Long-term iron polymaltose infusions associated with hypophosphataemic osteomalacia: a report of two cases and review of the literature

Iron-induced hypophosphataemic osteomalacia remains under-recognized as a potential complication of parenteral iron therapy. We here report two cases of symptomatic hypophosphataemic osteomalacia with multiple insufficiency fractures in the context of chronic gastrointestinal blood loss, necessitating monthly iron polymaltose infusions over prolonged periods of time. Respective blood tests revealed severe hypophosphataemia [0.29 and 0.43; normal range (NR) 0.8–1.5 mmol/l] in the presence of normal serum calcium and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels. Urinary fractional phosphate excretion was elevated (16% and 24%; NR < 5%) and the tubular maximum phosphate reabsorption was reduced, consistent with renal phosphate wasting. Serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) obtained in one patient was significantly elevated at 285 pg/ml (NR < 54 pg/ml). Bone mineral density was significantly reduced and whole-body bone scans revealed metabolic bone disease and multiple insufficiency fractures consistent with osteomalacia. Cessation of iron infusions resulted in clinical and biochemical improvement within 2 months in one patient whereas the second patient required phosphate and calcitriol supplementation to improve symptomatically. Iron-induced hypophosphataemic osteomalacia is thought to be due to reduced degradation of FGF23, resulting in phosphaturia and reduced synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D. Monitoring of patients on long-term parenteral iron is recommended to avoid clinically serious adverse effects

Implementation of Models of Care for secondary osteoporotic fracture prevention and orthogeriatric Models of Care for osteoporotic hip fracture

As the world's population ages, the prevalence of osteoporosis and its resultant fragility fractures is set to increase dramatically. This chapter focuses on current frameworks and major initiatives related to the implementation of fracture liaison services (FLS) and orthogeriatrics services (OGS), Models of Care designed to reliably implement secondary fracture prevention measures for individuals presenting to health services with fragility fractures. The current evidence base regarding the impact and effectiveness of FLS and OGS is also considered

Improving osteoporosis treatment rates in inpatients admitted with hip fracture: A healthcare improvement initiative in a tertiary referral hospital

Abstract Objective This healthcare improvement initiative was designed to increase inpatient osteoporosis treatment after hip fracture. Methods A new protocol was developed by Geriatric Medicine and Endocrinology departments at a tertiary care hospital in Sydney. Its aim was to standardize assessment and treatment of osteoporosis in patients admitted with hip fracture. Eligible inpatients would receive intravenous zoledronic acid during their admission. A 6‐month sample of hip fracture patients admitted after the protocol's implementation was compared to a group admitted before. Data collected included demographics, biochemistry, treatment rates, adverse effects, and admission survival. Results There was a considerable increase in osteoporosis treatment after introducing the protocol. Before the protocol's introduction, none of 36 eligible patients received treatment. After the intervention 79% (23 out of 29) of eligible patients were treated. All treated patients had renal function and serum calcium levels checked post‐infusion with no adverse outcomes. Eight patients developed flu‐like symptoms within 24 h of the infusion. There were no instances of arrhythmias, ocular inflammation, or death. The cost per patient treated was AUD $87. Conclusion Adopting a standardized protocol for osteoporosis treatment in patients admitted for hip fracture was effective in improving treatment rates whilst being relatively safe and inexpensive

Vitamin D status and its predictive factors in pregnancy in 2 Australian populations

Background: High prevalence rates of suboptimal vitamin D levels have been observed in women who are not considered 'at risk'. The effect of behavioural factors such as sun exposure, attire, sunscreen use and vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D level

Vitamin D status and its predictive factors in pregnancy in 2 Australian populations

High prevalence rates of suboptimal vitamin D levels have been observed in women who are not considered ‘at risk’. The effect of behavioural factors such as sun exposure, attire, sunscreen use and vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D levels in pregnancy is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence and predictive factors of suboptimal vitamin D levels in 2 antenatal clinics in Australia - Campbelltown, NSW and Canberra, ACT. A cross-sectional study of pregnant women was performed with a survey of demographic and behavioural factors and a mid-pregnancy determination of maternal vitamin D levels. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (≤25 nmol/L) and insufficiency (26-50 nmol/L) was 35% in Canberra (n = 100) and 25.7% in Campbelltown (n = 101). The majority of participants with suboptimal D levels had vitamin D insufficiency. Among the vitamin D-deficient women, 38% were Caucasian. Skin exposure was the main behavioural determinant of vitamin D level in pregnancy in univariate analysis. Using pooled data ethnicity, season, BMI and use of vitamin D supplements were the main predictive factors of suboptimal vitamin D. Vitamin D supplementation at 500 IU/day was inadequate to prevent insufficiency. Behavioural factors were not as predictive as ethnicity, season and BMI. As most participants had one of the predictive risk factors for suboptimal vitamin D, a case could be made for universal supplementation with a higher dose of vitamin D in pregnancy and continued targeted screening of the women at highest risk of vitamin D deficiency

