Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor Research Articles

Combining Register and Radiological Visits Data Allows to Reliably Identify Incident Wrist Fractures.

To evaluate how comprehensively wrist fractures can be tracked from the national medical registers, and to propose a method for complementing the register data using time stamps of wrist radiography visits recorded in the radiological image archive. For the Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention Study (OSTPRE) cohort of 14220 post-menopausal women, we analysed the data from the Care Register for Health Care, Register for Primary Health Care Visits, self-reports, radiological image archive PACS, and patient records to identify the wrist fractures occurred between 2011 and 2021. Using this gold standard of fractures, we validated the coverage of the registers and image archive and created algorithms to automatically identify fracture events from the registers and/or metadata of wrist radiography visits. We show that wrist fractures cannot be comprehensively identified based on national registers. To remedy this, our proposed method of combining register and image archive data can lift the coverage from 81% to 94% and reduce false discoveries from 6% to 2%. The proposed method offers a more reliable way of gathering fracture information. Comprehensive fracture identification is essential in many research settings, such as incidence statistics, prevention studies, and risk assessment models.

Intra- and inter-observer agreement in distal radius fracture dislocation measurement of casting position.

Most displaced distal radius fractures (DRF) are treated nonoperatively, with reduction and immobilization in a cast. Studies assessing intra- or inter-observer agreement on radiologic measurements of casting position have not been published, which was the aim of our study. Our study is based on the Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention (OSTPRE) study. All detected DRFs during the OSTPRE follow-up were retrieved and based on sample size calculations 50 fractures were randomly selected for the study. 5 independent reviewers measured dislocation parameters and wrist position in a cast from the radiographs. A linear mixed model was used to estimate the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and total deviance index (TDI) that were used to evaluate intra- and inter-observer agreement. We used Kappa values to determine intra- and inter-rater agreement on radiographically acceptable reduction of the DRF. Limits of acceptable position were those defined by Finnish Current Care Guidelines. For radial inclination, radial shortening, and dorsal/volar tilt, intra- and inter-observer correlations were high (CCC > 0.76). In addition, measurements of wrist angle in a splint had high correlations (CCC > 0.78), whereas measurement of intra-articular gap and step had poor correlations (CCC < 0.52). The Kappa value for overall agreement on the radiographically acceptable position of the DRF was modest (0.59). Intra- and inter-observer repeatability of casting position of radial inclination, radial shortening, and dorsal/volar tilt were high whereas intra-articular gap and step had poor correlations.

Physical capability and patient-reported well-being after spinal surgery: a 20-year cohort from the Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention study combined with the Finnish Care Register for Health Care.

Studies investigating the effect of spinal surgery on both physical capability (PC) and subjective well-being (SW) are scarce. We aimed to investigate self-reported PC and SW up to 20 years after lumbar spine surgery. 6,612 postmenopausal Finnish women (47-56 years at baseline [BL]), from the Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention (OSTPRE) study, were followed-up (FU) for 20 years. The Finnish Care Register for Healthcare (CRFH) provided data on surgery in the OSTPRE population on lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and lumbar disc herniation (LDH). PC and SW of women with lumbar surgery was compared with that of women without lumbar surgery. A chi-square analysis was conducted to analyze the statistical differences in the distribution of PC and SW. A propensity score-matched control analysis was also performed in addition to analysis of the total populationbased control group. In women without lumbar surgery 94% reported good PC at BL, which decreased to 79% at the 20-year FU. For those with LSS/LDH surgery, 84%/(37/50) reported good PC at BL and 80%/(33/50) at 20-year FU, respectively. Good SW was reported by 48% of the control group at BL, 50% at 10-year FU, and 42% at 20-year FU. Women with LSS/LDH surgery before the 10-year FU reported good SW as follows: (6/50)/38% at BL, (12/48)/39% at 10-year FU, and (9/50)/37% at 20-year FU. Patients with LSS and LDH report lower PC and SW. Lumbar spinal surgery improves PC and SW in the short term, with early LDH surgery showing the greatest benefits whereas late surgery did not. Overall, PC and SW are lower both initially and during the 20-year FU when compared with the age-matched controls except for early LDH surgery.

Association between severe lumbar disc degeneration and self-reported occupational physical loading.

