell flour affects increasing nitric oxide levels and controls systolic and diastolic blood pressure in gestational hypertension.

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation in Osteoporosis and Fragility Hip Fracture Patients: A Retrospective NHANES Study

AbstractAdequate vitamin D and calcium supplementation therapy in osteoporosis reduces the risk of fragility fractures and correlates with improved mortality outcomes in postoperative fragility hip fracture patients. However, the prevalence of adequate supplementation in this population remains unclear. Our purpose was to describe supplement use among the adult population in United States who have been told they had osteoporosis and identify factors associated with adequate supplementation, particularly in patients with history of hip fracture. The study sample comprised a total of 15,968 respondents from the National Health and Examinations Survey (NHANES 2007–2010, 2013–2014); 1,065 self-reported a diagnosis of osteoporosis and 266 self-reported a history of hip fracture. Additional patient factors were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression to assess associated factors of adequate vitamin D (≥ 600 international unit [IU]/day) and calcium (≥ 1000 mg/day) supplementation. The prevalence of vitamin D and calcium supplementation was significantly higher in the osteoporosis group than without (p = 0.001). However, supplemental intake reached adequate levels (≥ 600 IU/day of vitamin D and ≥ 1000mg/day of calcium) in only 28.8% of individuals with osteoporosis for vitamin D, 51.6% for calcium, and 19.2% for both. Of individuals with additional history of hip fracture, only 14% reported adequate intake of both nutrients. Female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 2.35, p < 0.001), older age (OR: 1.02, p < 0.001), and Caucasian race (OR: 1.456, p = 0.004) were positive factors of adequate supplementation, while Hispanic ethnicity was a negative factor (OR: 0.658, p = 0.009). Unexpectedly, a history of hip fracture did not affect the odds of adequate treatment (OR: 0.685, p = 0.176). Adults with known osteoporosis in the United States are self-reporting inadequate supplementation therapy, and significant gender and racial disparities exist. There is a broad need for improved supplementation to help manage this disease, particularly among adults with prior hip fracture, a vulnerable population most relevant for orthopaedic surgeons. This study serves as a call-to-action for orthopaedic surgeons to ensure their fragility hip fracture patients receive adequate supplementation postoperatively to maximize their health and recovery. This was a Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Calcium daily intake and the efficacy of a training intervention on optimizing calcium supplementation therapy: A clinical audit

Background and aimsCalcium is an essential element for human health, with key roles in the prevention and therapy of multifactorial conditions. Calcium dietary intake is often insufficient in the general population. The aim of this study was to perform a clinical audit for general practitioners (GPs) to understand the efficacy of training intervention on doctors' awareness about dietary calcium and supplements. Methods and resultsGeneral practice outpatients were enrolled (Before Clinical Audit, BCA) from the same sanitary district, and calcium dietary intake was evaluated with a validated questionnaire, also collecting information about the consumption of calcium and vitamin D supplements. Then, a training intervention with a frontal lesson and discussion with GPs involved was performed. After one month of this intervention, a second outpatient enrolment was performed (Post Clinical Audit, PCA) in the same general practices to evaluate differences in nutritional suggestions and supplement prescription by GPs.In BCA, the calcium dietary intake was low, with nobody reaching 1000 mg as suggested by the guidelines. Only 6.6% and 24.5% took calcium and vitamin D supplements, respectively; in the PCA, these percentages increased to 28% and 78% for calcium and vitamin D supplements, respectively (p < 0.01 PCA vs BCA). There were no differences in calcium dietary intake between BCA and PCA. ConclusionTraining intervention on GPs was successful to sensitize them regarding calcium intake problems; GPs tended to increase the prescription of supplements but not to suggest changes in dietary habits.

