Value Of Bone Turnover Markers Research Articles

Predictive value of bone turnover markers and thyroid indicators for bone metabolism in GD patients after treatment.

To investigate the relationship between bone turnover markers (BTMs) and thyroid indicators in Graves' disease (GD) and to further assess predictive value of changes in early stage retrospectively. We studied 435 patients with GD and 113 healthy physical examiners retrospectively and followed up these two groups of patients after 6 months. We investigated the correlations between BTMs and other 15 observed factors, and analyzed the predictive value of FT3 and FT4 before and after treatment (FT3-P/FT3-A, FT4-P/FT4-A) on whether BTMs recovered. The levels of thyroid hormones and BTMs in GD group were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05) and decreased after 6 months of treatment. FT3, W, Ca and ALP were independent factors in predicting the elevation of OST. Duration of disease, FT3, TSH and ALP were independent factors in predicting the elevation of P1NP. Age, duration of disease, TRAb and ALP were independent factors in predicting the elevation of CTX-1. The AUC of FT3-P/FT3-A and FT4-P/FT4-A for predicting OST recovery were 0.748 and 0.705 (P < 0.05), respectively, and the cut-off values were 0.51 and 0.595. There was no predictive value for P1NP and CTX-1 recovery (P > 0.05). BTMs were abnormally elevated in GD and were significantly correlated with serum levels of FT3, FT4, TRAb, Ca, and ALP. FT3 decreased more than 51% and FT4 dropped more than 59.5% after 6 months of treatment were independent predictors for the recovery of BTMs in GD.

Abnormal Bone Turnover Observed in Obese Children based on Puberty Stage-Specific Bone Turnover Marker Reference.

Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for lifelong bone health. The impact of obesity on these phases is controversial, which may be due to the lack of standards for age-, sex-, and puberty-specific bone turnover markers (BTMs) that could sensitively reflect bone metabolism. To generate age-, sex, and puberty stage-specific BTM reference curves in children and adolescents and to explore the effect of obesity on bone metabolism in the Chinese population. Our study was part of the Evaluation and Monitoring on School-based Nutrition and Growth in Shenzhen study. A total of 800 participants aged 6∼18 years with normal body mass index (BMI) were selected to establish BTM reference curves for boys and girls at different ages under different pubertal development stages. Additionally, 200 participants with obesity (BMI > 95th percentile) were matched with healthy children from the original cohort at a 1:1 ratio. All participants underwent bone mineral density assessment, and serum levels of procollagen type 1 N-propeptide (P1NP) and β-C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) were measured. The BTM values presented significant age, sex, and puberty stage differences. Analysis of serum BTMs based on the established reference revealed a higher percentage of low-level P1NP in boys with obesity (P = .005); no significant difference was observed in girls. However, the obese group showed a significantly higher proportion of high β-CTX levels for girls, not boys (P = .022). We provide age-, sex-, and puberty stage-specific P1NP and β-CTX reference curves. According to these, obesity appeared to be a negative factor for bone formation in boys and for bone resorption in girls.

Machine learning model for osteoporosis diagnosis based on bone turnover markers.

To assess the diagnostic utility of bone turnover markers (BTMs) and demographic variables for identifying individuals with osteoporosis. A cross-sectional study involving 280 participants was conducted. Serum BTM values were obtained from 88 patients with osteoporosis and 192 controls without osteoporosis. Six machine learning models, including extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), light gradient boosting machine (LGBM), CatBoost, random forest, support vector machine, and k-nearest neighbors, were employed to evaluate osteoporosis diagnosis. The performance measures included the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), F1-score, and accuracy. After AUROC optimization, LGBM exhibited the highest AUROC of 0.706. Post F1-score optimization, LGBM's F1-score was improved from 0.50 to 0.65. Combining the top three optimized models (LGBM, XGBoost, and CatBoost) resulted in an AUROC of 0.706, an F1-score of 0.65, and an accuracy of 0.73. BTMs, along with age and sex, were found to contribute significantly to osteoporosis diagnosis. This study demonstrates the potential of machine learning models utilizing BTMs and demographic variables for diagnosing preexisting osteoporosis. The findings highlight the clinical relevance of accessible clinical data in osteoporosis assessment, providing a promising tool for early diagnosis and management.

