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CONTEXT: Body weight and composition may change over the natural menopause transition. Whether surgical menopause has similar effects, and the impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), are unknown. Understanding the metabolic effects of surgical menopause will inform clinical care. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively measure weight and body composition over 24 months following surgical menopause compared with a similar comparison group who retained their ovaries. METHODS: Prospective observational study of weight change from baseline to 24 months in 95 premenopausal women at elevated risk of ovarian cancer planning risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) and 99 comparators who retained their ovaries. Change in body composition from baseline to 24 months was also assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in a subgroup of 54 women who underwent RRSO and 81 comparators who retained their ovaries. In the subgroup, weight, fat mass, lean mass, and abdominal fat measures were compared between groups. RESULTS: At 24 months both groups had gained weight (RRSO 2760 ± 4860 g vs comparators 1620 ± 4540 g) with no difference between groups (mean difference 730 g; 95% CI 920 g to 2380 g; P = .383). In the body composition subgroup, there was no difference in weight between groups at 24 months (mean difference 944 g; 95% CI -1120 g to 2614 g; P = .431). RRSO women may have gained slightly more abdominal visceral adipose tissue (mean difference 99.0 g; 95% CI 8.8 g to 189.2 g; P = .032) but there were no other differences in body composition. There were also no differences in weight or body composition between HRT users and nonusers at 24 months. CONCLUSION: 24 months after RRSO, there was no difference in body weight compared with women who retained their ovaries. RRSO women gained more abdominal visceral adipose tissue than comparators, but there were no other differences in body composition. Use of HRT following RRSO had no effect on these outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have tracked growth in children born extremely preterm (EP, <28 weeks' gestation) beyond late adolescence. The relationships between growth parameters (including weight and BMI) through childhood and adolescence with later cardiometabolic health, are unclear in those born EP. We aimed to (i) compare growth from 2 to 25 years between EP and controls; and in the EP group (ii) determine the associations of growth parameters with cardiometabolic health. METHODS: Prospective state-wide cohort of all EP livebirths in Victoria, Australia, in 1991-1992 and contemporaneous term-born controls. Z-scores for weight (z-weight), height (z-height) and BMI (z-BMI) at 2, 5, 8, 18 and 25 years, and cardiometabolic health at 25 years (body composition, glucose tolerance, lipid profiles, blood pressure, exercise capacity) were measured. Growth trajectories were compared between groups using mixed models. The relationships between z-BMI changes/year, and being overweight at different ages, with cardiometabolic health were explored using linear regression. FINDINGS: Z-weight and z-BMI were lower in EP than controls, but the gap decreased with age due to a more rapid rate of rise in z-weight and a decrease in z-height in the EP group compared with controls. Greater increases in z-BMI/year in the EP group were associated with poorer cardiometabolic health [coefficient (95% CI) per 0.1 z-BMI increase/year: visceral fat volume (cm3) 217.8 (160.9, 274.7), triglycerides (mmol/L) 0.45 (0.20, 0.71), systolic blood pressure (mmHg) 8.9 (5.8, 12.0), and exercise capacity (BEEP test maximum level -1.2 (-1.7, -0.7)), all p < 0.001]. The association between being overweight with poorer cardiometabolic health strengthened with age. INTERPRETATION: The catch-up in weight and BMI by young adulthood in survivors born EP may not be desirable as it is associated with poorer cardiometabolic health. The associations of being overweight from mid-childhood with poorer cardiometabolic hea

We summarized the effects of yoga on health-related outcomes and adverse events in men and postmenopausal women ≥50 years-old at increased risk of fracture, to inform the updated Osteoporosis Canada clinical practice guidelines. Six databases were searched for observational studies, randomized controlled trials and case series. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation handbook. Nine studies were included and reported using narrative syntheses due to the limited available evidence. Overall, the available evidence was of very low certainty. There was no effect of yoga on health-related quality of life in randomized trials. Effects on other health-related outcomes were mixed or not available in the literature. Five studies reported no adverse events directly related to the study intervention, and 2 studies did not report whether adverse events occurred. However, 2 case series reported vertebral fractures related to yoga participation, possibly due to excessive spinal flexion. Due to the limited and very low certainty evidence, guideline developers will need to draw indirect evidence from yoga studies among middle aged or older adults that are not at fracture risk. PROSPERO: CRD42019124898. Novelty: Evidence in general was of very low certainty. Yoga had no effect on health-related quality of life in randomized trials. Evidence was mixed or unavailable for other outcomes. Case studies reported yoga poses involving spinal flexion coincided with incidents of vertebral compression fracture among older adults with increased fracture risk.

PURPOSE: The Vitamin D in Pregnancy Study is a long-term ongoing cohort study. It was conceived to explore relationships between maternal vitamin D status in pregnancy and offspring growth and development, and has since diversified to include a wide range of physical and mental health exposures and outcomes. PARTICIPANTS: Recruitment was from the University Hospital Geelong (Barwon Health) antenatal clinic, Geelong, Victoria, Australia, between 2002 and 2004. 475 women were initially recruited, which resulted in 400 eligible mother-child pairs at birth. FINDINGS TO DATE: The cohort has been followed up twice in pregnancy, at birth, and 1 year, 6 years and 11 years post birth. The study has reported an association between vitamin D in pregnancy and musculoskeletal health and body composition in the children. FUTURE PLANS: Subject to funding, there will be a prospective young adult follow-up. This profile aims to foster both cross-national and international collaborations with both existing and future data collection.

Rationale: Epilepsy patients often exhibit reduced bone mineral density and are at an increased risk of bone fracture. Whether these bone abnormalities are due to the use of anti-epileptic drugs (AED’s) or the disease itself is unknown. For example, although decreased bone health in epilepsy patients is generally attributed to the use of AED’s, seizures can also trigger a number of physiological processes that have the potential to affect bone. Therefore, to assess whether bone abnormalities occur in epilepsy in the absence of AED’s, the current study investigated mechanical characteristics and trabecular bone morphology in rats with chronic temporal lobe epilepsy. Methods: Ten-week old male Wistar rats underwent kainic acid-induced status epilepticus (SE; n = 7) or a sham procedure (n = 9). Rats were implanted with EEG recording electrodes at nine weeks post-SE, and video-EEG was continuously recorded for one week at 10- and 22-weeks post-SE to confirm that SE rats had spontaneous seizures. Open-field testing to assess locomotion was conducted at 23-weeks post-SE. At 24-weeks post-SE, rats were euthanized and tibia were extracted to determine trabecular morphology by micro-computed tomography (µCT), while femurs were used to investigate mechanical properties via 3-point bending. Results: All post-SE rats had spontaneous seizures at 10- and 22-weeks post-SE, while none of the sham rats had seizures. µCT trabecular analysis of tibia revealed no differences in total volume, bone volume, bone volume fraction, trabecular number, or trabecular separation between post-SE or sham rats, although post-SE rats did have increased trabecular thickness. There were also no group differences in total distance travelled in the open field suggesting that activity levels did not account for the increased trabecular thickness. In addition, no differences in mechanical properties of femurs were observed between the two groups. Conclusion: There was a lack of overt bone abnormalities in

