Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry Parameters Research Articles

Skeletal status in children and adolescents with new-onset type 1 diabetes: a preliminary study based on bone densitometry and quantitative ultrasound.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) represents a risk factor for bone loss and impaired bone quality. We conducted an exploratory retrospective cross-sectional study involving youths with new-onset T1D, to investigate the relationship between lumbar spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and phalangeal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measurements, along with their correlation with markers of bone turnover, glucose homeostasis, and residual β-cell function. 17 children and adolescents (8 females) with recent-onset T1D were enrolled into this study. Lumbar spine areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and age-adjusted amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS) Z-scores were indicative of low BMD status (≤ -2.0 SD) in 11.7% and 17.6% of participants, respectively. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed significant inverse correlations between AD-SoS values and circulating levels of β-CrossLaps, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin, along with a significant positive correlation between bone transmission time (BTT) values and fasting plasma C-peptide (FCP) levels. There was no statistically significant correlation between DXA-QUS parameters, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Finally, there was a significant positive correlation between lumbar spine aBMD and BTT values. Our study suggests that DXA and/or QUS parameters may be altered in a small proportion of T1D children and adolescents at the disease onset. Additionally, residual β-cell function may represent a protective factor against T1D-related detrimental skeletal changes. Large and long-term prospective studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings since the present study is limited by the retrospective cross-sectional design and by its small sample size.

Accuracy of Opportunistic Bone Mineral Density Assessment on Staging Computed Tomography for Gynaecological Cancers.

Background and Objectives: Women with gynecological cancers constitute a high-risk cohort for loss of bone density. International guidance stipulates women undergoing cancer treatments associated with bone loss should have a quantitative assessment of bone density. Access to Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is limited. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of opportunistic bone density measurement on staging computed tomography (CT) scans for gynaecological malignancies, in comparison to the gold standard DXA. Materials and Methods: Women with a staging CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis for a new diagnosis of gynecological cancer were recruited. DXA was performed within 6 weeks of treatment for gynaecological cancer. Lumbar bone density was measured by CT attenuation values, in Hounsfield units (HU), of the anterior trabecular region. Correlations between CT and DXA parameters were analysed. Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC) curves for diagnosis of low bone density and osteoporosis were analysed. Results: Final cohort included 48 of 50 women recruited. There was good diagnostic accuracy for abnormal bone density and osteoporosis, with areas under the ROC curve at L1 of 0.77 (p = 0.002) and 0.80 (p = 0.020) respectively. CT-HU of 170–190 yielded sensitivities of 87–90%, positive predictive values of 75–84% and negative predictive values of 71–75% for the diagnosis of low bone mineral density. CT-HU of 90–110 yielded specificities of 85–93% for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Moderate correlations were found between CT-HU and both DXA T-scores and diagnostic categories. Conclusions: This is the first study to assess the opportunistic application of CT in the assessment of bone health in women with gynaecological cancer, a cohort at high-risk of osteoporosis. The correlation between bone density assessment in CT-HU and DXA, and strong AUC values for the diagnosis of low bone density (0.77) and osteoporosis (0.80) support this pragmatic solution in resolving the care-gap in cancer treatment-induced bone loss, often associated with poor access to DXA.

Assessment of bone quality with trabecular bone score in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients have a significant risk of developing bone loss. The trabecular bone score (TBS) is a relatively new parameter used to provide information on bone quality. The study cohort included 81 patients with IBD and 81 healthy controls. Blood tests, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), including TBS, were assessed. Harvey–Bradshaw Index (HBI) for Crohn's disease (CD) and the Partial Mayo Score for ulcerative colitis (UC) were used for evaluation of clinical disease activity. Compared with the healthy controls, the IBD patients had lower lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral density (BMD) (1.06 ± 0.18 vs. 1.16 ± 0.15 g/cm2, p < 0.005), hip BMD (0.88 ± 0.13 vs. 0.97 ± 0.13 g/cm2, p < 0.005) and TBS (1.38 ± 0.1 vs. 1.43 ± 0.1, p < 0.005) values. The patients with stricturing CD had lower TBS (1.32 ± 0.13 vs. 1.40 ± 0.9, p = 0.03) and LS BMD (0.92 ± 0.19 vs. 1.07 ± 0.1, p = 0.01) values compared with those with non-stricturing CD. Multivariate regression model analysis identified HBI as independent factor associated with TBS. Our results support that all DXA parameters are lower in patients with IBD than in healthy patients. Moreover, TBS is a valuable tool for assessment of bone impairment in active CD.