Aging effects on osteoclast progenitor dynamics affect variability in bone turnover via feedback regulation.

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are commonly used in osteoporosis treatment as indicators of cell activities of bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts. The wide variability in their values due to multiple factors, such as aging and diseases, makes it difficult for physicians to utilize them for clinical decision-making. The progenitors of osteoclasts and osteoblasts are indispensable for a comprehensive interpretation of the variability in BTM values because these upstream progenitors strongly regulate the downstream cell activities of bone turnover. However, understanding the complex interactions among the multiple populations of bone cells is challenging. In this study, we aimed to gain a fundamental understanding of the mechanism by which the progenitor dynamics affect the variability in bone turnover through in silico experiments by exploring the cell dynamics with aging effects on osteoporosis. Negative feedback control driven by the consumptive loss of progenitors prevents rapid bone loss due to excessive bone turnover, and through feedback regulation, aging effects on osteoclast differentiation and osteoclast progenitor proliferation cause variability in the osteoclast and osteoblast activity balance and its temporal transition. By expressing the variability in the bone turnover status, our model describes the individualities of patients based on their clinical backgrounds. Therefore, our model could play a powerful role in assisting tailored treatment and has the potential to resolve the various health problems associated with osteoporosis worldwide.

Determination of reference values of CTx and NMID-Osteocalcin and their association with osteoporosis in postmenopausal chilean women

Bone densitometry (BD) has high specificity in the osteoporosis diagnosis but suboptimal sensitivity to estimate fracture risk. It was proposed that bone turnover markers (BTM) could be included in the osteoporosis risk algorithm, although the extent of its association is unknown. One recommended BTM to assess bone resorption is Beta-Cross Laps (B-CTx), while a BTM to assess bone formation is osteocalcin. To establish BCTx and N-MID osteocalcin (N-MID) ranges in postmenopausal women (PM) and compare BTM levels in two groups: control and with abnormal BD. PM with BD within the last year were recruited. A questionnaire of risk factors for fractures was applied, and BTM was measured. Volunteers with diseases that would affect bone remodeling were excluded. 117 PM (57 control and 60 with abnormal BD) were recruited. 18% had osteoporosis, and the groups were comparable. The ranges for B-CTx and N-MID were 0.41 ± 0.18 [IC95% 0.37-0.45] and 22.76 ± 7.73 [IC95% 21.29-24.24] ng/mL. The mean levels of B-CTx and N-MID were higher in the group with abnormal BD (0.46 ± 0.19 and 24.29 ± 8.04 ng/mL). A moderate correlation between both BTM was found, but it was weak with abnormal BD. B-CTx and N-MID ranges were assessed for the first time in Chilean PM, similar to values found in other countries. Slightly higher values of BTM were found in the group with abnormal BD, which the presence of omitted secondary causes could explain. These BTM could be a complementary tool to BD and FRAX in bone evaluation.

Low Bone Turnover Associates With Lower Insulin Sensitivity in Newly Diagnosed Drug-Naïve Persons With Type 2 Diabetes.