INTRODUCTION: Infants born extremely preterm (EP, <28 weeks' gestation) or with extremely low birth weight (ELBW,<1000 g) in the era when surfactant has been available clinically are at high risk of health and developmental problems in childhood and adolescence. However, how their health and well-being may be affected in adulthood is not well known. This study aims to compare between EP/ELBW and normal birthweight (NBW) controls: (1) physical health, mental health and socioemotional functioning at 25 years of age and (2) trajectories of these outcomes from childhood to adulthood. In addition, this study aims to identify risk factors in pregnancy, infancy, childhood and adolescence for poor physical health and well-being in EP/ELBW young adults. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Victorian Infant Collaborative Study (VICS) is a prospective geographical cohort of all EP/ELBW survivors to 18 years of age born in the State of Victoria, Australia, from 1 January 1991 to 31 December 1992 (n=297) and contemporaneous term-born/NBW controls (n=262). Participants were recruited at birth and followed up at 2, 5, 8 and 18 years. This 25-year follow-up includes assessments of physical health (cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal), mental health and socioemotional functioning. Outcomes will be compared between the birth groups using linear and logistic regression, fitted using generalised estimating equations (GEEs). Trajectories of health outcomes from early childhood will be compared between the birth groups using linear mixed-effects models. Risk factors for adult outcomes will be assessed using linear and logistic regression (fitted using GEEs). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committees of the Royal Women's Hospital, Mercy Hospital for Women, Monash Medical Centre and the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Study outcomes will be disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, the internet and soci

Growth restriction programs adult bone deficits and increases the risk of obesity, which may be exacerbated during pregnancy. We aimed to determine if high-fat feeding could exacerbate the bone deficits in pregnant growth restricted dams, and whether treadmill exercise would attenuate these deficits. Uteroplacental insufficiency was induced on embryonic day 18 (E18) in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats using bilateral uterine vessel ligation (restricted) or sham (control) surgery. The F1 females consumed a standard or high-fat (HFD) diet from 5 weeks, commenced treadmill exercise at 16 weeks, and they were mated at 20 weeks. Femora and plasma from the pregnant dams were collected at post-mortem (E20) for peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), mechanical testing, histomorphometry, and plasma analysis. Sedentary restricted females had bone deficits compared to the controls, irrespective of diet, where such deficits were prevented with exercise. Osteocalcin increased in the sedentary restricted females compared to the control females. In the sedentary HFD females, osteocalcin was reduced and CTX-1 was increased, with increased peak force and bending stress compared to the chow females. Exercise that was initiated before and continued during pregnancy prevented bone deficits in the dams born growth restricted, whereas a HFD consumption had minimal bone effects. These findings further highlight the beneficial effects of exercise for individuals at risk of bone deficits.

BACKGROUND: Poor bone health in adolescent and young adult females is a growing concern. Given the widespread use of mobile phones in this population, mobile health (mHealth) interventions may help improve health behaviors related to bone health in young women. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the study was to determine the acceptability and feasibility of an mHealth intervention called Tap4Bone in improving health behaviors associated with the risk of osteoporosis in young women. METHODS: The Tap4Bone mHealth intervention comprised the use of mobile phone apps, short messaging service (text messaging), and Web emails to encourage health behavior changes. The education group received osteoporosis prevention education leaflets. Changes in the bone health-related behaviors exercise, smoking, and calcium intake were assessed. User experiences and acceptance of the app were collected through focus group interviews. RESULTS: A total of 35 (22 completed, mean age 23.1 [SD 1.8] years) were randomized to either the mobile phone (intervention n=18) or education (control n=17) group. Although there were trends toward improvement in calcium intake, sports activity, and smoking behaviors in the mHealth intervention group compared to the education group, these were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The Tap4Bone mHealth intervention was shown to be acceptable and feasible in subsets of the participants. The intervention should be improved upon using participant feedback to improve functionality. Findings from this study may aid in the development and modification of health care apps to reduce participant attrition.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common condition among reproductive-aged women. However, its exact prevalence is unknown. AIMS: To determine the prevalence of PCOS in Australian women aged 16-29 years using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria compared to self-reported PCOS, to compare co-morbidities between the groups and to determine the most distressing aspect of a diagnosis of PCOS for these young women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were recruited from the Young Female Health Initiative (YFHI) and Safe-D studies. Participants completed questionnaires, physical examinations and blood tests from 2012 to 2016. In March 2016, two supplementary questionnaires were distributed: the first, comprising questions on reproductive health and impact of diagnosis, was sent to participants who self-reported having PCOS in the original studies. The second, comprising general reproductive health questions, was sent to the remainder. RESULTS: The prevalence of PCOS, according to the NIH criteria, was 12% (31/254), while the prevalence of self-reported PCOS was 8% (23/300). Only 35% (8/23) of those with self-reported PCOS actually fulfilled the NIH criteria for PCOS. Comorbidities were relatively similar among groups. Finally, approximately 65% (15/23) were unhappy or worried about their initial PCOS diagnosis, with 72% (13/18) stating fertility concerns were the most distressing aspect of their diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of consistent and accurate diagnosis of PCOS in young women potentially leads to over-diagnosis. This creates unnecessary fears of health complications, particularly infertility. Therefore, we recommend the development of standardised criteria with set parameters that allow for better diagnosis of PCOS.