The efficiency of dental volumetric tomography-derived radiomorphometric indices for diagnosing osteoporosis

Objective:The aim of the present study was to assess the efficiency of dental volumetric tomography (DVT) radiomorphometric indices to detect osteoporosis in post-menopausal females, compare them with the osteopenic and normal groups and to assess the correlations of the DVT findings with the bone mineral density values measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Methods:This study consisted of 120 post-menopausal females, with age ranging from 48 to 67 years. Based on their DEXA results, they were classified into osteoporotic, osteopenic and normal groups. Dental volumetric tomographical radiomorphometric indices were measured and compared with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry parameters of the patients. Results:Dental volumetric cortical thickness (DVT-CT) displayed significant differences between the groups and decreased in osteoporotic individuals. The mean values of dental volumetric tomographic mandibular index superior (DVT-MIS) and dental volumetric tomographic mandibular index inferior (DVT-MII) for osteoporosis group was significantly lower than osteopenic and normal groups. In both normal and osteopenic patient groups, there were significant correlations between the spine t score and DVT-MIS (p<0.05). Osteoporotic patient group displayed statistically significant relationship between spine t score and DVT-CT. Conclusion:DVT-CT parameter which was found to be associated with the spine DEXA measurements, can be used to diagnose osteoporotic patients. Dental volumetric tomography can help clinicians as a useful tool to evaluate osteoporotic patients.

Диагностированные нарушения минеральной плотности костной ткани и уровней кальциотропных гормонов у детей с ювенильным гипертиреозом

The development of the skeletal system occur during childhood. Thyroid hormones play an important role in the skeleton's maturation and maintenance of the structure and mass of bones. Juvenile hyperthyroidism affects bone metabolism. This study aimed to identify abnormalities in bone mineral density and the level of calciotropic hormones in juvenile hyperthyroidism to further improve the diagnosis of complications of juvenile hyperthyroidism. Materials and methods. The study was conducted by 21 health controls and 71 children and adolescents with juvenile hyperthyroidism. Anthropometric indicators were calculated using the WHO Anthro Plus personal computer software. Thyroid status and thyroid antibodies, osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase were determined using a closed-type immunochemistry analyzer Cobas e 411 Hitachi company Hoffman Le Roche (Switzerland) and its reagents. Bone mineral density was evaluated by dual-energy absorptiometry on a Stratos X-ray densitometer from Diagnostic Medical Systems, France. Results. In juvenile hypertrichosis, in comparison with the control, significantly low values of vitamin D and calcium in the blood serum were noted, the mean values of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase were substantially higher. There was no significant difference in the levels of parathyroid hormone and phosphorus in the blood serum in the compared groups. In 45.1% of patients, a decrease in bone mass was diagnosed compared to the age norm. A reliable direct correlation of vitamin D and calcium with bone density was revealed in all X-ray densitometry parameters and a reliable inverse correlation of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase and bone mineral density. Osteocalcin had a stronger inverse correlation with all dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry parameters and became a better biomarker than alkaline phosphatase. Conclusions. There is a decrease in bone mineral density in children with juvenile hyperthyroidism. Changes in the level of calciotropic hormones indicate a deranged bone metabolism. Serum osteocalcin can be used as a biomarker of bone metabolism in children with juvenile hyperthyroidism. It is recommended to assess the bones' condition during the initial examination of children with juvenile hyperthyroidism. The study was carried out following the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the parents of the children was obtained for the research. The author declares no conflicts of interest. Key words: juvenile hyperthyroidism, children, adolescents, bone mineral density; dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, osteocalcin, vitamin D.

Elevated gut microbiome abundance of Christensenellaceae, Porphyromonadaceae and Rikenellaceae is associated with reduced visceral adipose tissue and healthier metabolic profile in Italian elderly

ABSTRACT Aging is accompanied by physiological changes affecting body composition and functionality, including accumulation of fat mass at the expense of muscle mass, with effects upon morbidity and quality of life. The gut microbiome has recently emerged as a key environmental modifier of human health that can modulate healthy aging and possibly longevity. However, its associations with adiposity in old age are still poorly understood. Here we profiled the gut microbiota in a well-characterized cohort of 201 Italian elderly subjects from the NU-AGE study, by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. We then tested for association with body composition from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), with a focus on visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Dietary patterns, serum metabolome and other health-related parameters were also assessed. This study identified distinct compositional structures of the elderly gut microbiota associated with DXA parameters, diet, metabolic profiles and cardio-metabolic risk factors.

