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Phase angle (PhA) value determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is an indicator of cell membrane damage and body cell mass. Recent studies have shown that low PhA value is associated with increased nutritional risk in various group of patients. However, there have been only a few studies performed globally assessing the relationship between nutritional risk and PhA in hospitalized geriatric patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the predictive value of the PhA for malnutrition risk in hospitalized geriatric patients. One hundred and twenty-two hospitalized geriatric patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Comprehensive geriatric assessment tests and BIA measurements were performed within the first 48 h after admission. Nutritional risk state of the patients was determined with NRS-2002. Phase angle values of the patients with malnutrition risk were compared with the patients that did not have the same risk. The independent variables for predicting malnutrition risk were determined. SPSS version 15 was utilized for the statistical analyzes. The patients with malnutrition risk had significantly lower phase angle values than the patients without malnutrition risk (p = 0.003). ROC curve analysis suggested that the optimum PhA cut-off point for malnutrition risk was 4.7° with 79.6 % sensitivity, 64.6 % specificity, 73.9 % positive predictive value, and 73.9 % negative predictive value. BMI, prealbumin, PhA, and Mini Mental State Examination Test scores were the independent variables for predicting malnutrition risk. PhA can be a useful, independent indicator for predicting malnutrition risk in hospitalized geriatric patients.

Background and aims: Osteoporosis is an important problem for men as well as women, but data and trials for male osteoporosis, prevalence, evaluation and prognosis are limited. There are insufficient randomized placebo-controlled, multicenter trial data. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of osteoporosis in patients admitted to the Division of Geriatric Medicine of Hacettepe University, to compare osteoporosis in men and women, and to determine risk factors, relations with social and cultural differences, body weight and functional status. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from February 2002 through July 2003. Participants were 783 female and 464 male patients aged 65 years and over. BMD measures were performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at femoral neck and lumbar spine. Data on calcium intake, history of fractures, smoking, alcohol habits, other possible risk factors, serum 25OH-Vitamin D and iPTH levels were obtained. Creatinine clearance was calculated with the Cockcroft-Gaut formula. Functional status was evaluated by geriatric evaluation scales. Results: 29.5% of cases of osteoporosis were found in males; 45.9% of male patients had osteoporosis, 36.6% had osteopenia. Risk factors for male osteoporosis were evaluated. Men with low body weight (

Background and aims: Aging is accompanied by a progressive decline in serum testosterone. Evidence concerning the clinical manifestations of low serum testosterone levels is contradictory. We aimed to examine the age-related decline in testosterone and the possible clinical outcomes, including erectile dysfunction, prostatism, cognitive function, daily life activities, depression, and osteoporosis. Methods: One hundred and twenty men underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment. Testosterone and free testosterone levels were measured, geriatric assessment scales, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and International Prostate Symptom Scale (IPSS) were performed, and bone mineral densities were determined. Results: The mean age of the 120 men was 73.8±5.90. A significant decrease in testosterone and free testosterone levels with increasing age was determined (p=0.021). It was also found that erectile dysfunction, as determined by IIEF (r=0.66, p

Celiac disease is a genetic disorder, presenting with malabsorption-related problems because of mucosal damage after ingestion of gluten. The only known effective treatment is a gluten-free diet. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in preventing complications due to malabsorption. Here we report the case of an elderly patient with a fifteen-year history of diarrhea, diagnosed with celiac disease, who had developed several complications due to malabsorption such as anemia, electrolyte imbalance and osteoporosis. We believe that late diagnosis of celiac disease had played a great role in the development of complications. Moreover, celiac disease poses an increased risk for all types of malignancies. Our patient also had concurrent plasma cell dyscrasia, but did not fulfil the criteria for diagnosis of multiple myeloma.