Access to knowledge forms an integral part of the continuous learning processes of medical and other health professionals throughout their career. Modern technologies have become instrumental in ex-tending learning processes to the online realm, particularly through the use of social media technologies. Health Practitioners’ (HPs) exploitation of online social media technologies for online learning and knowledge sharing purposes has evolved into Virtual Communities of Practice (VCoP). However, there is limited research on the types of knowledge being shared to fulfil the notion of ‘knowledge-into-action’ in the healthcare domain. In addition, little is known of the use of online social media technologies as a catalyst to achieve ‘knowledge-into-action’. This research in progress paper extends the conceptual model from our previous work and draws on current literature that identifies the types of knowledge being shared in a Health VCoP. We discuss some of our data using our conceptual lens as a preliminary analysis of our work. Expected outcomes are a new extended conceptual model that fulfils the notion of ‘knowledge-into-action’ that informs the design of an IT artefact based on types of knowledge being shared in a Health VCoP.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the association between gestational vitamin D status and offspring body composition during childhood is inconsistent. Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between maternal vitamin D and offspring lean and fat mass in the Vitamin D in Pregnancy birth cohort. METHODS: Subjects were mother-child pairs recruited from the Australian-based Vitamin D in Pregnancy cohort study. Mothers were recruited before 16 weeks' gestation and provided a blood sample at both recruitment and at 28-32 weeks' gestation. Serum vitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured by radioimmunoassay (Tyne and Wear, UK). Offspring lean and fat mass were quantified by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE Lunar Prodigy, Madison, WI, USA) at 11 years of age. RESULTS: Median maternal 25(OH)D levels were 55.9 (42.2-73.3) and 56.1 (43.6-73.9) at recruitment and 28-32 weeks' gestation, respectively. Maternal smoking was identified as an effect modifier in the association between maternal vitamin D status at recruitment and offspring body composition. In smokers, but not non-smokers, serum 25(OH)D status at recruitment was negatively associated with offspring fat mass percentage and positively associated with lean mass (both p < 0.05). There was no association with 25(OH)D status at 28-32 weeks' gestation. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal vitamin D status in early pregnancy, in smokers, is associated with offspring body composition. These important findings warrant confirmation in larger studies and trials.

UNLABELLED: Changes in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and other predictors of bone loss were evaluated in 48 same-sex twin/age-matched sibling pairs discordant for antiepileptic drug (AED) use. AED users had reduced BMD at the hip regions. Prolonged AED users had greater aBMD loss, predicting a higher risk of bone fragility. INTRODUCTION: To investigate the longitudinal associations of bone mineral measures with antiepileptic drug (AED) use, including enzyme-inducing (EIAED) and non-enzyme-inducing (NEIAED) types, and other predictors of bone loss in a study of 48 same-sex twin/age-matched sibling pairs (40 female, 8 male) discordant for AED use. METHODS: Using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and content (BMC) at the hip regions, forearm, lumbar spine, and whole body were measured twice, at least 2 years apart. The mean within-pair difference (MWPD), MWPD%, and mean annual rate of aBMD change were adjusted for age, weight, and height. Predictors of bone loss were evaluated. RESULTS: AED users, compared to non-users, at baseline and follow-up, respectively, had reduced aBMD at the total hip (MWPD% 3.8, 4.4%), femoral neck (4.7, 4.5%), and trochanter regions (4.1, 4.6%) (p < 0.05). For the whole cohort, the annual rate of change in all aBMD/BMC (p > 0.05) regions did not differ within pairs. Nevertheless, EIAED users had greater aBMD loss than non-users (n = 20 pairs) at the total hip (1.7 vs. 0.3%, p = 0.013) and whole body regions (0.7% loss vs. 0.1% BMD gain, p = 0.019), which was not found in NEIAED-discordant pairs (n = 16). AED use >20 years predicted higher aBMD loss at the forearm (p = 0.028), whole body (p = 0.010), and whole body BMC (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: AED users had reduced aBMD at the hip regions. Prolonged users and EIAED users had greater aBMD loss, predicting a higher risk of bone fragility. Further prospective studies of AED effects on bone microarchitecture are needed.

UNLABELLED: The study aimed to explore determinants of bone parameters in young women. Most bone parameters were associated with height and lean mass. Bone parameters were not associated with vitamin D status. Future research should address whether interventions aimed at improving lean mass are beneficial to bone health in young women. INTRODUCTION: The implementation of prevention strategies during young adulthood may be crucial for osteoporosis prevention in later life, yet literature examining the determinants of bone health in premenopausal women is limited. We aimed to assess determinants of bone health, including serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), in females aged 16-25 years, living in Victoria, Australia, recruited through Facebook advertising. METHODS: Serum 25OHD was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and bone health was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) in 326 participants. RESULTS: Mean (± standard deviation) serum 25OHD was 69 ± 28 nmol/L and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25OHD <50 nmol/L) was 26%. Seven percent of participants (n = 23) reported taking a vitamin D supplement. Two percent of participants had low lumbar spine bone mineral density (Z-score <-2.0), 5% at the hip and 7% at the femoral neck. Serum 25OHD levels were not associated with DXA bone parameters, nor with pQCT bone parameters. Most bone parameters were positively associated with height and lean mass. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D status was not associated with bone health in young women in the current study. Our findings suggest that targeting other modifiable factors, such as lean body mass, is likely to be beneficial to bone health in young women. Longitudinal studies examining the association between vitamin D status and bone health in young women are necessary to confirm our findings. In addition, whether raising 25OHD levels is advantageous for young women's bone health is y