Bone status in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: a 10-year longitudinal study.

This study presents a 10-year longitudinal assessment of bone status in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Thirty-two patients (12 female, aged 20.5 ± 3.93 years, T1D duration 13.9 ± 1.97 years) were studied using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Standard deviation scores (SDS) for these results were calculated. The following clinical parameters were analysed: sex, age, T1D duration, anthropometric parameters, daily insulin requirement (DIR), mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the year preceding the examination, medication other than insulin, history of bone fractures, and comorbidities. The current and past (measured 10 years earlier) QUS results did not differ and showed a significant correlation (r = 0.55, p = 0.001). We found no relation of QUS results and anthropometric parameters or gender. DXA parameters did not correlate with the present QUS measurement. DXA and QUS results were independent of HbA1c, co-morbidities, or intake of additional medicaments. Bone status parameters of the examined patients with currently suboptimal glycaemic control were found to be lowered in comparison to a normative reference population, both at baseline and follow-up, although no further deterioration was observed during the 10-year follow-up period.

Calcium intake from different food sources in Italian women without and with non-previously diagnosed osteoporosis

An adequate calcium and vitamin D intake may play a role in preventing osteoporosis, but the contribution of the different food sources of calcium with regards to the risk of osteoporosis been barely explored. This observational study evaluated the calcium intake through a food frequency questionnaire in 126 adult women with not previously diagnosed osteoporosis undergoing Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) to screen for osteoporosis, and to correlate the calcium intake with parameters of bone density, measured by DXA. Total daily calcium intake and daily intake from food were similar among women found to have osteoporosis, osteopenia or normal condition. The main food source was milk and dairy products, while calcium supplementation was consumed by only 14% of subjects, irrespectively from osteoporosis conditions. DXA parameters were not significantly correlated with total daily calcium intake and calcium from food. The present study highlighted no qualitative and quantitative differences in the consumption of food groups contributing to calcium intakes in women with and without osteoporosis.

DXA Measured Visceral Adipose Tissue, Total Fat, Anthropometric Indices and its Association With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Mother-Daughter Pairs From India

Visceral fat is the pathogenic fat depot associated with diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. Estimation of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) by dual energy-X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a newer technique with less radiation exposure, shorter scanning time, and lower cost. In this study, we attempted to look at relationship between cardiometabolic risk factors and VAT, total body fat percent (TBF%) and anthropometry. We also studied the changes in body composition and metabolic parameters with menopause. The familial resemblance of VAT and TBF% in mother-daughter pair was also compared. This was a cross sectional community study of 300 women (150 postmenopausal mothers and 150 premenopausal daughters). Body composition indices by DXA and metabolic parameters were assessed. The association between DXA-VAT, TBF%, anthropometric measures, and cardiometabolic risk factors were studied by correlation, receiver operating characteristics curves, and logistic regression analysis. VAT indices were significantly higher and lean indices lower in postmenopausal women as compared to premenopausal women. One fourth of postmenopausal women were categorized as metabolically obese normal weight. DXA-VAT was a better predictor of cardiometabolic risk factors as compared to waist circumference, body mass index, and TF% in postmenopausal women (AUC:0.68 vs 0.62, 0.60 & 0.5, respectively), whereas body mass index had a better prediction in premenopausal women(AUC:0.68). VAT area >100 cm² had a significant association with the presence of ≥2 cardiometabolic risk factors (p = 0.04, OR: 2.2, CI:1.0–4.7) in the postmenopausal women. Daughters of the mothers with higher TBF% were found to have a higher TBF% compared to daughters of mothers with normal TBF% (36.2 ± 4.2 vs 32.2 ± 4.4, p = 0.03), similar resemblance was not seen for VAT. The study showed that the VAT increases and lean mass decreases with age and menopause. DXA measured VAT is a better predictor of cardiometabolic risk in postmenopausal women but not in premenopausal women. Total body fat may have a familial resemblance, but not the VAT which is determined by age, menopause, and probable life style factors.