Evaluation of Serum Calcium, Phosphorus and Progesterone in Post-Menopausal Women in Khartoum State-Sudan

Objective: This study was conducted to show importance of preventive measures like calcium supplementation or hormonal therapy to prevent fractures. Material and Methods: This is a comparative (analytical study), case control study. This study includes 50 blood samples, a 30 blood samples were collected from Sudanese post menopause women in a period between March to June 2018, chosen randomly from Umdwanban village, and 20 apparently healthy individuals as control to assess the effect of post menopause on calcium, phosphorus and progesterone. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Three ml of venous blood were collected by using sterile disposable syringes and poured into lithium heparin containers, immediately centrifuged and plasma separated transferred in a plain container and processed. Stored at-20°C until analysis. These samples were evaluated for the serum levels of calcium and phosphorus determined by colorimeter and progesterone by Tosoh AIA 360, and the obtained results were analyzed by SPSS. Results: The study results showed that serum level of calcium and phosphorus was significantly changed (p<0.05) in post menopause women, the serum level of calcium is decreased and phosphorus is increased in post menopause women. The mean of serum calcium was 6.733 in test group and 8.955 in control group with p.value of 0.029 and the mean of serum phosphorus was 5.570 in test group and 3.480 in control group with p.value of 0.031. And show a non-significant difference in the serum level of progesterone between the test group and control group (P-value =0.447). Also the study showed the age and social status of the post menopause women have no effect on the serum level of calcium, phosphorus and progesterone. Conclusion: This study concluded that the serum level of calcium is decrease and phosphors is increase while progesterone is unaffected. And the age and social status of post menopause have no effect on the serum level of calcium, phosphors and progesterone.

Early corrected serum calcium value can predict definitive calcium serum level after total thyroidectomy in asymptomatic patients.

Hypocalcemia is the most common complication of thyroidectomy, requiring supplementation as well as prolonged hospitalization. Our study's objective was to determine a corrected calcium (CCa) level on day 1 after thyroidectomy predictive of no calcium and vitamin supplementation. A single-center prospective study conducted between January 2012 and July 2015 in 396 patients, consisting of 331 cases of total thyroidectomy, with seven completion surgeries. The data collected were age, sex, type of thyroid surgery, etiology, anatomical pathological analysis, and the need for calcium and vitamin supplementation therapy as well as its duration. CCa levels were analyzed 20 and 30h after surgery then on days 2 and 3. To determine a cut-off value for CCa, a ROC curve analysis was performed. The population was described in terms of numbers and associated percentages for categorical variables, and mean. Mean CCa on 20h after surgery was 2.09mmol/L (p < 0.001) and 30h was 2.06mmol/L p = 0.02. CCa of less than 2.13mmol/L was predictive of calcium and vitamin supplementation with 56% sensitivity and 97% specificity. On the evening of day 1, the cut-off value for CCa was 2.06mmol/L with 67% sensitivity and 65% specificity. This prospective study confirms that CCa on the first morning after surgery is reliable when it is more than 2.13mmol/L. In total, analyzing CCa on day 1 after total thyroidectomy allows the discharge of 70% of patients on the first day after surgery, with no risk of hypocalcemia.

Prophylactic oral calcium supplementation therapy to prevent early post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia and evaluation of postoperative parathyroid hormone levels to detect hypocalcemia: A prospective randomized study

BackgroundPostoperative hypocalcemia is the most common complication after total thyroidectomy. Postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurement is one of the methods to detect or prevent postoperative hypocalcemia. Prophylactic oral calcium supplementation is another method to prevent early postoperative hypocalcemia. The aim of this study is to detect the accurate timing of PTH and evaluate efficacy of routine oral calcium supplementation for postoperative hypocalcemia. MethodsA total of 106 patients were performed total thyroidectomy. Rotuine oral calcium supplementation was given to group 1 and no treatment to group 2 according to randomization. Serum calcium and PTH level of patients in group 2 at postoperative 6, 12 and 24 h and patients in both groups at postoperative day 7 were evaluated. Patients were compared according to age, sex, operation findings, serum calcium and PTH levels and symptomatic hypocalcemia. ResultsHalf of the patients (50%) were in group 1. Most of the patients were female (83%). The most common etiology of thyroid disease was multinodular goiter (64.1%). Oral calcium supplementation was given to 18 (33.9%) patients in group 2. Symptomatic hypocalcemia for group 1 and 2 was found to be 1.9 and 33.9% respectively (p < 0.05). No statistical difference can be observed regarding the timing of serum biomarkers. ConclusionSerum PTH levels at postoperative 12 and 24 h can predict early post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. Prophylactic oral calcium supplementation therapy can prevent early post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia with advantages of being cost effective and safe.