ObjectivesOccupational physical loading has been reported to be associated with intervertebral disc degeneration. However, previous literature reports inconsistent results for different vertebral levels. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) at different vertebral levels and the self‐reported physical loading of occupation.MethodsThe study population consisted of 1,022 postmenopausal women and was based on the prospective Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention (OSTPRE) study cohort. The severity of LDD was graded from T2‐weighted MRI images using the five‐grade Pfirrmann classification. Five intervertebral levels (L1–L2 to L5–S1) were studied (total 5110 discs). The self‐rated occupational physical loading contained four groups: sedentary, light, moderate, and heavy.ResultsThe heavy occupational physical loading group had higher odds for severe LDD at the L5–S1 vertebral level (OR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.19–2.92, p = .006) in comparison with the sedentary work group. A clear trend of increasing disc degeneration with heavier occupational loading was also observed at the L5–S1 level. Age, smoking, and higher body mass index (BMI) were associated with more severe LDD. Leisure‐time physical activity at the age of 11–17 years was associated with less severe LDD. Controlling for confounding factors did not alter the results.ConclusionsThere appears to be an association between occupational physical loading and severe disc degeneration at the lower lumbar spine in postmenopausal women. Individuals in occupations with heavy physical loading may have an increased risk for work‐related disability due to more severe disc degeneration.

Comorbidity of mental and musculoskeletal disorders in ageing women: A data linkage study using national registries

BackgroundMental disorders (MDs) and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the main causes of disability. Yet, their comorbidity has not received the deserved attention. ObjectiveTo investigate the extent of the comorbidity between MDs and MSDs in ageing women using national registries on prescription medications and work disability pensions (DPs). MethodsThe study included 7,809 Finnish women, born during 1932–41, from the population-based Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention Study (OSTPRE) cohort, established in 1989. Lifetime permanent DPs due to: 1) ‘MDs only’ (n = 359), 2) ‘MSDs only’ (n = 954), 3) ‘MDs + MSDs’ (n = 227), were recorded till 2003. The reference group was ‘no DP’ (n = 6,269). Data from the OSTPRE questionnaires was obtained in 1994. Use of medications was recorded in 1995 and 2003. The use of musculoskeletal or psychotropic medications by women having a DP or medication due to MD, or MSD diagnoses, respectively, was considered as an indicator of comorbidity. ResultsIn 1995, all DP groups had used psychotropic and musculoskeletal medications more often than the referents. Use of musculoskeletal medications was associated with a higher use of psychotropic medications, and vice versa (OR=2.45; 95% CI 2.17–2.77), compared with non-use. The ‘MSDs only’ group was more likely to use psychotropic (OR=1.79; 95% CI 1.50–2.12), and the ‘MDs only’ group musculoskeletal medications (OR=1.38; 95% CI 1.09–1.74), compared with those without DPs. The proportions of medication users were similar in 1995 and 2003; however, the amounts used increased. ConclusionsThere was strong evidence for comorbidity between MDs and MSDs in ageing women. Further research concerning their longitudinal relationships is warranted.

Detecting pathological features and predicting fracture risk from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry images using deep learning

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard imaging method for diagnosing osteoporosis in clinical practice. The DXA images are commonly used to estimate a numerical value for bone mineral density (BMD), which decreases in osteoporosis. Low BMD is a known risk factor for osteoporotic fractures. In this study, we used deep learning to identify lumbar scoliosis and structural abnormalities that potentially affect BMD but are often neglected in lumbar spine DXA analysis. In addition, we tested the approach's ability to predict fractures using only DXA images. A dataset of 2949 images gathered by Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention Study was used to train a convolutional neural network (CNN) for classification. The model was able to classify scoliosis with an AUC of 0.96 and structural abnormalities causing unreliable BMD measurement with an AUC of 0.91. It predicted fractures occurring within 5 years from the lumbar spine DXA scan with an AUC of 0.63, meeting the predictive performance of combined BMD measurements from the lumbar spine and hip. In an independent test set of 574 clinical patients, AUC for lumbar scoliosis was 0.93 and AUC for unreliable BMD measurements was 0.94. In each classification task, neural network visualizations indicated the model's predictive strategy. We conclude that deep learning could complement the well established DXA method for osteoporosis diagnostics by analyzing incidental findings and image reliability, and improve its predictive ability in the future.

Cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health disorders associate with greater decreases in physical capability in older women

BackgroundGood physical capability is an important part of healthy biological ageing. Several factors influencing physical capability have previously been reported. Long-term reports on physical capability and the onset of clinical disorders and chronic diseases are lacking. Decrease in physical capacity has been shown to increase mortality. This study focuses on the prevalence of chronic diseases. The primary objective of the study was to reveal the association between physical capability and morbidity. Secondary objectives included the validity of self-reported physical capability and the association between baseline physical capability and mortality.MethodsThe OSTPRE (Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention Study) prospective cohort involved all women aged 47–56 years residing in the Kuopio Province, Finland in 1989. Follow-up questionnaires were mailed at five-year intervals. Physical capability questions were first presented in 1994. From these women, we included only completely physically capable subjects at our baseline, in 1994. Physical capability was evaluated with five scale self-reports at baseline and in 2014 as follows: completely physically capable, able to walk but not run, can walk up to 1000 m, can walk up to 100 m and temporarily severely incapable. The prevalences of selected chronic diseases, with a minimum prevalence of 10% in 2014, were compared with the change in self-reported physical capability. Additionally, associations between long-term mortality and baseline physical capability of the whole 1994 study population sample were examined with logistic regression. The correlation of self-reported physical capability with functional tests was studied cross-sectionally at the baseline for a random subsample.ResultsOur study population consisted of 6219 Finnish women with a mean baseline age of 57.0 years. Self-reported physical capability showed statistically significant correlation with functional tests. Cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal disorders show the greatest correlation with decrease of physical capability. Prevalence of hypertension increased from 48.7% in the full physical capability group to 74.5% in the “able to walk up to 100 metres” group (p < 0.001). Rheumatoid arthritis showed a similar increase from 2.1 to 7.4% between these groups. Higher baseline body mass index (BMI) decreases long-term capability (P < 0.001). Women reporting full physical capability at baseline had a mortality rate of 15.1%, in comparison to 48.5% in women within the “able to walk up to 100 m” group (p = 0.357). Mortality increased steadily with worsening baseline physical capability.ConclusionsThe results of this study show that chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders, correlate with faster degradation of physical capability in the elderly. Similar results are shown for increase in BMI. We also demonstrate that the risk of mortality over a 20-year period is higher in individuals with poor baseline physical capability.

Characteristics of Long-Term Femoral Neck Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women: A 25-Year Follow-Up.

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to monitor long‐term changes in bone mineral density (BMD) after menopause and factors affecting BMD. The study population consisted of a random sample of 3222 women from the Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention (OSTPRE) study, of which 62.1% were postmenopausal at the beginning of the study. This group of women underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements at the femoral neck every 5 years from baseline (in 1989) up to 25‐year follow‐up. They also responded to risk‐factor questionnaires at 5‐year intervals. During the 25‐year follow‐up, the baseline cohort decreased to 686 women. The women were divided into quartiles based on their baseline BMD. Self‐reported hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and corticosteroid use were divided into ever users and never users. Morbidity was assessed as the total number of self‐reported diseases and BMD‐affecting diseases. The mean 25‐year BMD change was found to be −10.1%, p < 0.001. Higher baseline BMD was associated with higher bone loss rate; the reduction in the highest quartile BMD was 11.1% and in the lowest quartile 7.4% (p = 0.0031). Lower baseline body mass index (BMI) and a greater increase in BMI were found to protect against postmenopausal bone loss (p < 0.001). The lowest bone loss quartile included 15.2% more HRT users than the highest bone loss quartile (p = 0.004). The number of diseases/bone‐affecting diseases, use of vitamin D/calcium supplementation, use of corticosteroids, smoking or alcohol use had no statistical significance for annual bone loss rate. This study presents hitherto the longest (25‐year) BMD follow‐up in postmenopausal women. The linear femoral neck bone loss of 10% was less than previously assumed. A 5‐year BMD change appeared to predict long‐term bone loss in postmenopausal women. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

&lt;p&gt;Metabolite Profiling of Osteoporosis and Atherosclerosis in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study&lt;/p&gt;

