The Releation Between Vitamin D and Quality of Life

Aim: To explore the relation between vitamin D and quality of life. Material and Methods: 110 women aged 35 to 65 years were recruited in the study.The demographic data were recorded, and Short Form- 36 (SF-36) and Quality-of-Life Questionnaire of The European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO-41) scales were filled out. Patients were divided into three groups; 25(OH)D level 30 ng/ml as normal. Bone mineral density was measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Modified Romberg test for balance, Timed Get Up and Go test for mobility and 10 meter walk test for gait assesment were used. Results: There was a statistically significant relation-ship between body mass index, wearing style, physical activity and 25(OH)D levels (p<0.01). Also, there was a statistically significant correlation between L2-L4 z-scores and 25(OH)D levels (p<0.05). Although there was a statistically significant correlation between Modified Romberg test and 25(OH)D levels (p<0.05), there was no correletion with Timed Get Up and Go test and 10 meter Walk Test (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant correlation between 25(OH)D levels and SF-36 Physical Function, Vitality scores, QUALEFFO-41 Social Function and Total scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: Deficient or insufficient vitamin D levels impair quality of life. (Turkish Journal of Osteoporosis 2012;18:13-8

Association of Obesity with Forearm Fractures, Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Risk (FRAX®) During Postmenopausal Period

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association among obesity with bone mineral density (BMD) and subsequent fracture risk among postmenopausal women with a previous forearm fracture. Materials and Methods: The study enrolled obese (n=40) and normal-weight (n=40) postmenopausal women who had a previous forearm fracture. BMD measurements were obtained using a GE-LUNAR DPX dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan for all subjects. FRAX® fracture risk scores were calculated taking into account former fractures and current risk factors of the subjects. Both groups were compared with respect to their BMD values, T scores, FRAX® risk scores and frequency of previous fractures. Results: No difference was observed between groups with regard to mean age, mean age of menopause onset and mean serum calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels (p>0.05 for all). Statistically, obese patients showed highly significantly greater mean BMD values at lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck in comparison to subjects with normal body weight (p=0.000 for all). Obese patients had a lower 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture on average as determined by FRAX® fracture risk score compared to that in normal-weight subjects (p<0.05). Also, obese group had a lower 10-year probability of a hip fracture versus normal-weight subjects (p<0.01). Both groups were found to have a similar frequency of previous fractures. Conclusion: Although obese patients in this study had greater BMD values and lower FRAX® risk scores, the probability of subsequent fractures predicted for the obese group was not lower when compared to that predicted for normal-weight group. It should be kept in mind that obesity may not necessarily be protective against fractures and treatment algorithms based solely on BMD might be inadequate to predict future fracture risk

Does Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients’ Bone Mineral Density Differ From Healthy Controls’? - Original Investigation

Aim: To compare the tibia and radius bone mineral density (BMD) and speed of sound (SOS) measures of type 1 DM patients and healthy controls by using Quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) (Sunlight Omnisense 7000S/8000S). Patients and Methods: 40 type 1 DM (17 men, 23 women) and 26 healthy controls (20 women, 6 men),ranging in age from 30 to 50 years, were included in the study. Tibia and radius BMD of all the participants were measured by QUS. Weight and height were noted and BMI (body mass index) were calculated. DM duration, fracture story, nutrition habit and exercise story were also evaluated. Results: Mean age of type 1 DM group and control group were 36.8±5; 40.19±6.31 years respectively. Mean disease duration of type 1 DM group was: 12.4±6.63 years. Tibia T scores of type 1 DM group and control group were: 0.1±1.01; -0.4±1.37 (p=0.089) and radius T scores were -0.12±0.05; 0.05±1.17 (p=0.518) respectively. Tibia SOS values of type 1 DM group and control group were 3977.2±122.06; 3758.46±777.02 (p=0.084) and radius SOS values were 4124.7±110.23; 4163.31±119.98 (p=0.184) respectively. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between type 1 DM patients and healthy group’s tibia and radius T scores and SOS values. Ostepenia was not detected in both groups. (From the World of Osteoporosis 2007;13:28-32

The Association of Vitamin D with Cognitive Functions: Cross-Sectional Study in Young Adult Women

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and cognitive function in younger women. Materials and Methods: One hundred four women aged 18 to 65 years were recruited in the study. The demographic data were recorded and the Standardized Mini Mental State Examination (SMMSE) was administered. Patients were divided into three groups; 25(OH)D level <20 ng/mL regarded as vitamin D deficiency, 20-29 ng/mL as vitamin D insufficiency, ≥30 ng/mL as normal. Results: There was no statistically significant relationship between SMMSE scores and serum 25(OH)D levels. Conclusion: We found no evidence of associations between lower 25(OH)D levels and cognitive functions in younger women

“Evaluation of Hand Absorpsiometry and Lumbar-Femoral Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Postmenopausal Women” - Original Investigation

The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation and diagnostic value of digital radiographic absorptiometry and Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in the diagnosis and assessment of osteoporosis.Spine and non-dominant femoral DXA measurements ( Lunar Cooperation, USA) and non-dominant hand absorptiometric measurements ( Metriscan-Alara, California-USA) have been done in 172 post-menopausal women who were outpatients in the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Clinic at İstanbul Göztepe Hospital of Education and Research. Demographic characteristics were identified. Statistical analyses have been performed by the calculation of Pearson correlation coefficient. The post-menopausal women mean age was 59±8.43Std (41-81 years). Both spine and femur DXA T scores were moderately correlated with radiographic absorptiometric scores (r: 0.63 and 0.62 respectively, p<0.001). Femoral and L1-L4 T scores were moderately correlated (r. 0.53,p<0.001). Different measurements methods of bone mineral density at different skeletal sites, in parallel to the literature, are moderately correlated in post-menopausal women. We can conclude that radiographic absorptiometry can be used as a screening technique or when DXA measurement is not available. (Osteoporoz Dünyasından 2006; 12 (1): 9-11

Relationships Among Metacarpal Bone Mass and Handgrip Strength In 150 Healthy Adult Males

Bone density and muscle strength are the primary determinants of bone strength. Measurements of grip strength is less costly, less invasive and in combination with metacarpal bone mineral density (BMD) measurements could provide a feasible way of predicting bone mineral density. 150 hospital staff members and employees participated voluntarily in the study. Osteoporotic risk evaluation was done; they were questioned about profession and leisure time activities, tobacco and alcohol consumption; body weight-height-body mass indeks (BMI) were calculated. Right and left hand grip strength were measured using hydraulic hand dynamometer; BMD was measured by radiographic absorbsiometry in both hands. The mean age was 46 (30-68 years), 80% of the subjects were categorized as normal, 18% osteopenic and 1% osteoporotic. The mean value of BMI was 26.86 kg/m2 and handgrip strength was 37 kg. 78% were white collared, 12% were computer users, 40.4% consumed tobacco and their BMD were lower (p<0.0001). Their handgrip strength was also lower in both hands (p<0.01 for right hand, p<0.05 for left hand). There was no statistically significant difference between the dominant hand and non-dominant hand, but bone density was higher at the dominant side (p<0.0001). There were statistically significant relationship between the handgrip strength and bone density on both sides (p<0.0001). Age and BMI didn’t correlate with handgrip strength and bone density. Muscle strength is not adequate substitute for bone densitometry, but it can help to identify the risk groups which can be directed to bone density measurement