Per oral substitution with 300000 IU vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) reduces bone turnover markers in HIV-infected patients

BackgroundOsteoporosis and bone fractures seem to be higher in HIV-infected Patients compared to the general populations. Moreover, bone turnover markers are increased in patients on antiretroviral therapy and vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in HIV-infected patients. However, the influence of per oral cholecalciferol on bone metabolism in HIV infected patients is not well understood.MethodsWe measured the bone turnover markers in 96 HIV-infected patients: Bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), Pyridinoline (PYR), Desoxypyridinoline (DPD) and 25-OH vitamin D. If 25-OH vitamin D was below 75 nnol/L (87/96 patients), 300000 IU cholecalciferol was given per os. 25OH-vitamin D and bone turn over markers were determinded 3 month later. 25 OH-vitamin D was corrected for circannual rythm , whereas bone turnover markers were not corrected. The paired students t-Test was used to compare the two periods. No calcium supplementation or biphosphonate therapy was given.ResultsCorrected 25OH-vitamin D levels increased significantly after supplementation (42.7 ± 26.61 vs. 52.85 ± 21.8 nmol/L, p < 0.001). After supplementation, bone turnover markers were significantly lower. The values decreased for BSAP from 21.31 ± 14.32 to 17.53 ± 8.17 μg/L (p < 0.001), PYR from 74.57 ± 36.83 to 54.82 ± 21.43 nmol/mmol creatinine (p < 0.001) and DPD from 15.17 ± 8.34 to 12.61 ± 5.02 nmol/mmol creatinine (p = 0.01).ConclusionsAfter per oral substitution with cholecalciferol, bone formation as well as bone resorption markers decreased significant. We postulate a protective effect on bone structure with cholecalciferol supplementation.

Proximal myopathy in lacto-vegetarian Asian patients responding to Vitamin D and calcium supplement therapy - two case reports and review of the literature

IntroductionSevere proximal myopathy can occasionally be the first presenting complaint of patients with osteomalacia. This may lead to investigations and misdiagnosis of a neuromuscular disease, rather than a metabolic bone disease.Case presentationsWe present here two cases of severe proximal myopathy in patients who were both of South Asian origin and lacto-vegetarians: a 31-year-old Indian man and a 34-year-old Indian woman. In both cases, their clinical symptoms fully resolved following vitamin D and calcium replacement therapy. These patients were at risk of osteomalacia due to their dietary intake and ethnicity. The role of dietary intake and sunlight exposure in the development of osteomalacia in certain ethnic groups living in Western Europe is reviewed here.ConclusionThese two cases emphasize the importance of recognizing osteomalacia in at-risk individuals, as the condition is reversible and easily treated with vitamin D and calcium supplementation. It may also help avoid prolonged and unnecessary investigations of these patients.

Elevated Incidence of Fractures in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients on Glucocorticoid-Sparing Immunosuppressive Regimens

This study was conducted to assess the occurrence of fractures in solid-organ transplant recipients. Methods. Medical record review and surveys were performed. Patients received less than 6 months of glucocorticoids. Results. Of 351 transplant patients, 175 patients provided fracture information, with 48 (27.4%) having fractured since transplant (2–6 years). Transplants included 19 kidney/liver (50% male), 47 kidney/pancreas (53% male), 92 liver (65% male), and 17 pancreas transplants (41% male). Age at transplant was 50.8 ± 10.3 years. Fractures were equally seen across both genders and transplant types. Calcium supplementation (n = 94) and bisphosphonate therapy (n = 52) were observed, and an association with a lower risk of fractures was noted for bisphosphonate users (OR = 0.45 95% C.I. 0.24, 0.85). Fracture location included 8 (16.7%) foot, 12 (25.0%) vertebral, 3 (6.3%) hand, 2 (4.2%) humerus, 5 (10.4%) wrist, 10 (20.8%) fractures at other sites, and 7 (14.6%) multiple fractures. The estimated relative risk of fracture was nearly seventeen-times higher in male liver transplant recipients ages 45–64 years compared with the general male population, and comparable to fracture rates on conventional immunosuppressant regimens. Conclusion. We identify a high frequency of fractures in transplant recipients despite limited glucocorticoid use.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain in females as a manifestation of vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia

Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among females presenting with chronic musculoskeletal pain.Methods: One hundred female patients with chronic pain were screened between January 2007 and November 2008 in the medical out-patient clinics in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah. Serum (25- hydroxycholecalciferol) and bone chemistry levels were done. Vitamin D deficient patients were identified, treated with supplements, and followed for improvement of symptoms.Results: 84% were vitamin D deficient. Of that group, 67% were of childbearing age, and 50% were noted to have a severe deficiency. Only 14% were hypocalcaemic, 8% had hypophosphatemia, while 13% had high alkaline phosphatase levels. All responded after vitamin D and calcium supplement therapy was initiated, and symptoms improved.Conclusions: Consideration of vitamin D deficiency during consultations for chronic musculoskeletal pain is warranted. Screening of such patients should be standard practice in clinical care. Diagnosis is missed or delayed if 25- hydroxycholecalciferol levels are not evaluated. Treatment is beneficial and improvement is rapid.

Low vitamin D status is associated with physical inactivity, obesity and low vitamin D intake in a large US sample of healthy middle-aged men and women

The aim of this study was to investigate modifiable predictors of vitamin D status in healthy individuals, aged 55–74, and living across the USA. Vitamin D status [serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)] was measured along with age and season at blood collection, demographics, anthropometry, physical activity (PA), diet, and other lifestyle factors in 1357 male and 1264 female controls selected from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO) cohort. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were used to identify associations with vitamin D status. Three%, 29% and 79% of the population had serum 25(OH)D levels <25, <50 and <80 nmol/L, respectively. The major modifiable predictors of low vitamin D status were low vitamin D dietary and supplement intake, body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m 2, physical inactivity (PA) and low milk and calcium supplement intake. In men, 25(OH)D was determined more by milk intake on cereal and in women, by vitamin D and calcium supplement and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use. Thus targeting an increase in vigorous activity and vitamin D and calcium intake and decreasing obesity could be public health interventions independent of sun exposure to improve vitamin D status in middle-aged Americans.

Effects of Calcium Supplement Therapy in Women with Premenstrual Syndrome

Scientific evidence suggests that cyclic fluctuations in a variety of nutrients, especially calcium, may help to explain some features of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). We determined the efficacy of calcium supplementation in women suffering from PMS. A double-blind clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effect of calcium supplement therapy on PMS symptoms. The study groups were selected from young female college students, based on PMS criteria. The subjects were divided in two groups; one group received placebo and the other received 500 mg of calcium carbonate twice daily for 3 months. The severity and intensity of symptoms, including early fatigability, changes in appetite, and depression, were evaluated using a standard questionnaire. Symptoms were compared before and after treatment. The mean age was 21.4 +/- 3.6 years. Early tiredness, appetite changes, and depressive symptoms were significantly improved in the group receiving calcium treatment compared with the placebo group. Our results showed that calcium supplements reduced early fatigability, changes in appetite, and depression in women with PMS.

Applicability of Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Assay During Total Thyroidectomy as a Guide for the Surgeon to Selective Parathyroid Tissue Autotransplantation