OBJECTIVE: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are associated with reduced bone density, balance impairment, and increased fracture risk in adults. However, pediatric data are limited. Therefore, we aimed to examine bone, muscle, and balance outcomes in young patients taking AEDs. METHODS: We undertook a case-control study utilizing an AED exposure-discordant matched-pair approach. Subjects were aged 5-18 years with at least 12 months of AED exposure. Pairs were twins, nontwin siblings and first cousins, sex- and age-matched (to within 2 years), allowing for greater power than with unrelated control subjects. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), and muscle force/balance were tested, with questionnaires were administered for bone health and epilepsy details. RESULTS: Twenty-three pairs were recruited, (median age 12.9 years [subjects] and 13.5 years [controls])-7 twin, 14 sibling, and 2 cousin pairs. Those taking AEDs had an increased prevalence of fractures (15 fractures in 8 subjects, compared with 4 fractures in 3 controls, p < 0.01). Trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) measured by pQCT at the 4% site (tibia) was reduced by 14% (p = 0.03) in subjects. Subjects exerted a decreased maximum force compared to body weight (Fmax total/g) at the tibia. There were no differences seen in either bone mineral parameters measured by DXA or balance measures. SIGNIFICANCE: Young people taking AEDs reported more fractures and had reductions in tibial vBMD and lower limb muscle force compared to their matched controls. These findings suggest that further exploration of bone health issues of young patients on AED therapy is required. Longitudinal studies are required to confirm these changes in the muscle-bone unit and to further explore the clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the severity of dysmenorrhoea and attitudes towards its management in young females. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhoea in women aged 16-25 years. METHODS: Participants were recruited via targeted Facebook advertising and asked to complete an online questionnaire covering medications, menstruation and lifestyle-related themes. A follow-up questionnaire on dysmenorrhoea was also administered. RESULTS: The prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 88% (n = 247, mean age 21.5 years, SD 2.6). Only 34% of participants reported consulting a healthcare provider about their pain, whereas 86% consulted other sources. Pain medication was used by 58% of the participants. Dysmenorrhoea was associated with interference with daily activities (P DISCUSSION: Dysmenorrhoea is highly prevalent among these women, with most indicating moderate to severe pain and a significant adverse impact on daily activities. Most women did not obtain information about dysmenorrhoea from healthcare providers, indicating the need for general practitioners to provide accurate information about dysmenorrhoea to young females.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent and associated with increased risk of a number of chronic health conditions including cardiovascular disease, poor bone and muscle health, poor mental health, infection, and diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency affects millions of Australians, potentially causing considerable suffering, economic loss, and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To measure the effectiveness of a (1) mobile-based app (behavioral) and (2) pharmacological intervention to increase circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (serum 25 OHD) levels and health outcomes over 4 months of intervention compared with usual care in a cohort of young women with suboptimal serum 25 OHD levels (25-75 nmol/L). METHODS: Participants with 25 OHD levels 25 to 75 nmol/L are invited to participate in this study. Participants are randomized to one of three groups in 1:1:1 ratio: a mobile phone-based application, vitamin D supplementation (1000 IU/day), and a control group. Data collection points are at baseline, 4, and 12 months post baseline with the major endpoints being at 4 months. A wide-range of information is collected from participants throughout the course of this study. General health, behavioral and demographic information, medications, smoking, alcohol and other substance use, health risk factors, nutrition, eating patterns and disorders, and mental health data are sourced from self-administered, Web-based surveys. Clinical data include anthropometric measurements, a silicone skin cast of the hand, cutaneous melanin density, bone mineral density, and body composition scans obtained through site visits. Main analyses will be conducted in two ways on an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis using the last observation carried forward approach as an imputation for missing data, and on a per protocol basis to compare the intervention arms against the control group at 4 and 12 months. RESULTS: Publication of trial results is anticipated in 2017. CONCLUSIONS: The study will allow assessment o

BACKGROUND: The now ubiquitous catchphrase, "There's an app for that," rings true owing to the growing number of mobile phone apps. In excess of 97,000 eHealth apps are available in major app stores. Yet the effectiveness of these apps varies greatly. While a minority of apps are developed grounded in theory and in conjunction with health care experts, the vast majority are not. This is concerning given the Hippocratic notion of "do no harm." There is currently no unified formal theory for developing interactive eHealth apps, and development is especially difficult when complex messaging is required, such as in health promotion and prevention. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to provide insight into the creation of interactive eHealth apps for complex messaging, by leveraging the Safe-D case study, which involved complex messaging required to guide safe but sufficient UV exposure for vitamin D synthesis in users. We aim to create recommendations for developing interactive eHealth apps for complex messages based on the lessons learned during Safe-D app development. METHODS: For this case study we developed an Apple and Android app, both named Safe-D, to safely improve vitamin D status in young women through encouraging safe ultraviolet radiation exposure. The app was developed through participatory action research involving medical and human computer interaction researchers, subject matter expert clinicians, external developers, and target users. The recommendations for development were created from analysis of the development process. RESULTS: By working with clinicians and implementing disparate design examples from the literature, we developed the Safe-D app. From this development process, recommendations for developing interactive eHealth apps for complex messaging were created: (1) involve a multidisciplinary team in the development process, (2) manage complex messages to engage users, and (3) design for interactivity (tailor recommendations, remove barriers to use, d

OBJECTIVE: To investigate young people's experiences of persistent musculoskeletal pain, including care needs and current service gaps as well as perceptions about the role of digital technologies to support their co-care. METHODS: A qualitative study employing two independent data collection modes: in-depth individual semistructured interviews and focus groups. SETTING: Community settings throughout Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were included if they had experienced persistent musculoskeletal pain of >3-month duration with an average of ≥3 on the visual analogue scale over the preceding 3 months, including non-specific conditions (eg, low back pain) and specific conditions (eg, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other systemic arthritides), with/without pre-existing or current diagnosed mental health conditions. 23 young people (87.0% women; mean (SD) age: 20.8 (2.4) years) from across 6 Australian jurisdictions participated. Almost two-thirds of participants with persistent musculoskeletal pain reported comorbid mental health conditions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Inductive and deductive approaches to analyse and derive key themes from verbatim transcripts. RESULTS: Participants described their daily experiences of living with persistent musculoskeletal pain, their fears and the challenges imposed by the invisibility of pain, and the two-way relationship between their pain and mental well-being. A lack of relevant and accessible information and resources tailored to young people's unique needs, integrated and youth-relevant healthcare services and adequately skilled healthcare practitioners were identified as key care gaps. Participants strongly advocated for the use of digital technologies to improve access to age-appropriate resources and support for co-care. CONCLUSIONS: Young people living with persistent musculoskeletal pain described the absence of age-appropriate pain services and clearly articulated their perceptions on the role of, and opportunities pr

The increased rate of fractures associated with epilepsy has been long recognised but remains incompletely understood. Study quality and study results have varied, with some but not all studies showing bone diseases including osteoporosis and/or osteomalacia, and a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are also noted. Falls risk can also be higher in patients with epilepsy taking anti-epileptic medications, potentially leading to fracture. Larger research collaborations are recommended to further advance understanding in this field, particularly to examine underlying genetic and pharmacogenomic associations of epilepsy and anti-epileptic medication usage and its association with bone diseases and fractures, as well as further investigation into optimal management of bone health in epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: The menstrual cycle is a key marker of health in women of reproductive age. Monitoring ovulation is useful in health studies involving young women. The upward shift in basal body temperature, which occurs shortly after ovulation and continues until the next menses, is a potentially useful marker of ovulation, which has been exploited in clinical and research settings. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the utility of BodyMedia SenseWear (BMSW) in monitoring ovulation in young women by analyzing the correlation and agreement of basal temperatures measured using BMSW and a digital oral thermometer. METHODS: Kappa statistics were used to determine the agreement in ovulation detection between the two devices, for each participant, under each form of analysis. Participants also completed an online questionnaire assessing the acceptability of both devices. RESULTS: We recruited 16 participants with 15 of them providing analyzable data (11 OCP non-users, 4 OCP users). Weak to moderate correlations were observed between thermometer and BMSW temperature measurements averaged over 5 different time intervals. However, no agreement between methods was observed using Bland-Altman plots. There was a significant difference in the range of temperatures that each device recorded (thermometer: 35.3-37.2°C, BMSW: 29.7-36.7°C) with BMSW temperatures significantly lower than thermometer temperatures: mean 34.6°C (SD 1.2) versus 36.4°C (SD 0.3) respectively, P<.001. Poor agreement was observed between devices under quantitative analysis of ovulation while fair agreement was observed under visual analysis. Under both quantitative and visual analysis, there was 0% agreement for evidence of ovulation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the importance of evaluating biomeasures collected using mobile monitoring devices by comparison with standard methods. It revealed a relatively poor correlation between BMSW and oral thermometer temperature readings and suggested that BMSW is unlikely