Added values of DXA-derived visceral adipose tissue to discriminate cardiometabolic risks in pre-pubertal children.

BackgroundThe new generation of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanners provide visceral adipose tissue (VAT) estimates by applying different algorithms to the conventional DXA-derived fat parameters such as total fat, trunk fat and android fat for the same image data.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aimed to investigate whether VAT estimates from Hologic scanners are better predictors of VAT than conventional DXA parameters in pre-pubertal children, and to explore the discrimination ability of these VAT methods for cardiometabolic risks.MethodsHealthy pre-pubertal children aged 7–10 years were recruited for basic anthropometric, DXA and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements. Laboratory tests included lipid profile, glycaemic tests and blood pressure.ResultsAll VAT methods had acceptable to excellent performance for the diagnosis of dyslipidaemia (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.753–0.837) and hypertensive risk (AUC = 0.710–0.821) in boys, but suboptimal performance for these risks in girls, except for VAT by MRI in the diagnosis of dyslipidaemia. In both sexes, all VAT methods had no or poor discrimination ability for diabetes risk.ConclusionsDXA-derived VAT estimates are very highly correlated with standard methods but has equivalent discrimination abilities compared to the existing DXA-derived fat estimates.

The risk of sarcopenia 24 months after bariatric surgery - assessment by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA): a prospective study.

IntroductionBariatric procedures lead to changes in body composition. Desired fat loss may be accompanied by decrease of muscle mass, thus raising the risk of sarcopenia.AimTo detect the risk of sarcopenia in patients 24 months after different bariatric/metabolic (B/M) procedures by DEXA.Material and methodsConsecutive patients scheduled for a B/M procedure underwent DEXA scan and anthropometric assessment before and 24 months after surgery in a prospective manner. Obtained data were tested for significant differences (p < 0.05) to detect body composition changes and occurrence of sarcopenia. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was answered at 24 months to assess physical activity.ResultsNineteen patients were enrolled, with no drop-off at follow-up. Body mass index dropped from 42.4 ±6.3 to 30.3 ±4.9 kg/m2, with excess weight loss of 72 ±25% and substantial improvement of all relevant anthropometric measurements (p < 0.001). Significant changes in DEXA parameters were observed: fat mass index (19.5 ±4.7 vs. 12.1 ±3.7 kg/m2), estimated visceral adipose area (235.8 ±70.0 vs. 126.5 ±50.4 cm2), lean mass index (22.1 ±2.4 vs. 18.1 ±2.3 kg/m2), appendage lean mass index (9.7 ±1.3 vs. 7.7 ±1.1 kg/m2), bone mineral content (1.22 ±0.1 vs. 1.12 ±0.1 kg), Z score (2.32 vs. 0.96) and T score (0.58 vs. –0.58). A low level of physical activity was recorded at 24 months.ConclusionsB/M procedures lead to significant changes in body composition at 24 months after surgery. DEXA detects these changes effectively. Desired fat loss is associated with significant reduction of skeletal muscle and bone mineral mass. As such, patients after B/M surgery are at risk of sarcopenia. A low level of physical activity may also play a negative role.

Self-reported Sleep Quality and Bone Outcomes in Older Adults: Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

Sleep duration may be associated with risk of osteoporosis, with suggestions that too little or indeed too much sleep may be detrimental to bone health. In this study, we considered whether perceived sleep quality is also associated with bone health in older adults. We explored this association in a cohort of 443 older community-dwelling UK adults. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); poor sleep quality was defined as > 5 on this score system. Bone density, shape and microarchitecture were assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and high-resolution pQCT (HRpQCT). Thirty-seven percent of men and 43% of women had a PSQI score greater than 5, indicative of poor perceived sleep. We found that quality of sleep was associated with altered bone microarchitecture. In men, poor sleep quality was associated with lower radial trabecular (4% slice, p < 0.04) and cortical (66% slice, p = 0.02) bone mineral density, as well as decreased tibial cortical density (p < 0.02) and increased porosity (p < 0.04), but increased size of the tibia (p < 0.04). In women, poor perceived sleep quality was associated with thinner (p < 0.03) and less dense (p < 0.04) cortices of the radius, but greater tibial trabecular number (p < 0.02) and lower separation (p < 0.04). Relationships with DXA parameters were non-significant after adjustment for confounders. Taking sleep medications was associated with decreased tibial size (38% and 66% slices) and strength in women (all p < 0.05), but not in men. Perceived sleep quality was associated with altered bone density and microarchitecture in older adults, and these differences varied according to biological sex and site. Further work is indicated to investigate possible mechanisms underlying these observations.