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay (IOPTH) has been suggested to have value in predicting the development of postoperative hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery. IOPTH has been validated in identification of patients at risk of postoperative hypocalcemia requiring early onset of calcium supplementation therapy and in improving selection of patients eligible for a safe early discharge. However, the value of IOPTH has not been assessed in a randomized study as a guide for the surgeon to parathyroid tissue autotransplantation (PA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of IOPTH in guiding the surgeon to selective parathyroid tissue autotransplantation during total thyroidectomy (TT). Between January 2005 and December 2005, 340 patients qualified for total thyroidectomy (TT) who met the inclusion criteria were randomized to two equal-sized groups (n=170): group A, in which elective PA of at least one parathyroid gland was performed in all cases without IOPTH as a guide; and group B, in which selective IOPTH-guided PA was performed, if only the iPTH plasma level was <10 ng/L at 10-20 min after TT (before skin closure). The standard technique of PA consisting of implanting the parathyroid tissue into 10-20 sternocleidomastoid muscle pockets was used in both groups. IOPTH measurements were performed by the STAT-Intraoperative-iPTH-Assay. Serum calcium was routinely monitored at 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hr postoperatively. The incidence and severity of hypocalcemia and related symptoms were matched with the IOPTH results. On follow-up, serum calcium and plasma iPTH values were measured at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The primary end point was the success rate in preventing permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism. The secondary end point was the use of postoperative medication for transient hypocalcemic symptoms. Twenty-one group B patients (12.3%) had plasma iPTH levels<10 ng/L at 10-20 min after TT (before skin closure) and they underwent selective IOPTH-guided PA. None of the patients from both groups experienced permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Transient postoperative hypocalcemia occurred in 22.3% vs. 11.2% of patients (group A vs. B, respectively; p<0.05). The mean cumulated serum calcium values were significantly lower for group A vs. group B patients within the entire 3-month period after TT (2.12+/-0.09 mmol/L vs. 2.27+/-0.05 mmol/L, respectively; p<0.001). The mean oral calcium supplementation was significantly higher for group A vs. group B patients during the 3 months after TT (2.7+/-0.9 g/day vs. 0.9+/-0.4 g/day, respectively; p<0.001). IOPTH offers valuable information during TT, correctly identifying patients at risk of postoperative hypocalcemia. Selective IOPTH-guided PA in patients with plasma iPTH levels<10 ng/L at 10-20 min after TT reduces the risk of permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism to zero, and this approach seems to be as effective as elective PA of at least one parathyroid gland without IOPTH guidance. Moreover, selective IOPTH-guided PA significantly decreases the incidence of transient postoperative hypoparathyroidism and the need for calcium supplementation therapy compared with elective PA without IOPTH.

A clinical chameleon: postoperative hypoparathyroidism

About 1,200 patients per year develop postoperative hypoparathyroidism alone in Germany. Many of those patients may be misdiagnosed as the symptoms of this disease may vary and can be atypical. As an example, we describe the first known case of an elderly patient with a long history of seizures as a complication of an undiagnosed chronic hypoparathyroidism after surgery of a pT4-esophageal carcinoma. The 63-year-old male patient underwent laryngo-hypopharyngo-esophagectomy with gastric transposition and partial thyroid resection for a proximal esophageal carcinoma in 1994. About half a year later, the patient developed for the first time a convulsive syncope. Misleading diagnoses were for years suspected metastasis formation and a dumping syndrome. The general physician of the patient called him the epilepsy man, while no cause of the seizures were found. More than a decade of years later, when the correct diagnosis was made, finally by determination of parathyroid hormone levels, the seizures of the patient were completely eliminated by calcium supplementation therapy. The patient's quality of life improved clearly in the following time. It is essential to consider chronic hypoparathyroidism in the differential diagnosis of patients with hypocalcemia who have undergone extended neck and proximal esophageal surgery before. In addition to that, it is mandatory to autotransplant parathyroids during the initial procedure which might be accidentally removed during surgery and to monitor parathyroid function in each patient in the further course postoperatively.