UNLABELLED: A randomised controlled trial of vertebroplasty (VP) versus placebo assessed the effect of VP on the risk of further vertebral fractures. While no statistically significant between-group differences for new or progressed fracture risk at 12 and 24 months were observed, we observed a consistent trend towards higher risk of any type of fracture in the group undergoing VP. Our analysis was underpowered, and further adequately powered studies are needed to be able to draw firm conclusions about further vertebral risk with vertebroplasty. PURPOSE: This study seeks to assess the effect of VP on the risk of further radiologically apparent vertebral fracture within two years of the procedure. METHODS: We conducted a randomised placebo-controlled trial of VP in people with acute osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to VP (n = 38) or placebo (n = 40). Cement volume and leakage were recorded for the VP group. Plain thoracolumbar radiographs were taken at baseline, 12 and 24 months. Two independent radiologists assessed these for new and progressed fractures at the same, adjacent and non-adjacent levels. RESULTS: At 12 and 24 months, radiographs were available for 45 (58 %) and 47 (60 %) participants, respectively. There were no between-group differences for new or progressed fractures: 32 and 40 in the VP group after 12 and 24 months compared with 21 and 33 in the placebo group (hazard ratio (HR) 1.80, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.82 to 3.94). Similar results were seen when considering only adjacent (HR (95 % CI) 2.30 (0.57 to 9.29)) and non-adjacent (HR (95 % CI) 1.45 (0.55 to 3.81) levels. In all comparisons, there was a consistent trend towards higher risk of any type of fracture in the group undergoing VP. Within the VP group, fracture risk was unrelated to total (HR (95 % CI) 0.91 (0.71 to 1.17)) or relative (HR (95 % CI) 1.31 (0.15 to 11.48)) cement volume or cement leakage (HR (95 % CI) 1.20 (0.63 to 2.31)). CONCLU

UNLABELLED: An international consensus process resulted in exercise and physical activity recommendations for individuals with osteoporosis. Emphasis was placed on strength, balance, and postural alignment. Rather than providing generic restrictions, activity should be encouraged while considering impairments, fracture risk, activity history, and preference, and guidance on spine sparing techniques should be provided. INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study were to establish expert consensus on key questions posed by patients or health care providers regarding recommended assessment domains to inform exercise prescription, therapeutic goals of exercise, and physical activity and exercise recommendations for individuals with osteoporosis or osteoporotic vertebral fracture. METHODS: The Too Fit To Fracture expert panel identified researchers and clinicians with expertise in exercise and osteoporosis and stakeholder groups. We delivered a modified online Delphi survey (two rounds) to establish consensus on assessment, exercise, and physical activities for three cases with varying risk (osteoporosis based on bone mineral density; 1 spine fracture and osteoporosis; multiple spine fractures, osteoporosis, hyperkyphosis, and pain). Duplicate content analyses of free text responses were performed. RESULTS: Response rates were 52% (39/75) and 69% (48/70) for each round. Key consensus points are the following: (a) Current physical activity guidelines are appropriate for individuals with osteoporosis without spine fracture, but not for those with spine fracture; (b) after spine fracture, physical activity of moderate intensity is preferred to vigorous; (c) daily balance training and endurance training for spinal extensor muscles are recommended for all; (d) providing guidance on spine-sparing techniques (e.g., hip hinge) during activities of daily living or leisure, considering impairments, fracture risk, activity history, and preference, is recommended rather than providin

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with both poor bone health and mental ill-health. More recently, a number of studies have found individuals with depressive symptoms tend to have reduced bone mineral density. To explore the interrelationships between vitamin D status, bone mineral density and mental-ill health we are assessing a range of clinical, behavioural and lifestyle factors in young women (Part A of the Safe-D study). DESIGN AND METHODS: Part A of the Safe-D study is a cross-sectional study aiming to recruit 468 young females aged 16-25 years living in Victoria, Australia, through Facebook advertising. Participants are required to complete an extensive, online questionnaire, wear an ultra-violet dosimeter for 14 consecutive days and attend a study site visit. Outcome measures include areal bone mineral measures at the lumbar spine, total hip and whole body, as well as soft tissue composition using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Trabecular and cortical volumetric bone density at the tibia is measured using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Other tests include serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, serum biochemistry and a range of health markers. Details of mood disorder/s and depressive and anxiety symptoms are obtained by self-report. Cutaneous melanin density is measured by spectrophotometry. EXPECTED IMPACT: The findings of this cross-sectional study will have implications for health promotion in young women and for clinical care of those with vitamin D deficiency and/or mental ill-health. Optimising both vitamin D status and mental health may protect against poor bone health and fractures in later life. Significance for public healthVitamin D deficiency, depression and osteoporosis are all major public health issues. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with both reduced bone mineral density and depressive symptoms. Moreover, cohort studies have found that subjects with depression have lower bone mineral density when compared to

Measurement of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in intravertebral subregions may increase the diagnostic sensitivity of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived parameters for vertebral fragility. This study investigated whether DXA-derived bone parameters in vertebral subregions were better predictors of vertebral bone strength in specimens with low aBMD, compared to those with higher aBMD. Twenty-five lumbar vertebrae (15 embalmed and 10 fresh-frozen) were scanned with posteroanterior- (PA) and lateral-projection DXA, and then mechanically tested in compression to ultimate failure. Whole-vertebral aBMD and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured from the PA- and lateral-projection scans and within 6 intravertebral subregions. Multivariate regression was used to predict ultimate failure load by BMC, adjusted for vertebral size and specimen fixation status across the whole specimen set, and when subgrouped into specimens with low aBMD and high aBMD. Adjusted BMC explained a substantial proportion of variance in ultimate vertebral load, when measured over the whole vertebral area in lateral projection (adjusted R (2) 0.84) and across the six subregions (ROIs 2-7) (adjusted R (2) range 0.58-0.78). The association between adjusted BMC, either measured subregionally or across the whole vertebral area, and vertebral failure load, was increased for the subgroup of specimens with identified 'low aBMD', compared to those with 'high aBMD', particularly in the anterior subregion where the adjusted R (2) differed by 0.44. The relative contribution of BMC measured in vertebral subregions to ultimate failure load is greater among specimens with lower aBMD, compared to those with higher aBMD, particularly in the anterior subregion of the vertebral body.