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are lower in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The relationships between bone turnover, β-cell function, and insulin sensitivity in T2D are uncertain. To investigate if fasting levels of BTMs in persons with T2D are associated with β-cell function or insulin sensitivity. We defined three T2D phenotypes, the insulinopenic (low β-cell function, high insulin sensitivity), the classical (low β-cell function, low insulin sensitivity), and the hyperinsulinemic (high β-cell function, low insulin sensitivity) phenotypes, in the Danish Centre for Strategic Research T2D cohort using the homeostatic model assessment. We selected age- and gender-matched subgroups to represent the three T2D phenotypes, yielding 326 glucose-lowering treatment-naïve persons with T2D. Median values of BTMs between the three T2D phenotypes were compared. Regression models were applied to assess the association between BTMs, β-cell function, and insulin sensitivity adjusted for potential confounders. Median serum levels of procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, and osteocalcin were higher in the insulinopenic phenotype (52.3 μg/L, IQR 41.6, 63.3; 259.4 ng/L, IQR 163.4, 347.7; and 18.0 μg/L, IQR 14.4, 25.2, respectively) compared with the classical (41.4, IQR 31.0, 51.4; 150.4 IQR 103.5, 265.1; 13.1, IQR 10.0, 17.6, respectively) and the hyperinsulinemic (43.7, IQR 32.3, 57.3; 163.3, IQR 98.9, 273.1; 15.7 IQR 10.2, 20.8, respectively) phenotypes (all P < .01). These differences persisted after adjustment for age, sex, waist to hip ratio, or fasting plasma glucose (P < .01). BTMs are lower in newly diagnosed persons with T2D characterized by low insulin sensitivity.

Bone Turnover Markers and Bone Mineral Density in Children with Hypophosphatemic Rickets

Hypophosphatemic rickets is a rare disease that results in bone deformities. However, little is known about bone turnover and bone mass disorders in this disease. This retrospective study included 12 children aged 1–16 years diagnosed with hypophosphatemic rickets. Parameters of calcium-phosphate metabolism and bone turnover markers were analysed. Bone mineral density was assessed with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and indices of quantitative ultrasound examination of tibiae and radial bones were analysed. In the majority of patients, hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphaturia were present. The assessed bone turnover markers showed increased bone formation. Increased pyridinoline levels were found in 5 out of 12 patients. Bone mineral density was decreased only in one patient. Decreased values of quantitative ultrasound examination were observed in all the analysed patients. Conclusions: (1) Bone metabolism disturbances, reflected in the increased values of bone turnover markers and worse bone quality, were found in the group of patients with hypophosphatemic rickets. (2) It is crucial to determine bone turnover markers, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry findings and indices of quantitative ultrasound examination in order to monitor progress of the disease, as well as treatment effects.

The impact of acute fracture on interpretation of bone turnover marker measurements for patients starting anti-resorptive therapies.

Bone turnover markers (BTM) are used in evaluating patients' response to anti-resorptive agents (ARA). Fracture and its healing process, however, can influence the measurements, which might make their interpretation difficult in patients with a recent fracture. We aimed to evaluate the effect of oral ARA on changes in BTM levels in patients with a recent distal radius fracture (DRF). In 143 women who had a new DRF and then received oral ARA including selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM, n=101), and bisphosphonate (n=42), we measured serum cross-linked C-telopeptides of type I collagen (CTXI) and osteocalcin, at baseline and six months, as well as lumbar and total hip bone mineral density (BMD) at baseline and one year after fracture. We determined the predictive value of BTM at six months in determining one-year responses in BMD. Both BTM levels decreased significantly at six months, with the average decrease of 27±63% for CTX-I and 11%±37% for osteocalcin. The percent changes of BTM at six months were independent predictors of the BMD change. Cutoff points of 50.0% CTX-I decrease and 23.5% for osteocalcin decrease had the highest sensitivities and specificities for detecting BMD responders for bisphosphonate users, but cutoffs could not be found for SERM users. Although a fresh fracture can influence BTM, ARA therapy significantly reduced their levels and their percent change at six months could predict BMD improvement at one year. However, adjusted cutoff points can be necessary to increase sensitivity for detecting patients responsive to ARA treatment after a new DRF.

The predictive value of bone turnover markers during discontinuation of alendronate: the PROSA study.