PurposeAtherosclerosis (AS) and osteoporosis (OP) are common causes of morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women and are connected via an unknown mechanistic link. Metabolite profiling of blood samples may allow the identification of new biomarkers and pathways for this enigmatic association.Patients and MethodsWe studied the difference in 148 metabolite levels from serum samples in postmenopausal women with AS and OP compared with those in healthy participants in this cross-sectional study. Quantitative AS was assessed by carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid artery calcifications (CACs) by ultrasound, as well as OP by femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (BMD) and 148 metabolic measures with high-throughput proton (1H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in serum samples from 280 postmenopausal (PM) women. Subjects were a randomly selected subsample from the population-based Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention (OSTPRE) study. The final study population included the following groups: OP with CAC (n=16, group I), non-OP with no CAC (n=59, group II), high cIMT tertile with OP (n=11, group III) and low cIMT tertile without OP (n=48, group IV).ResultsThere were differences in several metabolite levels between groups I and II. The acetate level was lower in group I compared to that in group II (group I mean ± SD: 0.033 ± 0.0070; group II: 0.041 ± 0.014, CI95%: 0.018‒0.15, p=0.014). The result was similar with diacylglycerol (p=0.002), leucine (p=0.031), valine (p=0.022) and several very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) metabolite levels, which were lower in group I compared to those in group II. However, no associations were found in adjusted analyses with total body (TB) fat mass (FM), age and statin use (p>0.05).ConclusionOur novel study found differences in the metabolite profiling of altered amino acid and lipoprotein metabolism in participants with OP and AS compared with those in healthy women. The causative mechanisms remain unknown and further studies are needed.

Interaction of recommended levels of physical activity and protein intake is associated with greater physical function and lower fat mass in older women: Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor- (OSTPRE) and Fracture-Prevention Study.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether the interaction of physical activity (PA) and protein intake is associated with physical function (PF). The women from the Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Fracture Prevention Study (n 610) completed a questionnaire on lifestyle factors and PA and underwent PF and body composition measurements at baseline (BL) and over 3years of follow-up (3y-FU). PA was categorised according to WHO cut-off PA=0, 0<PA<2·5 and PA≥2·5h/week. Protein intake was calculated from the 3-d food record at baseline and categorised according to the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations <1·1 and ≥1·1g/kg body weight (BW). The results showed in univariate ANOVA at the baseline and at the 3-year follow-up, women with high PA≥2·5h/week and protein intake≥1·1g/kg BW had higher grip strength adjusted for BMI, higher mean number of chair rises, faster mean walking speed, higher modified mean short physical performance battery score and lower mean fat mass compared with other interaction groups. High PA and protein intake were associated with lower BMI despite significantly higher energy intake. In conclusion, higher PA and protein intake interaction was associated with greater PF and lower fat mass, but the association with relative skeletal muscle index and muscle mass was inconclusive. The present study gives noteworthy information for preventing sarcopenia.

Cross-Validation of Arthroplasty Records Between Arthroplasty and Hospital Discharge Registers, Self-Reports, and Medical Records Among a Cohort of 14,220 Women

BackgroundThere are no actual validation studies of the Finnish Arthroplasty Register (FAR), and only a few studies about the accuracy of self-reported hip and knee arthroplasty exist. Therefore, we examine how reliably total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasties can be identified from multiple data sources, including self-reports, the hospital discharge register, the arthroplasty register, and medical records. MethodsData from the FAR and from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register (FHDR) during the years 1980-2010 were cross-checked to identify all THA and TKA events for the Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention Study cohort (n = 14,220). Unclear events were further checked from the medical records. After establishing a gold standard, by referring to confirmed THAs and TKAs, we examined the validity of self-reports in identifying the prevalent population with THA/TKA and in identifying incident THA/TKA. ResultsCompleteness of 2820 total arthroplasty events was 96.1% in FAR and 98.3% in FHDR. The self-reports had 95.1% sensitivity and 92.9% positive predictive value (PPV) to identify population with THA and for TKA sensitivity was 94.6% and PPV 95.2%. Self-reports’ sensitivity of finding the actual surgery events was 65.3% and PPV 85.4% for THA and for TKA sensitivity was 62.9% and PPV 83.4%. ConclusionThe best way to identify THAs and TKAs in Finland is to combine data from the FAR and the FHDR. Self-reports can be considered as suitable to identify the prevalent population with THA/TKA, and they do not work as well to identify the actual surgery events.

Associations of Baltic Sea and Mediterranean dietary patterns with bone mineral density in elderly women.