Review article: bone disease in inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with an increased incidence of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis with osteoporotic pain syndromes, fragility fractures and osteonecrosis accounts for significant morbidity and impacts negatively on the quality of life. It is generally agreed that there is a need to increase awareness for inflammatory bowel disease-associated osteoporosis. However, the best ways in which to identify at-risk patients, the epidemiology of fractures and an evidence-based rational prevention strategy remain to be established. The overall prevalence of IBD-associated osteoporosis is 15%, with higher rates seen in older and underweight subjects. The incidence of fractures is about 1 per 100 patient years, with fracture rates dramatically increasing with age. While old age is a significant risk factor, disease type (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) is not related to osteoporosis risk. Corticosteroid use is a major variable influencing IBD-associated bone loss; however, it is difficult to separate the effects of corticosteroids from those of disease activity. The recommendations in inflammatory bowel disease are similar to those for postmenopausal osteoporosis, with emphasis on lifestyle modification, vitamin D (400-800 IE daily) and calcium (1000-1500 mg daily) supplementation and hormone replacement therapy (oestrogens/selective oestrogen receptor modulators in women, testosterone in hypogonadal men). Bisphosphonates have been approved for patients with osteoporosis (T-score < 2.5), osteoporotic fragility fractures and patients receiving continuous steroid medication. Data on the recently Food and Drug Administration-approved osteoanabolic substance parathyroid hormone and on osteoprotegerin are promising in terms of both steroid-induced and inflammation-mediated osteoporosis, the key elements of inflammatory bowel disease-associated bone disease.

Quality of prereferral care in patients with chronic renal insufficiency

Background: Appropriate care in chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) includes blood pressure and diabetes control, as well as the investigation and management of anemia, acidosis, and bone disease. There is a lack of data on the control of these parameters at the time of referral to a nephrologist. Similarly, early referral has been emphasized in the literature, yet very little published has examined current referral patterns. Methods: A single-center retrospective/prospective review of all new outpatient referrals to nephrologists in Halifax, Canada, in 1998 and 1999 was conducted to identify patients with CRI (serum creatinine > 1.6 mg/dL [141 μmol/L] for men or >1.2 mg/dL [106 μmol/L] for women). Quality of prereferral care was based on data from the initial clinic visit. Results: Of 1,050 charts reviewed, 411 patients met the study criteria. Twenty-six percent of patients had diabetes mellitus, 18% were referred with a calculated glomerular filtration rate less than 15 mL/min, and blood pressure was optimally controlled (<130 mm Hg systolic and <80 mm Hg diastolic) in only 24%. Only 44% of patients were administered an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Patients were administered an average of 1.9 antihypertensive agents. Significant anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL) was present in 21%, and appropriate investigations were performed in only 35% of these patients. Calcium levels less than 8.6 mg/dL (2.15 mmol/L) were found in 19% of patients, and only 14% of these patients were started on calcium supplement therapy. Phosphate levels greater than 5.0 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) were seen in 20% of patients, and 14% of these patients were on phosphate-binder therapy. Parathyroid hormone levels were more than five times normal values in 18% of patients, and 25% of patients had bicarbonate levels less than 23 mmol/L. Conclusions: A significant proportion of patients referred with CRI receive inadequate prereferral care. Continuing education programs and referral guidelines must not only emphasize the importance of early referral, but also address the related consequences of CRI to delay the progression of renal disease and avoid complications. © 2002 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.

Risk of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in postmenopausal women supplemented with calcium or combined calcium and estrogen