It is unknown how to monitor patients discontinuing alendronate (ALN) after more than 5 years. We investigated if BTM measured before or during treatment discontinuation with ALN predict bone loss after 1 or 2 years. PROSA was a cohort study conducted at Aarhus University Hospital including postmenopausal women and men above 50 years treated with ALN ≥ 5 years who had osteopenia at the hip and BMD T-score at the lumbar spine > - 4. ALN was discontinued and BTMs were measured at baseline, months (M) 1, 3, 6, and 12, and DXA was performed at baseline, M6, and M12. We extended the study and measured BTMs and performed DXA at M24. The primary endpoint was if changes in p-CTX at M3 or M6 predict changes in THBMD after 1 year ( Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT03051620). We enrolled 136 participants discontinuing ALN after a median of 7.0 years (range 5.0-20.0 years) in PROSA and 124 participants in PROSA Extension. There was a significant decrease in LSBMD - 0.74% ± 0.27, THBMD - 2.65% ± 0.39, FNBMD - 2.35% ± 0.33, and trabecular bone score - 0.97% ± 0.35 and an increase in p-CTX by 61.1% ± 4.7 (p < 0.05 for all) after 24 months. Increase in p-CTX at M3 was associated with bone loss at the hip sites at M12 and M24. In patients discontinuing ALN, BMD decreased significantly and BTMs increased within the reference range over 2 years. An increase in p-CTX after 3 months was associated with greater bone loss at the hip confirming that maintenance of BMD during treatment discontinuation is dependent on continued suppression of bone turnover.

Bone turnover markers to assess jawbone quality prior to dental implant treatment: a case-control study

BackgroundBone quality is as important as bone mineral density in terms of bone strength. Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are clinical indicators of bone quality. In implant dentistry, bone quality is considered equivalent to bone density on radiographic assessments. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the BTM values are reflected in jawbone condition by evaluating the relationship at baseline and during follow-up in patients with prosthodontic implants.Computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained and BTM (osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen, and crosslinked N-telopeptide of type I collagen) levels in blood samples were measured in partially edentulous eighteen patients before implant surgery. During the follow-up observation after implant surgery, marginal bone loss (MBL) was measured on dental radiography. We investigated the relationship between the presence of BTM abnormalities and radiographic bone density.ResultsMore women than men had abnormal BTM values. Bone turnover was accelerated in the group of women with abnormal BTM values. The density of cancellous bone at the implant placement site was significantly lower in the patients with abnormally high BTM values than in their counterparts with BTM values in the normal range.ConclusionsFemale patients who undergo implant treatments may have reduced bone quality; evaluations of bone strength will require assessments of both BTMs and the density of cancellous bone.

Hypercalcemia upon denosumab withdrawal in primary hyperparathyroidism: a case report and literature review

Denosumab discontinuation is associated with a rapid increase in bone resorption and a decrease in bone mineral density. Spontaneous vertebral fractures may occur as a side effect of the rebound of bone resorption. Cases of rebound-linked hypercalcemia have also been described, moderate in women with osteoporosis and breast cancer and severe in children receiving oncological doses of denosumab. We report the case of an adult woman with primary hyperparathyroidism and moderate hypercalcemia, treated with denosumab for osteoporosis, who developed severe hypercalcemia and spontaneous vertebral fractures (SVFs) after denosumab discontinuation. An 86-year-old woman with densitometric osteoporosis was treated for 3 years with 60 mg of subcutaneous denosumab every 6 months. She was known to have primary hyperparathyroidism, with a serum albumin-corrected calcium of 2.82 mmol/l (NV 2.15–2.5) at the end of denosumab effect. Nine months after the last denosumab injection, she was hospitalized due to worsening overall health. Clinical evaluation revealed severe hypercalcemia (calcium 3.35 mmol/l). Very high values of bone turnover markers (BTMs) suggested a rebound effect due to denosumab discontinuation. An X-ray showed multiple new SVFs. After injection of denosumab 60 mg, serum calcium rapidly decreased and BTMs were dramatically reduced. A surgical approach by minimally invasive parathyroidectomy allowed for definite resolution of hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia. This case suggests that hypercalcemia can be a side consequence of denosumab discontinuation, which can become severe when other causes of hypercalcemia, such as primary hyperparathyroidism, are present.

Variation of urinary and serum bone turnover marker reference values among pre and postmenopausal women in Asia: a systematic review.