Dietary quality in relation to bone health has been analysed in relatively few studies. The current study aimed to assess the association of the Baltic Sea diet (BSD) and the Mediterranean diet (MD) with bone mineral density (BMD) among elderly women. Lumbar, femoral and total body BMD were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and year 3. Dietary intake was measured by 3 d food record at baseline. BSD and MD scores were calculated from food and alcohol consumption and nutrient intake. Information on lifestyle, diseases and medications was collected by questionnaires. Longitudinal associations of BSD and MD scores with BMD were analysed using linear mixed models. Interventional prospective Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Fracture Prevention study including women aged 65-71 years and residing in Kuopio province, Finland. Women (n 554) with mean age of 67·9 (sd 1·9) years and mean BMI of 28·8 (sd 4·7) kg/m2. Higher BSD scores were associated with higher intakes of fruit and berries, vegetables, fish and low-fat dairy products, and lower intake of sausage. Higher MD scores were associated with higher consumption of fruit and berries and vegetables. BSD and MD scores were associated with higher PUFA:SFA and higher fibre intake. Femoral, lumbar or total body BMD was not significantly different among the quartiles of BSD or MD score. The lack of associations suggest that Baltic Sea and Mediterranean dietary patterns may not adequately reflect dietary factors relevant to bone health.

Postmenopausal hormone therapy and Alzheimer disease: A prospective cohort study.

Objective:To explore the association between postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) and Alzheimer disease (AD).Methods:Twenty-year follow-up data from the Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention study cohort were used. Self-administered questionnaires were sent to all women aged 47–56 years, residing in Kuopio Province starting in 1989 until 2009, every 5th year. Register-based information on HT prescriptions was available since 1995. Probable AD cases, based on DSM-IV and National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke–Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria, were identified from the special reimbursement register (1999–2009). The study population included 8,195 women (227 cases of incident AD).Results:Postmenopausal estrogen use was not associated with AD risk in register-based or self-reported data (hazard ratio/95% confidence interval 0.92/0.68–1.2, 0.99/0.75–1.3, respectively). Long-term self-reported postmenopausal HT was associated with reduced AD risk (0.53/0.31–0.91). Similar results were obtained with any dementia diagnosis in the hospital discharge register as an outcome.Conclusions:Our results do not provide strong evidence for a protective association between postmenopausal HT use and AD or dementia, although we observed a reduced AD risk among those with long-term self-reported HT use.

Inclusion of Regional Body Composition Parameters Improves Bone Mineral Density Cross-Calibration Between GE Lunar Prodigy and iDXA Densitometers

Since 1989, the Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention (OSTPRE, n = 14220) Study has followed long-term changes of bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition in women with GE Lunar devices. During the course of OSTPRE, the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device had to be replaced by a newer model. Then, it was essential to determine whether systematic measurement differences in BMD and body composition will occur. As a part of the OSTPRE study, BMD was measured in 54 women, whereas body composition was determined in 55 women, aged 27–71, by using both the GE Healthcare Lunar Prodigy and iDXA narrow-angle fan beam densitometers during the same visit. The total body fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM) results of these scanners showed a high linear correlation (r = 0.981–0.994, p < 0.0001). However, the mean total body FM and LBM values measured by iDXA were on average 2.3% (0.5 kg, 95% confidence interval: 0.3–0.7 kg) higher and 0.8% (0.3 kg, 95% confidence interval: 0.1–0.6 kg) lower, respectively, than those measured by Prodigy. Inclusion of local soft tissue measurements (total body LBM, legs/android FM) improved the agreement of total body, total hip, and lumbar spine BMD values between the devices but not femoral neck BMD agreement. Equations, based on linear regression analyses, were derived to minimize differences between the instruments. Then, the differences in BMD and body composition measurements were negligible between Prodigy and iDXA. Using correction equations enables an objective comparison of longitudinal BMD and body composition measurements.

Effects of antidepressants on postmenopausal bone loss — A 5-year longitudinal study from the OSTPRE cohort