UNLABELLED: An international consensus process identified the following research priorities in osteoporosis and exercise: study of exercise in high-risk cohorts, evaluation of multimodal interventions, research examining translation into practice and a goal to examine fracture outcomes. INTRODUCTION: To identify future research priorities related to exercise for people with osteoporosis with and without osteoporotic spine fracture via international consensus. METHODS: An international expert panel and representatives from Osteoporosis Canada led the process and identified opinion leaders or stakeholders to contribute. A focus group of four patient advocates identified quality of life, mobility, activities of daily living, falls, bone mineral density, and harms as outcomes important for decision-making. Seventy-five individuals were invited to participate in an online survey asking respondents to define future research priorities in the area of osteoporosis and exercise; the response rate was 57%. Fifty-five individuals from seven countries were invited to a half-day consensus meeting; 60% of invitees attended. The results of the online survey, knowledge synthesis activities, and results of the focus group were presented. Nominal group technique was used to come to consensus on research priorities. RESULTS: Research priorities included the study of exercise in high-risk cohorts (e.g., ≥ 65 years, low BMD, moderate/high risk of fracture, history of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, hyperkyphotic posture, functional impairments, or sedentary), the evaluation of multimodal interventions, research examining translation into practice, and a goal to examine fracture outcomes. The standardization of outcomes or protocols that could be evolved into large multicentre trials was discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The research priorities identified as part of the Too Fit To Fracture initiative can be used to inform the development of multicentre collaborations to evaluate and implement st

This study sought to investigate, using a case-control study design, the association between bisphosphonate therapy and delayed dental healing and osteonecrosis of the jaw. Identification of potential cases of delayed dental healing was by consecutive screening of Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial and Special Needs Dentist clinic records for patients aged older than 50 years, during a 6-month window, in Victoria, Australia. Cases were confirmed by a case adjudication panel blinded to bisphosphonate status. Cases associated with malignancy or local radiotherapy were excluded. Controls were matched for age, sex, and source of dental referral (1:4, n = 160 controls). Variables of interest were dental precipitants, dental clinic type, smoking history, and medical comorbidities. A total of 4212 of 22,358 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 69 were potential cases with 40 (0.95%) confirmed cases. The odds ratio (OR) for developing delayed dental healing when taking an oral bisphosphonate was 13.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4 to 39.3; p < 0.001). There were no cases associated with intravenous bisphosphonate use. There was some evidence of an interaction with age, sex, and clinic type. When adjusted for smoking, the estimated odds ratio was 11.6 (95% CI 1.9 to 69.4; p = 0.01). There was an association between having another illness and delayed dental healing (OR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.0 to 5.2). A dental precipitant was present in 39 of 40 (97.5%) delayed dental healing cases. An important association between bisphosphonate use and delayed dental healing in the setting of benign bone disease, predominately in individuals with a dental precipitant, has been demonstrated.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic treatment with valproate (VPA) is commonly associated with weight gain, which potentially has important health implications, in particular increased central fat distribution. We utilized a VPA-discordant same-sex, twin and matched sibling pair study design to primarily examine for differences in fat distribution between patients with epilepsy treated with VPA compared to their matched twin or sibling control. Weight, blood pressure, and leptin levels were assessed. METHODS: Height, weight, waist and hip measurements, exercise, blood pressure (BP), and serum leptin levels were measured. Body composition was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Abdominal fat was expressed as a percentage of the abdominal region (AFat%); and of whole body fat (WBF); (AFat%WBF). Mean within-pair differences were assessed (VPA-user and nonuser). Restricted maximum likelihood (REML) linear mixed model analysis was fitted to examine associations of anthropometrics, zygosity, gender, menopausal status, VPA dose and duration, with weight and AFat%. RESULTS: We studied 19 pairs of VPA-discordant, gender-matched (five male, 14 female) twins and siblings. Mean (standard deviation, SD) duration of therapy for VPA users was 11.0 (7.4) years. There were no statistically significant within-pair differences in age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), BP, leptin level, WBF, AFat%, or AFat%WBF. For pairs in which VPA-user was treated for >11 years there were statistically significant mean within-pair differences in AFat%, (+7.1%, p = 0.03, n = 10 pairs), mean BP (+11.0 mm Hg, p = 0.006, n = 8 pairs); but not in AFat%WBF. VPA duration was positively associated with weight (estimate +0.98 kg/per year of VPA, p = 0.03); VPA treatment duration and dose were not significantly associated with AFat%. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrated a relationship between long-term VPA use and abdominal adiposity (AFat%), which could have significant health implications. We recom

OBJECTIVES: Cervical cancer (CC) incidence and mortality among young women have been increasing in Japan. To develop effective measures to combat this, we assessed the feasibility of using a social networking site (SNS) to recruit a representative sample of young women to conduct a knowledge and attitude study about CC prevention via an internet-based questionnaire. METHODS: From July 2012 to March 2013, advertising banners targeting women aged 16 to 35 years in Kanagawa Prefecture were placed on Facebook in a similar manner as an Australian (AUS) study conducted in 16- to 25-year-olds in 2010 and on a homepage to advertise our CC advocacy activities. Eligible participants were emailed instructions for accessing our secure Web site where they completed an online survey including demographics, awareness, and knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and CC. Data for the study population were compared with the general Japanese population and the AUS study. RESULTS: Among 394 women who expressed interest, 243 (62%) completed the survey, with 52% completing it via Facebook. Women aged 26 to 35 years, living in Yokohama City, with an education beyond high school, were overrepresented. Participants had high awareness and knowledge of HPV and CC, comparable with the AUS study participants. However, the self-reported HPV vaccination rate (22% among participants aged 16-25 years) and the recognition rate of the link between smoking and CC (31%) were significantly lower than in the AUS study (58% and 43%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Significant predictors of high knowledge scores about HPV included awareness of HPV vaccine (P < 0.001) and self-reported HPV vaccination (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The SNS and homepage are efficient methods to recruit young women into health surveys, which can effectively be performed online. A nationwide survey using SNSs would be an appropriate next step to better understand the current lack of uptake of the national HPV vaccine program by young wome