Exon 3-deleted growth hormone receptor isoform is not related to worse bone mineral density or microarchitecture or to increased fracture risk in acromegaly.

Acromegaly is a cause of secondary osteoporosis and is associated with increased risk of vertebral fractures (VFs). The influence of exon 3-deleted isoform of growth hormone receptor (d3-GHR) on bone microarchitecture has not been studied in acromegaly. The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between d3-GHR isoform and bone mineral density (BMD), bone microarchitecture, and VFs in acromegaly patients. Consecutive acromegaly patients treated at a single reference center were included. BMD was analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bone microarchitecture was analyzed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). The presence of moderate to severe VFs was assessed by thoracic and lumbar X-ray. GHR genotyping was analyzed by PCR, and full-length isoform of GHR (fl-GHR) was represented by a 935-bp fragment and d3-GHR by a 532-bp fragment. Eighty-nine patients were included [56 females; median age at diagnosis: 43years (17-78)]. Disease was uncontrolled in 63% of patients. At least one d3-GHR allele was present in 60% of patients. Frequency of active disease (p = 0.276) and hypogonadism (p = 1.000) was not different between patients with fl-GHR and those with at least one d3-GHR. There was no difference in any DXA or HR-pQCT parameters between patients with fl-GHR and those with d3-GHR. Significant VFs were observed in 14% of patients, but there was no difference in frequency between patients with fl-GHR and those with at least one d3-GHR allele (p = 0.578). Presence of d3-GHR was not associated with worse BMD or bone microarchitecture or with higher frequency of significant VFs.

Quantitative ultrasound for monitoring bone status in institutionalized adults with refractory epilepsy and intellectual disability: A 7-year follow-up study

PurposeLong-term exposure to anti-epileptic drugs has been shown to decrease bone mineral density (BMD). The aim of this 7-year follow-up study was to explore changes in bone status, using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in adults with refractory epilepsy and intellectual disability (ID) residing at a long-term care facility. Both measurements can be challenging to conduct in this population. MethodsIn 2009 and 2016, a total of 126 patients (18–79 years) underwent QUS of the heel and DXA of lumbar spine (LS) and hip (femoral neck (FN) and total hip (TH)). Subgroup analysis was performed for patients with (group A, n = 53) and without (group B, n = 73) bisphosphonate use during follow-up. ResultsOverall, weak to moderate correlations between changes in DXA and QUS parameters were found. For group A, correlations varied from r = .31 to .59, whereas correlations did not exceed r = .40 in group B. Patients in group A showed a larger increase or a smaller decrease in BMD for all DXA regions during follow-up (p < .001 for ΔLS and ΔFN BMD, p = .001 for ΔTH BMD). For change in QUS parameters, no significant difference between groups was found. ConclusionIn this study we demonstrated the limited use of QUS in the monitoring of bone status in our study population. Although correlations between changes in QUS parameters and axial DXA are positive and mostly significant, QUS only explains little of the variability in DXA values and is inadequate for measuring treatment response in this population.

Predictors of fragility fracture and low bone mineral density in patients with a history of parental fracture

ObjectivesBone mineral density (BMD) and fragility fracture (FF) have high heritability, but few data exist on impact of other factors on families with fracture history. We aimed to evaluate predictors of FF and low BMD, in patients with family history of FF. MethodsThis was a retrospective study on patients undergoing dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at a district general hospital (DGH), 2004–2016. Parameters recorded (in addition to standard dual energy X-ray absorptiometry parameters): age, smoking, alcohol, corticosteroids, aromatase inhibitors, Depo-Provera, hormone replacement therapy, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, breast or prostate cancer, coeliac disease, and fracture site. Logistic regression was used to model fracture risk and site, and linear regression for impact of factors on L1–4 and femoral BMD. Factor analyses with polychoric correlation matrices and calculation of Eigenvalues were applied to determine association between fracture sites and associated risk factors. ResultsA total of 6053 patients were included, 91.1% female. 2094 had sustained at least one FF. Smoking, alcoholism, increased age, height, and fat mass increased FF risk. Sites analysed: femur, tibia/fibula, humerus, forearm, ribs, and vertebrae. Alcoholism, and increasing tissue thickness and fat mass significantly increased FF risk. Decreased right femoral and vertebral BMD increased overall FF risk. ConclusionsOur study confirms the effect of certain factors on vertebral BMD, but suggests a differential effect on the upper and lower spine, as well as in the dominant and nondominant hip. Different sites of fracture are associated with different risk factors, the most common sites of fracture being the peripheral long bones and vertebrae.

