Using data from the U.K.’s Health Improvement Network, a primary care database, Wei et al. examined whether urate-lowering therapy (ULT) in a treat-to-target approach for patients with gout reduces the risk of fracture.
Glucocorticoid Use May Result in Loss of Bone Mineral Density
Adami et al. examined the fracture risk associated with glucocorticoid treatment in women with inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases, finding that low-dose glucocorticoid use may result in significant bone mineral density loss in patients who are not on anti-osteoporotic drugs.
Supplemental Vitamin D May Not Protect Against Fractures in Healthy Adults
Supplemental vitamin D may not significantly lower the risk of fractures in generally healthy adults compared with placebo, according to a large study by LeBoff et al.
U.S. Hip Fracture Incidence Declines with Reductions in Smoking & Drinking
(Reuters Health)—Age-adjusted hip fracture incidence has declined in the U.S. over the past four decades, aided by a decline in smoking and alcohol consumption, a new study suggests. Researchers examined data on 4,918 men and 5,634 women who participated in the prospective Framingham Heart Study from 1970 to 2010. Overall, the age-adjusted incidence of hip…
Denosumab Dosing Delays Tied to Increased Fracture Risk
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Denosumab injection delays of more than four months are associated with an increased risk of fracture compared with on-time injections, especially at the spine, new research indicates. “This study suggests the importance of timely denosumab administration when used for long-term osteoporosis management,” the researchers write in Annals of Internal Medicine.1 “When starting…
Bone Density Concerns: Guidance on Tackling Fracture Risk in CKD
Suggestions on how to assess risk and manage bone issues in chronic kidney disease patients are offered…
If It’s Broken, Fix It: Can an Automated System Predict Short-Term Fracture Risk?
A clinician’s ability to determine which patients are at greatest risk for hip or other fracture is improving with the use of algorithm-based fracture risk calculators…
U.S. Supreme Court Tosses Ruling Against Merck on Fosamax Osteoporosis Drug
WASHINGTON (Reuters)—On May 20, the U.S. Supreme Court threw out a lower court ruling that had revived hundreds of lawsuits accusing Merck & Co. of failing to properly warn patients of debilitating thigh-bone fractures as a result of taking its osteoporosis drug alendronic acid (Fosamax). The nine justices unanimously directed the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit…
A Balancing Act: Tips to Ensure Optimal Screening & Treatment for Osteoporosis
Patients with rheumatic diseases may be undertreated for osteoporosis. To decrease fracture risk for at-risk patients, rheumatologists can engage patients in shared decision making with regular screening and education about treatment options…
Bone Mineral Density Most Important Determinant of Fracture Risk
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—In what is believed to be the largest study investigating genetic and clinical determinants of osteoporotic fracture risk, only a genetic predisposition to low bone mineral density (BMD) had a potential causal role to play. “Notably, genetic predisposition to lower levels of vitamin D and estimated calcium intake from dairy sources were…