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are not widely used in clinical decision-making partly due to the wide variation of the reference values. This paper describes the geographical variation in BTMs reported from Asian countries. A systematic search was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid. We searched for BTMs or individual BTMs in Asia or different countries in the Asian region. Original research which published BTM values were included while reviews, comments, and meta-analyses were excluded. Of 650 articles, 23 fulfilled the selection criteria and were considered for this study. Among premenopausal women, mean intact OC ranged from 3.35 in Japan to 7.38ng/mL (55%) in Thailand while it ranged between 3.35 and 5.8ng/mL (42%) within Japan. Mean BALP varied from 15.9 in India to 41.2U/L (61%) in Japan whereas in India, it ranged between 15.9 and 53.7U/L (70%). Mean sP1NP ranged from 29.5 in Japan to 38.02ng/mL in China (22%) whereas sCTX varied from 0.26 in Thailand to 0.099ng/mL (62%) in Japan. Among postmenopausal women, mean total OC ranged from 10.02 in India to 29.8ng/mL (66%) in Japan and intact OC ranged between 2.69 and 9.49ng/mL (72%) within China. Mean BALP ranged from 20.9 in Japan to 60.28U/L (65%) in China, and within China, it ranged from 28.2 to 60.28U/L (53%). Mean sP1NP ranged from 40.11 in China to 56.4ng/mL (29%) in Japan whereas it ranged within China from 40.11 to 53.76ng/mL (25%). Mean sCTX varied from 0.25 to 0.433ng/mL (42%) between the same countries respectively while within China, it varied from 0.25 to 0.395ng/mL (37%). Urinary BTMs showed a lesser variation. A wide inter-country and intra-country variation of serum BTMs was observed among pre and postmenopausal women in Asia. Differences in selection criteria of subjects and those inherited to analytical methods may have contributed to these differences.

Long term effects on biochemical bone markers of a single infusion of zoledronic acid in Paget disease of bone

BackgroundThe aim of the present study is to evaluate long term biochemical response to a single dose of zoledronic acid in patients with Paget disease of bone, as well as evaluating the value of bone turnover markers in diagnosis and follow-up. MethodsThis is an observational, descriptive and prospective study. Included patients received a single-dose intravenous infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid. Bone turnover markers were measured at baseline, and in every follow up visit. ResultsThirty-nine patients with a mean follow-up of 56.49 months were included. At the time Paget disease was diagnosed, all of the patients (100%) had high serum procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide values, but not all patients had high serum C-terminal telopeptide and alkaline phosphatase values (85% and 89% respectively). Biochemical response to therapy occurred in 38 out of 39 patients (97%). Two patients had partial response at 6 months but complete response thereafter. Only one patient relapsed (nadir procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide 35.06 μg/l, value at relapse 75.2 μg/l) 4.5 years after treatment. Values of serum C-terminal telopeptide and alkaline phosphatase of this patient were normal despite P1NP relapse. ConclusionsWe hence conclude that zoledronic acid is effective in inducing and maintaining biochemical remission and that procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide is a better diagnostic and prognostic marker in PDB when compared to C-terminal telopeptide and alkaline phosphatase.

Erişkin hastalarda genel ve rejyonel anestezinin kemik belirteçleri ve kırık iyileşmesi üzerine uzun dönem etkileri

Purpose: Bone metabolism can be monitored quantitatively by measuring bone turnover markers in serum and/or urine. We aimed to investigate long-term effect of the type of the anesthesia on bone turnover markers and fracture healingMaterials and Methods:Thirty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status I-II whom were aged 40-70 years, scheduled for hip fracture were recruited. Patients were divided into the two groups as general anesthesia and regional anesthesia. Only morphine and tramadol were used for postoperative analgesia till the 12th weeks. Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcine, β-C terminal telopeptide and urine β-C terminal telopeptide levels were measured at preoperative, 4.th week and 12.th week of fracture. Results:A total of 25 patients were eligible for the study. There were no statistically significant between groups for values of bone turnover markers at the time point of preoperative, 4.th and 12.th weeks. With using linear regression analysis, serum β-CTX levels at 12.th week can be predict by 4.th weeks β-CTX levels (R2: 0.944) and urine β-CTX levels at 12.th week can be predicted by first week level.Conclusion: This pilot study showed that both general and regional anesthesia has similar effect on bone turnover markers and fracture healing.