Background: Recent studies showed that postmenopausal women lost less bone mass when supplemented with calcium or estrogen therapy. However, the safety of the treatments in terms of the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation is unknown. We therefore conducted this study to determine the alteration in calcium oxalate supersaturation after calcium supplement or after combined calcium and estrogen therapy in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. Methods: Fifty-six postmenopausal women were enrolled in this study. All subjects were more than 10 years postmenopausal with vertebral or femoral osteoporosis by bone mineral density criteria. They were randomly allocated to receive either 625 mg of calcium carbonate (250 mg of elemental calcium) at the end of a meal three times a day (group A, n=26) or calcium carbonate in the same manner plus 0.625 mg/day of conjugated equine estrogen and 5 mg medrogestone acetate from day 1–12 each month (group B, n=30). The age (mean±S.E.M.) was 66.3±1.2 and 65.1±1.1 years, weight 54.1±1.2 and 55.3±2.1 kg, in group A and group B, respectively. Urine specimens (24-h) were collected at baseline and 3 months after treatment for the determination of calcium oxalate saturation by using Tiselius's index (AP(CaOx)) and calcium/citrate ratio. Results: After 3 months of treatment, there was no significant alteration from baseline for urinary excretion of calcium, citrate and oxalate. Urinary phosphate excretion was significantly reduced (6.3±0.7 vs. 5.1±0.7 mmol/day for group A and 8.2±0.9 vs. 5.8±0.7 mmol/day for group B, P<0.05), whereas net alkaline absorption was significantly elevated (10.1±3.6 vs. 20.1±4.4 meq/day for group A and 4.8±3.2 vs. 19.9±3.6 meq/day for group B, P<0.05). Calcium/citrate ratio and AP(CaOx) determined at baseline were not different from the corresponding values after treatment in both groups; calcium/citrate: 10.1±3.1 vs. 10.1±2.5 for group A and 9.3±1.8 vs. 11.9±2.5 for group B and AP(CaOx): 1.1±0.1 vs. 1.3±0.2 for group A and 1.2±0.2 vs. 1.1±0.1 for group B. There were eight and nine patients with high AP(CaOx), or >2, at baseline and after treatment, respectively. Conclusions: Calcium supplement with a meal or combined calcium supplement and estrogen therapy is not associated with a significant increased risk of calcium oxalate stone formation in the majority of postmenopausal osteoporotic patients. Determination of urinary saturation for calcium oxalate after calcium and estrogen supplements, especially at the initial phase of treatment, may be helpful in the avoidance of nephrolithiasis.

The influence of dietary and nondietary calcium supplementation on blood pressure: An updated metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials

We updated our previous systematic review of the effect of supplemental calcium on blood pressure. We extended our previous searches on MEDLINE and EMBASE to May 1997 and examined citations from relevant articles. We contacted the authors of eligible trials to ensure the accuracy and completeness of data, and to identify unpublished trials. We included any study in which investigators randomized hypertensive or normotensive people to calcium supplementation or alternative therapy and measured blood pressure for at least 2 weeks. In addition to 32 trials included in the prior metaanalysis, 10 new trials contributed to this metaanalysis. Two pairs of independent reviewers abstracted data and assessed the validity of the study data according to six quality criteria. We calculated the differences in blood pressure change between the calcium supplementation and control groups and pooled the estimates with each trial weighted with the inverse of the variance using a random effects model. The predictors of blood pressure reduction that we examined included method of supplementation, baseline blood pressure, and the methodologic quality of the studies. The pooled analysis shows a reduction in systolic blood pressure of −1.44 mm Hg (95% confidence interval −2.20 to −0.68; P < .001) and in diastolic blood pressure of −0.84 mm Hg (95% confidence interval −1.44 to −0.24; P < .001). We found statistically significant heterogeneity of results across trials ( P ≤ .02), which persisted when we looked at the nondietary trials alone, but not when we restricted our analysis to dietary trials. Although there was a trend toward larger effects with dietary interventions, none of the possible mediators of blood pressure reduction explained differences in treatment effect. We conclude that calcium supplementation leads to a small reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The effect of supplemental calcium in the diet is at least as great as nondietary supplementation.

Hormone replacement therapy in the menopause: a pro opinion.

The preponderance of data support the benefits of HRT in estrogen-deprived and menopausal women to reduce the risks of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease and to enhance quality of life and life expectancy. Controversies exist with regards to the risk-benefit ratio in women with a history of estrogen-dependent gynecologic tumors or breast cancer. Until these issues are resolved, physicians must carefully weigh, on an individual basis for each patient, the potential risks against the known benefits. Women should be counseled regarding the benefits of exercise, weight control, breast feeding, and cessation of cigarette smoking or excessive alcohol to reduce their risks of cancer, cardiac disease, and/or osteoporosis. HRT is not a panacea for an unhealthy lifestyle. When ERT is contraindicated, viable alternatives to retard bone loss and/or control vasomotor symptoms include calcium supplementation and progestin therapy. The role of tamoxifen as an alternative HRT in women at increased risk for breast cancer development is currently under investigation.