an online Knowledge Environment published by the
International Bone & Mineral Society
CURRENT ISSUE: March 2008
NEWS
FRAX™ and the Assessment of Fracture Probability: An Introduction
By John A. Kanis, Anders Oden, Helena Johansson, and Eugene McCloskey
FRAX™ is a computer-based algorithm (http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX) that provides models for the assessment of fracture probability in men and women (1-3). The approach uses easily obtained clinical risk factors to estimate 10-year fracture probability. The estimate can be used alone or with BMD to enhance fracture risk prediction. In addition to fracture risk, FRAX™ uses Poisson regression to derive hazard functions of death. These hazard functions are continuous as a function of time which permits the calculation of the 10-year probability of hip, clinical spine, humerus or wrist fracture and the 10-year probability of hip fracture. Some of the risk factors affect the risk of death as well as the fracture risk. Examples include increasing age, low BMD and smoking. In the case of age and BMD, the effect is modest since the two hazard functions have an opposing influence on fracture probability. Other risk engines calculate the probability of a clinical event (e.g., a myocardial infarct) without taking into account the possibility of death from other causes. In addition, the FRAX™ model can be calibrated for different countries (1;3).
New Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover
By Patrick Garnero
What does the future hold in store for the novel biochemical markers of bone turnover now being developed? Dr. Garnero discusses the new candidates, including non-collagenous bone proteins and osteocalcin fragments; osteoclastic enzymes; regulators of osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity; and posttranslational modifications of bone matrix molecules.
DID YOU MISS?
Vascular Calcification: A Perspective on an Imminent Disease Epidemic
By Dwight A. Towler
Zoledronic Acid and Strontium Bone Biopsy Studies |
Zoledronic Acid - Does It Have Anabolic as Well as Anti-Resorptive Effects?
By Juliet E. Compston
Clinical trials have demonstrated the anti-fracture effect of zoledronic acid, but does this third generation aminobisphosphonate build new bone as well? Dr. Compston analyzes bone histomorphometry and microCT studies of biopsies from women treated with the drug; read her analysis of this latest study by Recker et al.
Effects of Strontium Ranelate: Results Important But Presentation Muddled
By A. Michael Parfitt
A recent study by Arlot et al. also uses histomorphometry and microCT, this time on bone biopsies from women treated with strontium ranelate. In his Commentary, Dr. Parfitt focuses on issues related to the measurement of cancellous bone microarchitecture, and on how the authors fared in this regard.
New Cochrane Reviews |
IBMS Beijing - International Conference on Osteoporosis and Bone Research 2008. Beijing, China, October 22-25, 2008. Deadline for abstracts is June 1st.
Save the date: IBMS 2009 - Sydney Australia, March 21-25 2009.