Correlation between DXA and laboratory parameters in normal weight, overweight, and obese patients

The aim of this study was to review the existence and types of correlations between body composition densitometric parameters and laboratory values associated to cardiometabolic risk. We retrospectively analyzed data from 316 individuals in the weight range from normality to super-obesity, submitted to total body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans and routine biochemistry at S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital from June 2010 to March 2014. The study included 182 women, 45.8 ± 13.4 y of age, with a body mass index (BMI) of 31.5 (± 11) kg/m2 (group F) and 134 men, 45.4 ± 13.6 y of age, with a BMI of 27.6 (± 7.8) kg/m2 (group M). All patients underwent whole-body scan (Lunar iDXA, GE Healthcare, Madison, WI, USA) and laboratory analysis (blood fasting glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, tricylglycerides [TGs], aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase). Correlation between laboratory values and total body and regional fat mass (including visceral adipose tissue [VAT] and subcutaneous adipose tissue in the android region), and lean mass parameters were analyzed with linear and stepwise regressions analysis (significance limit, P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curves were performed to assess the accuracy of the best-fit DXA parameter (VAT) to identify at least one laboratory risk factor. In both groups, BMI and densitometric parameters showed a linear correlation with fasting blood glucose and TG levels and an inverse correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05), whereas no correlation was observed with total cholesterol levels. The only densitometric parameter retained in the final model of stepwise multiple regression was VAT for fasting blood glucose (group F: β = 0.4627, P < 0.0001; group M: β = 0.6221, P < 0.0001) and TG levels (group F: β = 0.4931, P < 0.0001; group M: β = 0.1990, P < 0.0261) independently of BMI. The optimal cutoff points of VAT to identify the presence of at least one laboratory risk factor were >1395 g and >1479 cm3 for men and >1281 g and >1357 cm3 for women. DXA analysis of VAT is associated with selected laboratory parameters used for the evaluation of cardiometabolic risk and could be per se a helpful parameter in the assessment of clinical risk.

A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analysis of Trabecular Bone Score in Adults With Turner Syndrome.

Turner syndrome (TS) is associated with short stature, gonadal failure, and fractures. Spinal trabecular bone score (TBS) is a novel bone imaging modality that has not been evaluated in TS. To evaluate TBS in TS and its association with bone mineral density (BMD), prevalent fracture, and risk factors. Longitudinal study of TS from a single tertiary hospital between 2006 and 2017. Fifty-eight subjects with TS aged 20 to 49 years who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). TBS, DXA parameters, and prevalent fractures were investigated. Normal, partially degraded, and degraded TBSs were observed in 39 (67%), 15 (26%), and four (7%) subjects, respectively. High rates of prescribed estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) with stable TBS and BMD were observed during follow-up. TBS was positively correlated with spine and femoral neck (FN) BMD and Z-scores (all P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with age (-0.004 per year; P = 0.014) and delay in ERT initiation in women with primary amenorrhea (-0.010 per year; P < 0.001). Fractures were present in 17 (31%) subjects. Low TBS had a significantly higher area under the receiver operator curve for predicting prevalent fracture than low bone mass at either the spine or FN (P < 0.05). Subjects with no history of fracture were more likely to have a normal TBS (P = 0.023). BMD and TBS can be preserved with early initiation and continued use of ERT. TBS may provide additional fracture risk prediction to standard DXA parameters in TS and needs to be validated in larger prospective studies.

Dietary Intake of Cadmium, Lead and Mercury and Its Association with Bone Health in Healthy Premenopausal Women.