Prevention of Osteoporotic Fractures in Residential Aged Care: Updated Consensus Recommendations

Osteoporosis is underdiagnosed and undertreated in people living in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs), even though aged-care residents are at greater risk of experiencing fractures than their community-dwelling counterparts. The first (2009) and second (2016) Consensus Conferences on the Treatment of Osteoporosis in RACFs in Australia addressed the prevention of falls and fractures in RACFs. A third Consensus Conference was held to review advances in the field of osteoporosis for people living in RACFs and to update current guidelines. The Conference was held virtually in October 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Attendance at the meeting was open to health practitioners (n=116) (eg, general practitioners, geriatricians, rehabilitation specialists, endocrinologists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists) working in RACFs. Participants chose and/or were assigned to breakout groups to review the evidence and reach a consensus on the topic area assigned to the group, which was then presented to the entire group by a nominated spokesperson. Recommendations developed by breakout groups were discussed and voted on by all attending participants. This article updates the evidence for preventing falls and fractures and managing osteoporosis in older adults living in RACFs based on agreed outcomes from the group. We anticipate these updated recommendations will provide health practitioners with valuable guidance when practicing in RACFs

Experience of a systematic approach to care and prevention of fragility fractures in New Zealand

Summary: This narrative review describes eforts to improve the care and prevention of fragility fractures in New Zealand from 2012 to 2022. This includes development of clinical standards and registries to benchmark provision of care, and public awareness campaigns to promote a life-course approach to bone health. Purpose: This review describes the development and implementation of a systematic approach to care and prevention for New Zealanders with fragility fractures, and those at high risk of frst fracture. Progression of existing initiatives and introduction of new initiatives are proposed for the period 2022 to 2030. Methods: In 2012, Osteoporosis New Zealand developed and published a strategy with objectives relating to people who sustain hip and other fragility fractures, those at high risk of frst fragility fracture or falls and all older people. The strategy also advocated formation of a national fragility fracture alliance to expedite change. Results In 2017, a previously informal national alliance was formalised under the Live Stronger for Longer programme, which includes stakeholder organisations from relevant sectors, including government, healthcare professionals, charities and the health system. Outputs of this alliance include development of Australian and New Zealand clinical guidelines, clinical standards and quality indicators and a bi-national registry that underpins eforts to improve hip fracture care. All 22 hospitals in New Zealand that operate on hip fracture patients currently submit data to the registry. An analogous approach is ongoing to improve secondary fracture prevention for people who sustain fragility fractures at other sites through nationwide access to Fracture Liaison Services. Conclusion: Widespread participation in national registries is enabling benchmarking against clinical standards as a means to improve the care of hip and other fragility fractures in New Zealand. An ongoing quality improvement programme is focused on eliminating unwarranted variation in delivery of secondary fracture prevention

Experience of a systematic approach to care and prevention of fragility fractures in New Zealand

Summary: this narrative review describes efforts to improve the care and prevention of fragility fractures in New Zealand from 2012 to 2022. This includes development of clinical standards and registries to benchmark provision of care, and public awareness campaigns to promote a life-course approach to bone health.Purpose: this review describes the development and implementation of a systematic approach to care and prevention for New Zealanders with fragility fractures, and those at high risk of first fracture. Progression of existing initiatives and introduction of new initiatives are proposed for the period 2022 to 2030.Methods: in 2012, Osteoporosis New Zealand developed and published a strategy with objectives relating to people who sustain hip and other fragility fractures, those at high risk of first fragility fracture or falls and all older people. The strategy also advocated formation of a national fragility fracture alliance to expedite change.Results: in 2017, a previously informal national alliance was formalised under the Live Stronger for Longer programme, which includes stakeholder organisations from relevant sectors, including government, healthcare professionals, charities and the health system. Outputs of this alliance include development of Australian and New Zealand clinical guidelines, clinical standards and quality indicators and a bi-national registry that underpins efforts to improve hip fracture care. All 22 hospitals in New Zealand that operate on hip fracture patients currently submit data to the registry. An analogous approach is ongoing to improve secondary fracture prevention for people who sustain fragility fractures at other sites through nationwide access to Fracture Liaison Services.Conclusion: widespread participation in national registries is enabling benchmarking against clinical standards as a means to improve the care of hip and other fragility fractures in New Zealand. An ongoing quality improvement programme is focused on eliminating unwarranted variation in delivery of secondary fracture prevention