Use of Bone Turnover Markers in Clinical Practice for the Management of Osteoporosis in Korea: From the Survey on the Prescription Pattern of Bone Turnover Markers.

BackgroundThere has been interest in the clinical potential of bone turnover markers (BTMs) as tools both for assessing fracture risk and for monitoring treatment. However, the practical use of BTMs has been limited by their biological variability and difficulties in the interpretation of results. We investigated the current situation of application of BTMs by clinicians in Korea for the management of osteoporosis through a survey asking the patterns of BTMs prescription in clinical practice.MethodsThe survey was conducted online using the “google survey” by the BTM committee authorized by the Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research.ResultsTotal 108 clinicians responded the survey. Most of the respondents prescribed BTMs (80.6%) when they prescribed anti-osteoporotic medications (AOMs). The most frequently prescribed bone resorption and formation markers were serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (90.7%) and osteocalcin (65.1%), respectively. BTMs were mostly prescribed before starting AOMs (90.8%) and used for the purpose of evaluating treatment response (74.4%). Treatment response and compliance to AOMs were evaluated according to the change of absolute value of BTMs (55.1%). The respondents complained difficulties in the interpretation of BTMs (33.3%), the choice of proper BTMs (17.2%), and the proper sample preparation and handling (13.8%).ConclusionsIn Korea, most of clinicians recognized the benefit of BTMs in the management of osteoporosis. However, there are limitations in the broad use of these markers in clinical practice. Therefore, a clear recommendation for BTM in Korea enhances their use in clinical practice.

Effect of type of sport, weekly physical exertion and body mass index on values of bone turnover markers in elite female athletes

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Introduction. The aim of the study was to determine the level of bone turnover markers (serum middle fragment of osteocalcin and b-CrossLaps) in young female athletes involved in different sports, as well as to determine the relation between bone turnover markers (BMT) and type of sports activity, weekly physical exertion and body mass index. Methods. Out of a total of 111 female participants, 78 of them were elite athletes while the control group consisted of 33 female students of the faculty of medicine, of a similar age. Athletes with any kind of menstrual irregularity (N=18) were excluded from the study. Therefore, the sample was comprised of 27 basketball and handball players, 11 middleand long-distance runners and 22 dancers. Results. Athletes belonging to ball game group had significantly greater body mass index and sport experience compared to the other two groups, while the dancers had the lowest weekly physical exertion. There was a statistically significant difference in serum level of osteocalcin bone markers (49.55 &amp;amp;plusmn; 16.83 vs. 36.13 &amp;amp;plusmn; 7.26; p = 0.001) and b-CrossLaps (0.75 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.25 vs. 0.53 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.14; p = 0.001) between female athletes and the control group respondents. Ball game players had a greater osteogenic effect compared to runners and dancers (p &amp;amp;lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the results revealed significant connection between weekly physical exertion and body mass index on the one hand and BMT level on the other hand. Conclusion. Chronic physical activity exerts an osteogenic effect, which is made evident by the concentration of serum level of osteocalcin significantly connected with weekly physical exertion.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

Clinical value of bone turnover markers in the management of osteoporosis

Bone turnover is balanced with coupling of bone formation and resorption at various rates leading to continuous remodeling of bone. Osteoporosis diagnosis, which is nowadays generally made based on bone mineral density (BMD) measurements, suffers from certain limitations. Bone turnover markers (BTMs) can help improve osteoporosis detection. BTMs can provide information that is useful for the management of patients with osteoporosis, for assessing the possible causes of secondary osteoporosis and the correct dosage; they are also potentially useful as surrogate biomarkers for fracture.(Chin J Lab Med, 2018, 41: 333-336) Key words: Osteoporosis; Osteoporotic fractures; Bone density; Biomarkers

A dedicated Fracture Liaison Service telephone program and use of bone turnover markers for evaluating 1-year persistence with oral bisphosphonates.