BackgroundOsteoporosis and depression are major health problems worldwide. The association between antidepressants, a treatment for depression, and bone health needs more detailed exploration. ObjectiveThe present study investigates antidepressant medication use and postmenopausal bone loss over time. MethodsA total of 1988 women (aged 57–67) participating in the Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention Study (OSTPRE) cohort responded to a postal enquiry and had their femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) measured in 1999 and again in 2004. Data on antidepressant use was obtained from the National Prescription Register. Multiple regression techniques were used to test the associations, before and after adjustment for anthropometric, medical, physical and lifestyle factors. ResultsOver the five years of follow-up, 319 (16.0%) women purchased antidepressants. Mean baseline femoral neck BMD for the entire study group was 881mg/cm2 (SD 123) and mean 5-year bone loss was 6.0mg/cm2 (SD 4.7). After adjustments, users of tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) had greater annual BMD loss than non-users (−3.6mg/cm2 vs. −1.1mg/cm2; P=0.031). Accelerated bone loss was also associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor's (SSRI) use (P=0.001) and use of other antidepressants in a dose-response way, with the latter only among women of low-weight and normal-weight women who had lost weight over the study period. ConclusionsIn conclusion, the use of SSRIs seems to accelerate postmenopausal bone loss in a dose-response manner. Associations between TCA and other antidepressant use and bone loss may also exist. Thus, the possibility of increased risk of osteoporosis should be considered when prescribing antidepressants for postmenopausal women.

Association of adipokines and estradiol with bone and carotid calcifications in postmenopausal women

Objectives Carotid artery calcifications (CAC) and high carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) are associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) by unknown mechanisms in postmenopausal women. Leptin, adiponectin and estradiol may mediate these associations. Our aim was to study the relationships of the aforementioned factors to bone health (BMD) and carotid atherosclerosis (CAC and cIMT).Method Participants (n = 290, mean age 73.6 years) for this cross-sectional OSTPRE-BBA study (Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention – Bone, Brain and Atherosclerosis) were randomly selected from the OSTPRE cohort in 2009. Femoral neck and total body BMDs, trunk and total body fat mass were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and cIMT (mm) and CAC (no/yes) were measured with B-type ultrasound. Free estradiol, adiponectin and leptin were measured from serum samples.Results Circulating estradiol levels were associated with leptin (β = 0.131, p < 0.001), but not with adiponectin (p > 0.05), when adjusted for total body fat mass. There were no associations between estradiol tertiles and BMDs, or with cIMT or CAC. Adiponectin levels were inversely associated with femoral neck BMD (p = 0.019, β = −0.138) and total body BMD (p = 0.009, β = −0.142), adjusted for total body fat mass, age, current smoking and estradiol, but showed no relationship with CAC or cIMT. Leptin levels were not associated with BMDs or cIMT; but the odds ratio was 1.5 between the CAC and leptin quartiles (p = 0.014), adjusted for total body fat mass, age, statin use and calcium intake.Conclusion The adipokines are associated with vascular calcification and low BMD. Moreover, estradiol was not independently associated with BMD or CAC.

The relationship of severe health disorders with bone loss, grip strength, and mobility in postmenopausal women – a 15-year follow-up study

Purpose: To investigate the relationships of severe health disorders (SHD) with bone loss, grip strength (GS) and mobility in postmenopausal women. Method: The study sample consisted of 2227 Finnish women (mean age 53.2) from the Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention (OSTPRE) cohort. Postal inquiries and clinical measurements were completed during the 15-year follow-up at 5-year intervals between 1989 and 2004. Femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) and GS were measured. Life-style factors and mobility were obtained via postal inquiries. Work disability pension according to the ICD-9 was an indicator of a SHD. Results: At the baseline 242 women had SHD, 506 got late SHD during 1989–1995, whereas 1479 women had none until 1996. The women with baseline SHD had higher annual bone loss (0.44%) than those without SHD (0.34%) (p < 0.05), those with late SHD (0.39%) no difference was seen. Bone loss was highest with respiratory diseases, but BMD was lowest throughout the follow-up in nervous and sense organ diseases. Lower GS and mobility was also associated with SHD. Conclusion: Effects of SHDs on BMD, GS, and mobility are disease-specific. Thus, rehabilitation should be encouraged in postmenopausal women with SHD, especially in case of diseases of respiratory and nervous system.Implications for RehabilitationOsteoporosis, muscle strength and co-morbidityWomen with severe health disorders (SHD) leading to work disability have impaired musculoskeletal health.Active monitoring of the musculoskeletal health is advised for those with SHD.Women with SHD may benefit from rehabilitative treatment in order to avoid complications of musculoskeletal impairments.

