Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: Usefulness of FRAX as a Screening Tool.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and determine the associated risk factors, evaluating the usefulness of FRAX as a screening method to identify patients at a higher risk of fracture.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Demographic, clinical, and analytical data were collected in a randomized sample of LC patients attending the Hepatology Department of a university hospital.

Interobserver reliability of Masei index validation by a multicenter collaborative group of rheumatologists.

MASEI is the main validated ultrasound score for the evaluation of enthesis. The lack of studies facing the agreement to achieve for the interpretation of the MAdrid Sonographic Enthesis Index (MASEI) among researchers from different centers in multicenter studies is of concern. The aim of this multicenter was to evaluate the interobserver reliability of MASEI.

Recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on Osteoporosis.

Objective: To update the recommendations on osteoporosis (OP) of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER) based on the best possible evidence.

Methods: A panel of nine expert rheumatologists in OP was created, previously selected by the SER through an open call. The phases of the work were: identification of the key areas for updating the previous consensus, analysis and synthesis of the scientific evidence (using the SIGN levels of evidence) and formulation of recommendations based on this evidence and consensus techniques.

[New data on biphosphonate therapy: are therapeutic holidays advisable?].

Bisphosphonates are potent antiresorptive agents proven to be highly effective in vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. However, the reported complications associated with long-term use have led to questions on indefinite treatment. After administration of alendronate there is a high retention of the drug due to slow skeletal release as a result of bone resorption (half-life of more than 10 years), and it seems logical to propose a cessation of treatment (drug holidays) after prolonged treatment.

[Usefulness of FRAX tool for the management of osteoporosis in the Spanish female population].

Background And Objective: Osteoporotic fractures involve a significant consumption of health resources. Bone densitometry has been essential in the management of osteoporosis. However, for fracture absolute risk prediction, other important clinical risk factors are also important.