FLS aims to prevent subsequent fractures, which should include improving patients' persistence with prescribed oral bisphosphonates. We studied the influence of telephone calls and the predictive value of changes in bone turnover markers (BTMs) for evaluating persistence with alendronate. Postmenopausal women with a recent fracture and osteoporosis who started alendronate were randomized to receive three phone calls (PC) (after 1, 4, and 12months) or no phone calls (no PC). s-CTX and P1NP were measured at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12months. As a reference group, 30 postmenopausal osteopenic patients with a recent fracture were analyzed as well. Persistence was assessed using the Dutch National Switch Point Pharmacies-GPs database and cross-referenced with PC, no PC, and BTM changes. Cut-off values of BTMs were calculated based on least significant change (LSC) and also on underrunning median values of the untreated osteopenic postmenopausal reference group with a recent fracture. Out of 119 patients, 93 (78%) completed 12months follow-up (45 PC and 48 no PC). Mean age was 69years. Persistence was similar in PC and no PC participants. The cut-off value > 29% (< 415ng/L) as LSC of s-CTX and > 36% (< 53.1μg/L) as LSC of P1NP was determined optimally showing alendronate persistence after 1year (being 93 and 88%, respectively). In this context, telephone calls did not improve persistence. In around 90% of patients, 1-year alendronate persistence was confirmed by achieving LSC of s-CTX and of P1NP at 12months.

DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Bone turnover markers: are they clinically useful?

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are useful in clinical practice as they are inexpensive, and they have proven useful for treatment monitoring and identification of poor adherence. BTMs cannot be used in individual patients for identifying accelerated bone loss or an increase in fracture risk or in deciding on the optimal therapy. They are useful for monitoring both anti-resorptive and anabolic treatment. Response can be defined as a result that exceeds an absolute target, or by a change greater than the least significant change; if such a response is not present, then poor compliance or secondary osteoporosis are likely causes. A baseline BTM measurement is not always made; in that case, a value of BTM on anti-resorptive treatment that is low or low normal or above the reference interval for anabolic therapy may be taken to indicate a satisfactory response. We provide an approach to using these bone turnover markers in clinical practice by describing algorithms for anti-resorptive and anabolic therapy and describing the changes we observe in the clinical practice setting.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bone turnover markers in Palestinian postmenopausal osteoporosis and normal women

SummaryThis study evaluated the association of vitamin D and bone markers with the development osteoporosis in Palestinian postmenopausal women. Even though vitamin D deficiency was very high for the recruited subjects, it was not associated with osteoporosis except for bones of the hip. Age and obesity were the strongest determining factors of the disease.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the association of bone mineral density (BMD) with serum vitamin D levels, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, obesity, and bone turnover markers in Palestinian postmenopausal women.MethodsThree hundred eighty-two postmenopausal women (≥45 years) were recruited from various women clinics for BMD assessment (131 women had osteoporosis and 251 were normal and served as controls). Blood samples were obtained for serum calcium, PTH, 25(OH)D, bone formation (N-terminal propeptide (PINP)), and bone resorption (serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX1)) markers.ResultsWomen with osteoporosis had statistically significant lower mean weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and serum calcium (p < 0.05) compared to controls. No significant differences were detected between the mean values of bone turnover markers (CTX and PINP), 25(OH)D, and PTH of the two groups. Women with vitamin D deficiency (severe and insufficiency) represented 85.9% of the study subjects. Multiple and logistic regression showed that age and BMI significantly affected BMD and vitamin D had a significant association with BMD only at the lumbar spine. BMI was positively correlated with BMD and PTH but negatively correlated with vitamin D. Logistic regression showed that the odds ratio (OR) for having osteoporosis decreased with increasing BMI (overweight OR = 0.11, p = 0.053; obese OR = 0.05, p = 0.007).ConclusionsThere was no direct correlation between BMD and PTH, bone turnover markers, and vitamin D except at the lumbar spine. A negative correlation between BMD and age and a positive correlation with BMI were observed. The protective effect of obesity on osteoporosis was complicated by the effect of obesity on vitamin D and PTH.