OBJECTIVES: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the commonest sexually transmitted infection. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with HPV-related diseases, previous studies have demonstrated low HPV knowledge in the general population. The objectives of this study were to assess knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV among young women and investigate predictors of high knowledge. METHODS: Female subjects, aged 16-25 years living in Victoria, Australia, were recruited using targeted advertising on Facebook from May to September 2010. A web-based questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional pilot study for a large longitudinal study on women's health, The Young Female Health Initiative. RESULTS: A total of 278 women completed the questionnaire. The geographic region, indigenous status and socio-economic status of participants were representative of the target population. Overall, 63% knew what HPV was, but only 48% knew it was a common virus. Predictors of high HPV knowledge on multivariate analyses were older age (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.78, 95% CI 0.77 to 10.04), higher socio-economic status (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 0.66 to 2.95), being Australian-born (aOR 3.10, 95% CI 1.15 to 8.36), older age at first vaginal intercourse (aOR 1.84, 95% CI 0.66 to 5.14), awareness of HPV vaccines (aOR 2.16, 95% CI 0.68 to 6.85) and chlamydia (aOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.11 to 5.94), and self-reported HPV vaccination status (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 0.76 to 4.41). CONCLUSIONS: HPV and cervical cancer knowledge among participants were relatively high compared with other studies conducted both worldwide and in Australia. However, deficits in knowledge exist and warrant address in educational initiatives.

Bisphosphonates such as alendronate, risedronate and zoledronate have revolutionised the treatment for osteoporosis and Paget's disease. These drugs reduce fracture risk and probably mortality in patients with osteoporosis. However, they have a long in vivo half-life following cessation and may be associated with delayed dental healing and even the devastating complication of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Extensive media attention highlighting this issue has caused much concern among patients and healthcare professionals. This paper seeks to provide treating clinicians with a balanced multi-disciplinary review of the available evidence pertaining to this issue and practical advice regarding prevention and management of ONJ.

BACKGROUND: The quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine has been provided in Australia through the National Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Program since April 2007. National registry data demonstrates good coverage of the vaccine, with 73% of school-aged girls having received all three doses. To evaluate the effectiveness of the program, we propose a two-pronged approach. In one (sub study A), the prevalence of the vaccine-targeted human papillomavirus genotypes in a population cohort is being estimated, and will be analysed in relation to vaccination status, cervical cytology screening status, demographic, social, behavioural, medical and clinical factors. In sub study B, the distribution of human papillomavirus genotypes detected in high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplastic lesions from vaccine eligible women is being assessed. METHODS/DESIGN: Sub Study A involves the recruitment of 1569 women aged 18-25, residing in Victoria, Australia, through Facebook advertising. Women who are sexually active are being asked to provide a self-collected vaginal swab, collected at home and posted into the study centre, where human papillomavirus DNA detection and genotyping is performed. Participants also complete an online questionnaire regarding sexual history, experience with, knowledge of, and attitudes towards human papillomavirus, the human papillomavirus vaccine, and cervical screening.Sub Study B will involve the collection of 500 cervical biopsies, positively identified as containing high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplastic lesions and/or adenocarcinoma in situ. Five serial sections are being taken from each case: sections 1 and 5 are being assessed to confirm the presence of the high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplastic lesions or adenocarcinoma in situ; human papillomavirus genotyping is performed on sections 2 and 3; single lesions are excised from section 4 using laser capture microdissection to specifically define causality of a human papillomav

Individuals with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis experience vertebral fractures at an increased rate and at higher vertebral areal bone mineral density (aBMD) than individuals with primary osteoporosis. Standard posteroanterior- (PA-) projection dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) lacks the diagnostic sensitivity required for reliable estimation of vertebral fracture risk in individuals. Assessment of subregional vertebral aBMD using lateral-projection DXA may improve the predictive value of DXA parameters for fracture. One hundred and four individuals were recruited and grouped for this study: primary osteoporosis with no history of vertebral fracture (n = 43), glucocorticoid-induced bone loss (n = 13), and healthy controls (n = 48). Standard PA-projection and supine-lateral scans were performed, and lateral scans were analysed according to an established protocol to measure aBMD within 6 subregions. Main effects for subregion and group were assessed and observed, by ANCOVA. Ratios were calculated between subregions and compared between groups, to overcome the potentially confounding influence of variability in subregional geometry. Significantly lower values were observed in the glucocorticoid group for the ratios of (i) anterior subregion: whole vertebral body and (ii) posterior: whole vertebral body when compared to the primary osteoporosis and control groups (P < 0.05). Lower anterior subregional aBMD in individuals on glucocorticoid therapy may help to explain the increased vertebral fracture risk in this patient group.

BACKGROUND: Recruitment of young people for health research by traditional methods has become more expensive and challenging over recent decades. The Internet presents an opportunity for innovative recruitment modalities. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of recruiting young females using targeted advertising on the social networking site Facebook. METHODS: We placed an advertisement on Facebook from May to September 2010, inviting 16- to 25-year-old females from Victoria, Australia, to participate in a health study. Those who clicked on the advertisement were redirected to the study website and were able to express interest by submitting their contact details online. They were contacted by a researcher who assessed eligibility and invited them to complete a health-related survey, which they could do confidentially and securely either at the study site or remotely online. RESULTS: A total of 551 females responded to the advertisement, of whom 426 agreed to participate, with 278 completing the survey (139 at the study site and 139 remotely). Respondents' age distribution was representative of the target population, while 18- to 25-year-olds were more likely to be enrolled in the study and complete the survey than 16- to 17-year-olds (prevalence ratio=1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.78, P=.02). The broad geographic distribution (major city, inner regional, and outer regional/remote) and socioeconomic profile of participants matched the target population. Predictors of participation were older age, higher education level, and higher body mass index. Average cost in advertising fees per compliant participant was US $20, making this highly cost effective. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate the potential of using modern information and communication technologies to engage young women in health research and penetrate into nonurban communities. The success of this method has implications for future medical and population research in this and other demographics.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) experienced in middle-age may have important implications for vertebral bone health, although this issue has not been investigated as a primary aim previously. This study investigated the associations between CLBP and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived vertebral bone mineral measures acquired from postero-anterior and lateral-projections, among community-dwelling, middle-aged adults. METHODS: Twenty-nine adults with CLBP (11 male, 18 female) and 42 adults with no history of LBP in the preceding year (17 male, 25 female) were evaluated. Self-reported demographic and clinical data were collected via questionnaires. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was measured in the lumbar spine by DXA. Apparent volumetric (ap.v) BMD in the lumbar spine was also calculated. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine associations between study group (CLBP and control) and vertebral DXA variables by gender, adjusting for height, mass and age. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups by gender in anthropometrics or clinical characteristics. In the CLBP group, the mean (SD) duration of CLBP was 13.3 (10.4) years in males and 11.6 (9.9) years in females, with Oswestry Disability Index scores of 16.2 (8.7)% and 15.4 (9.1)%, respectively. Males with CLBP had significantly lower adjusted lateral-projection aBMD and lateral-projection ap.vBMD than controls at L3 with mean differences (standard error) of 0.09 (0.04) g/cm2 (p = 0.03) and 0.02 (0.01) g/cm3 (p = 0.04). These multivariate models accounted for 55% and 53% of the variance in lateral-projection L3 aBMD and lateral-projection L3 ap.vBMD. CONCLUSIONS: CLBP in males is associated with some lumbar vertebral BMD measures, raising important questions about the mechanism and potential clinical impact of this association.