The bone is one of the relevant target organs of heavy metals, and heavy metal toxicity is associated with several degenerative processes, such osteoporosis and bone mineral alterations, that could lead to fractures. We aimed to study a presumed relationship between bone density, evaluated by quantitative bone ultrasound (QUS), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and the dietary intake of cadmium, lead and mercury in healthy premenopausal women. A total of 158 healthy, non-smoking, premenopausal women were incorporated into the study. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was administered to assess intake during the preceding seven days. The median predicted dietary cadmium intake among the 158 women studied was 25.29 μg/day (18.62–35.00) and 2.74 μg/kg body weight/week (b.w./w) (1.92–3.83). Dietary lead intake was 43.85 μg/day (35.09–51.45) and 4.82 μg/kg b.w./w (3.67–6.13). The observed dietary mercury intake was 9.55 μg/day (7.18–13.57) and 1.02 μg/kg b.w./w (0.71–1.48). Comparisons, in terms of heavy metal intake, showed no significant results after further adjusting for energy intake. No statistically significant correlations between heavy metal intake and the QUS, DXA and pQCT parameters were observed. Levels of dietary exposure of cadmium, lead and mercury were mostly within the recommendations. We did not find associations between the QUS, DXA and pQCT parameters and the dietary intake of the studied heavy metals in healthy premenopausal women.

Female urinary incontinence and obesity assessed by anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: Analysis from the 2008-09 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

In the present study we evaluated the association between obesity, assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and urinary incontinence (UI). The study was performed on 5792 women who had taken part in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. UI was deemed to be present if a woman answered "yes" to the question "Do you have current UI?". Obesity was assessed using anthropometry and DEXA. Data were analyzed using Chi-squared tests, t-tests, receiver operating characteristic curves, and logistic regression analysis. The UI group had significantly higher mean (±SD) waist circumference (78.5 ± 10.0 vs, 82.4±9.1 kg) and body mass index (23.3 ± 3.4 vs. 24.2 ± 3.1 kg/m2 ) than the non-UI group. In addition, total fat mass (18.5 ± 5.3 vs. 19.4 ± 4.9 kg), trunk fat mass (9.3 ± 3.4 vs. 10.1 ± 3.2 kg), the trunk fat/leg fat (mass) ratio (1.58 ± 0.54 vs. 1.73 ± 0.50), total body fat percentage (32.3 ± 5.4% vs. 33.0 ± 5.0%), and trunk fat percentage (32.4 ± 7.3% vs. 33.9 ± 6.6%) were significantly higher in the UI group. Of these parameters, the trunk fat/leg fat ratio showed highest sensitivity (83.6%), with a cut-off value of 1.272. Before and after adjustment, trunk fat/leg fat ratio >1.272 was significantly related to UI and had the highest odds ratio (OR) among all DEXA parameters (adjusted OR 1.807; 95% confidence interval 1.343-2.431). Obesity parameters obtained using DEXA are closely related to UI. Of these parameters, the trunk fat/leg fat ratio is the strongest in predicting the presence of UI. In addition, the present study has found a novel trunk fat/leg fat ratio cut-off value for defining obesity related to the UI.

Maternal vitamin D and offspring trabecular bone score.

Trabecular bone score (TBS), a novel tool derived from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), reflects the microarchitecture of the vertebrae. It has been shown to predict fracture independent of standard DXA parameters in adult populations. Previously, we demonstrated that maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) during pregnancy is associated with offspring bone mineral content at age 11years. However, associations with TBS have not been explored, thus we aimed to determine associations between maternal 25(OH)D and offspring TBS. Data were collected from the Vitamin D in Pregnancy (VIP) study. Venous blood samples were taken at recruitment and at 28-32weeks' gestation. Maternal 25(OH)D was measured by radioimmunoassay. Offspring (n=195, n=181 with complete measures) underwent spine DXA (GE Lunar), at age 11years (median=10.9 (IQR 10.9-11.4)). TBS was calculated using TBS iNsight software. Offspring of mothers with sufficient 25(OH)D levels (≥50nmol/L) at recruitment had a higher TBS (1.363 vs. 1.340, p=0.04). In multivariable linear regression models, after adjustment for child relative lean mass, sex and pubertal stage, a 10nmol/L increase in maternal 25(OH)D was associated with a 0.005 (95% CI 0.000, 0.010, p=0.04) increase in TBS. However when stratified by sex (p for interaction=0.16), the association was significant in boys, but not girls. There were no associations with TBS and maternal 25(OH)D at 28-32weeks. We speculate that maternal 25(OH)D in early pregnancy may be associated with TBS in offspring at age 11 in boys. These hypothesis-generating findings warrant confirmation with larger interventional and long-term follow-up studies.