Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA
-
We assessed sunlight and dietary contributions to vitamin D status in British postmenopausal women. Our true longitudinal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) measurements varied seasonally, being lower in the north compared to the south and lower in Asian women. Sunlight exposure in summer and spring provided 80% total annual intake of vitamin D. ⋯ These longitudinal data show significant regional and ethnic differences in UVB exposure and vitamin D status for postmenopausal women at northerly latitudes. The numbers of women who are vitamin D deficient is a major concern and public health problem.
-
In Switzerland, the total number and incidence of hospitalizations for major osteoporotic fractures increased between years 2000 and 2007, while hospitalizations due to hip fracture decreased. The cost impact of shorter hospital stays was offset by the increasing cost per day of hospitalization. ⋯ Between years 2000 and 2007, hospitalizations for MOF continued to increase in Switzerland, driven by an increasing number and incidence of hospitalizations for non-hip fractures, although the incidence of hip fractures has declined.
-
Crude incidence rates for hip fractures in individuals aged 50 and above in Lebanon were determined using data from the national hip fracture registry. For the years 2006-2008, crude rates varied between 164 and 188/100,000 for females and between 88 and 106 per 100,000 for males. Using the US 2000 white population as a reference, the calculated age-standardized rates were closest to rates derived for southern Europe. ⋯ The hip fracture age-standardized incidence rates in the Lebanese subjects receiving Ministry of Health coverage were lower than those found in northern Europe and the US and closest to rates derived for southern Europe.