PURPOSE: This case-control pilot study examined whether vertebral bone mineral measures were associated with the presence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) and Modic changes (MCs), and to compare psychological wellbeing and inflammation among individuals with CLBP and MCs, compared to individuals with no history of low back pain and without MCs. METHODS: Eleven individuals with MRI-defined MCs in the lumbar spine and CLBP (cases) and 10 individuals with no history of CLBP or MCs (controls) responded to standard questionnaires regarding pain characteristics and psychological health. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with postero-anterior and lateral-projection dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to estimate areal BMD (aBMD) and apparent volumetric BMD (ap.vBMD). High sensitivity serum C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was measured as an index of inflammation. RESULTS: While there was no difference between the groups in measures of depression, anxiety and stress, cases reported significantly greater pain catastrophizing attitudes (P < 0.01). hsCRP concentrations did not differ between groups (P = 0.54). Among the 7 cases where MCs were identified between L3-4, significantly higher mean aBMD was observed at the affected vertebral level, compared to the adjacent, unaffected, cephalad level (P = 0.01-0.04), but not when ap.vBMD was calculated (P = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Vertebral BMD is not reduced among individuals with CLBP and MCs compared to a control group, although pain catastrophizing attitudes are increased among individuals with CLBP and MCs.

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonates are common first line medications used for the management of benign bone disease. One of the most devastating complications associated with bisphosphonate use is osteonecrosis of the jaws which may be related to duration of exposure and hence cumulative dose, dental interventions, medical co-morbidities or in some circumstances with no identifiable aggravating factor. While jaw osteonecrosis is a devastating outcome which is currently difficult to manage, various forms of delayed dental healing may be a less dramatic and, therefore, poorly-recognised complications of bisphosphonate use for the treatment of osteoporosis. It is hypothesised that long-term (more than 1 year's duration) bisphosphonate use for the treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis or other benign bone disease is associated with impaired dental healing. METHODS/DESIGN: A case-control study has been chosen to test the hypothesis as the outcome event rate is likely to be very low. A total of 54 cases will be recruited into the study following review of all dental files from oral and maxillofacial surgeons and special needs dentists in Victoria where potential cases of delayed dental healing will be identified. Potential cases will be presented to an independent case adjudication panel to determine if they are definitive delayed dental healing cases. Two hundred and fifteen controls (1:4 cases:controls), matched for age and visit window period, will be selected from those who have attended local community based referring dental practices. The primary outcome will be the incidence of delayed dental healing that occurs either spontaneously or following dental treatment such as extractions, implant placement, or denture use. DISCUSSION: This study is the largest case-controlled study assessing the link between bisphosphonate use and delayed dental healing in Australia. It will provide invaluable data on the potential link between bisphosphonate use and osteonecrosis of the ja

SUMMARY: Vertebral fractures are a major adverse consequence of osteoporosis. In a large placebo-controlled trial in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, strontium ranelate reduced vertebral fracture risk by 33% over 4 years, confirming the role of strontium ranelate as an effective long-term treatment in osteoporosis. INTRODUCTION: Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and loss of quality-of-life (QoL). Strontium ranelate (2 g/day) was shown to prevent bone loss, increase bone strength, and reduce vertebral and peripheral fractures. The preplanned aim of this study was to evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of strontium ranelate. METHODS: A total of 1,649 postmenopausal osteoporotic women were randomized to strontium ranelate or placebo for 4 years, followed by a 1-year treatment-switch period for half of the patients. Primary efficacy criterion was incidence of patients with new vertebral fractures over 4 years. Lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) and QoL were also evaluated. RESULTS: Over 4 years, risk of vertebral fracture was reduced by 33% with strontium ranelate (risk reduction = 0.67, p < 0.001). Among patients with two or more prevalent vertebral fractures, risk reduction was 36% (p < 0.001). QoL, assessed by the QUALIOST(R), was significantly better (p = 0.025), and patients without back pain were greater (p = 0.005) with strontium ranelate than placebo over 4 years. Lumbar BMD increased over 5 years in patients who continued with strontium ranelate, while it decreased in patients who switched to placebo. Emergent adverse events were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: In this 4- and 5-year study, strontium ranelate is an effective and safe treatment for long-term treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Vertebroplasty is a promising but as yet unproven treatment for painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures. It involves radiographic-guided injection of various types of bone cement directly into the vertebral fracture site. Uncontrolled studies and two controlled quasi-experimental before-after studies comparing volunteers who were offered treatment to those who refused it, have suggested an early benefit including rapid pain relief and improved function. Conversely, several uncontrolled studies and one of the controlled before-after studies have also suggested that vertebroplasty may increase the risk of subsequent vertebral fractures, particularly in vertebrae adjacent to treated levels or if cement leakage into the adjacent disc has occurred. As yet, there are no completed randomised controlled trials of vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The aims of this participant and outcome assessor-blinded randomised placebo-controlled trial are to i) determine the short-term efficacy and safety (3 months) of vertebroplasty for alleviating pain and improving function for painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures; and ii) determine its medium to longer-term efficacy and safety, particularly the risk of further fracture over 2 years. DESIGN: A double-blind randomised controlled trial of 200 participants with one or two recent painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Participants will be stratified by duration of symptoms (< and >or= 6 weeks), gender and treating radiologist and randomly allocated to either the treatment or placebo. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Outcome measures include overall, night and rest pain on 10 cm visual analogue scales, quality of life measured by the Assessment of Quality of Life, Osteoporosis Quality of Life and EQ-5D questionnaires; participant perceived recovery on a 7-point ordinal scale ranging from 'a great deal worse' to 'a great deal better'; disability measured by the