Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA
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Telomere length decreases with age and is associated with osteoblast senescence. In 2,150 unselected women, leukocyte telomere length was significantly correlated with bone mineral density. Clinical osteoporosis was associated with shorter telomeres, suggesting that telomere length can be used as a marker of bone aging. ⋯ Shortened leukocyte telomere length is independently associated with a decrease in BMD and the presence of osteoporosis in women. Our data provide evidence that leukocyte telomere length could be a marker of biological aging of bone.
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Using data from NORA, we used 18 potential risk factors in a classification and regression tree analysis to build two algorithms. These algorithms correctly identified postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 64 years who were at the highest risk of osteoporotic fracture within 36 months. ⋯ NORA-based algorithms may be useful for health care providers to guide further assessment and management decisions to prevent fractures in younger postmenopausal women.
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In this large population-based study, fracture rates for hips, distal forearms, proximal humeri, and ankles were higher in winter than in other seasons, although the winter peak was small for hip fractures (p < 0.05 at all sites). Younger age between 65 and 80, living in warmer states and male gender were associated with increased winter morbidity due to fractures. ⋯ Fractures contribute considerably to winter morbidity in older individuals. Younger age between 65 and 80, living in warmer states and male gender are risk factors for increased winter morbidity due to fractures. Weather affects hip fracture risk differently than the other fractures studied.
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We studied the incidence of second hip fractures and medication use among the patients with sequential hip fractures. This study shows that the incidence rate of second hip fractures is higher than that of the first hip fractures. Improvement in osteoporosis care and a more critical policy for prescription of psychotropic drugs are needed. ⋯ There is a high incidence of second hip fractures. Secondary prevention of hip fractures needs to be improved. In addition to adequate treatment for osteoporosis, more attention should be directed toward appropriate use of psychotropic drugs.