Carotid intima-media thickness and calcification in relation to bone mineral density in postmenopausal women—The OSTPRE-BBA study

ObjectivesAtherosclerosis (AS) and osteoporosis are common diseases in elderly people and may be metabolically related. The aim of this cross-sectional population-based study was to explore the association between common carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT), carotid artery calcification (CAC), and BMD in postmenopausal women. In addition, the association of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) and selected diseases with cIMT and carotid calcification was studied. Study designThe 290 women (mean age 73.6 years) included in this Bone Brain Atherosclerosis study (OSTPRE-BBA) were randomly selected from the population-based Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention (OSTPRE) study cohort, Finland. Main outcome measuresFor this cross-sectional study, cIMT was measured with B-mode ultrasound; femoral neck and total body BMD were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. ResultsThere were no statistically significant associations between mean cIMT and femoral neck T-score (p>0.05). However, an increased maximum cIMT was significantly associated with low femoral neck T-score. In the osteoporotic group (T-score <−2.5, n=20), the maximum cIMT was 2.51±0.88mm (mean±SD); in the normal BMD group (T-score >−1, n=122), it was 1.93±0.64mm (p=0.001). The odds of having CAC were approximately four-fold higher in the osteoporotic group compared with the group with a normal femoral neck T-score (odds ratio [OR]=4.2, p=0.038). The maximum cIMT was smaller in HT users (1.98±0.56mm, n=190) than in non-users (2.16±0.74mm, n=156, p=0.036). ConclusionsThe results of our population-based study suggest that BMD is related to AS, at least in carotid arteries. They indirectly support the hypothesis of partially shared pathophysiological mechanisms between these two disorders.

Evaluation of the FRAX model for hip fracture predictions in the population-based Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention Study (OSTPRE).

Calibration of the Finnish FRAX model was evaluated using a locally derived population-based cohort of postmenopausal women (n = 13,917). Hip fractures were observed from national register-based data and verified from radiological records. For a subpopulation of 11,182 women, there were enough data to calculate the fracture probabilities using the Finnish FRAX tool (without bone mineral density). A 10-year period prevalence of hip fractures to this subpopulation was 0.66 %. The expected numbers of hip fractures were significantly higher than the self reported ones (O/E ratio 0.46; 95 % CI 0.33-0.63), had a tendency to be greater than the observed ones (O/E ratio 0.83; 95 % CI 0.65-1.04), and calibration in terms of goodness-of-fit of absolute probabilities was questionable (P = 0.015). Strikingly, the 10-year period prevalence of hip fractures to the whole cohort was higher (0.84 %) than for the women with FRAX measurements (0.66 %). This was mainly the result of difference between people who had and who had not responded to postal enquiries (0.71 vs. 1.77 %, P < 0.0001). Self-reports missed to capture 38 % of all hip fractures in those who responded and about 45 % of hip fractures in women who had a FRAX estimate. The Finnish FRAX tool seems to provide appropriate discrimination for hip fracture risk, but caution is required in the interpretation of absolute risk, especially if used for population that may not be representing general population per se. Our study also showed that patients with no response had significantly higher hip fracture risk and that the use of purely self-reported hip fractures in calculations results in biased incidence and period prevalence estimates. Such important biases may remain unnoticed if there are no data from other sources available.

Alcohol consumption and bone mineral density in elderly women.

Findings regarding alcohol consumption and bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly women have been inconsistent. The objective of the present study was to explore the association of alcohol intake with BMD in elderly women. This cohort study included women from the population-based Kuopio Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Prevention - Fracture Prevention Study (OSTPRE-FPS). Alcohol intake and potential confounders were assessed at baseline and after 3 years of follow-up using a lifestyle questionnaire. In addition, an FFQ was distributed in the third year to measure dietary intake, including alcohol. Women underwent BMD measurements at the femoral neck and lumbar spine at baseline and after 3 years of follow-up. Kuopio Province, Finland. Three hundred elderly women (mean age 67·8 years) who provided both BMD measurements and FFQ data. Alcohol consumption estimated from the FFQ and lifestyle questionnaire was significantly associated with BMD at both measurement sites after adjustment for potential confounders, including lifestyle and dietary factors (P < 0·05). Using the FFQ, women drinking >3 alcoholic drinks/week had significantly higher BMD than abstainers, 12·0 % at the femoral neck and 9·2 % at the lumbar spine. Results based on the lifestyle questionnaire showed higher BMD values for all alcohol-consuming women at the femoral neck and for women drinking 1-3 alcoholic beverages/week at the lumbar spine, compared with non-users. The results from OSTPRE-FPS suggest that low to moderate alcohol intake may exert protective effects on bone health in elderly women.