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P Haentjens

Publications and source records attributed to P Haentjens.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The cost-effectiveness of risedronate in the treatment of osteoporosis: an international perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Risedronate, a bisphosphonate for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, has been shown in several clinical trials to reduce the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The cost-effectiveness of risedronate treatment has previously been evaluated within different country settings using different model and analysis approaches. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of risedronate in postmenopausal women in four European countries -- Sweden, Finland, Spain, and Belgium -- by making use of the same modelling framework and analysis setup. METHODS: A previously developed Markov cohort model for the evaluation of osteoporosis treatments was used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of risedronate treatment. For each country, the model was populated with local mortality, fracture incidence, and cost data. Hip fractures, clinical vertebral fractures, and wrist fractures were included in the model. RESULTS: The incremental cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained from a 5-year intervention with risedronate compared to "no intervention" in 70-year-old women at the threshold of osteoporosis [T-score = -2.5 based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III data] and previous vertebral fracture was estimated to be euro 860, euro 19,532, euro 11,782, and euro 32,515 in Sweden, Finland, Belgium, and Spain, respectively. Among 70-year-old women at the threshold of osteoporosis without previous fracture the estimated cost per QALY gained ranged from euro 21,148 (Sweden) to euro 80,100 (Spain). The differences in cost-effectiveness between countries are mainly explained by different costs (fracture and treatment costs), fracture risks, and discount rates. Based on cost per QALY gained threshold values found in the literature, the study results indicated risedronate to be cost effective in the treatment of elderly women with established osteoporosis in all the included countries. CONCLUSIONS: At a hypothetical threshold value of euro 40,000 per QALY gained, the results in this study indicate that risedronate is a cost-effective treatment in elderly women at the threshold of osteoporosis (i.e., a T-score of -2.5) with prevalent vertebral fractures in Sweden, Finland, Belgium, and Spain.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2006

Reliability and validity of plain radiographs to assess angulation of small finger metacarpal neck fractures: human cadaveric study.

To quantify reliability and validity of plain radiographs for assessing the degree of small finger metacarpal neck fracture angulation, we created typical two-fragments fractures in 30 adult cadaveric specimens. Reliability and validity of different radiographic measurement methods were determined by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland and Altman graphical approach. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability was high with any radiographic measurement method. Mean ICCs values (95% confidence intervals) varied from 0.76 (0.56-0.88) to 1.00 (0.99-1.00). The graphical approach confirmed good agreement. Validity was substantial when the fracture angle was measured between the line along the longitudinal axis of the metacarpal shaft and the line from the center of the metacarpal head to the fracture site on lateral radiographs. Mean ICCs values varied from 0.70 (0.36-0.86) to 0.79 (0.5-0.90). The graphical analysis also indicated good agreement. In contrast, considerable lack of validity was observed when the angle was measured on oblique radiographs. Although the mean ICCs values varied from 0.68 (0.12-0.88) to 0.74 (0.05-0.90), suggesting substantial correlation, the graphical analysis provided evidence for poor validity. There was systematic bias with oblique radiographs consistently producing higher readings (up to 35 degrees ). In summary, reliability and validity are good only when the degree of small finger metacarpal neck fracture angulation is measured after drawing lines on lateral radiographs. Oblique radiograph measurements consistently produce higher readings.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Calcium and vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis - a clinical update.

Combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation is an essential component of the management of osteoporosis, supported by a strong scientific rationale. The types of individuals who should receive calcium and vitamin D supplements are those: (i) patients with documented osteoporosis receiving antiresorptive or anabolic treatment; (ii) patients receiving glucocorticoids; and (iii) individuals with or at high risk of calcium and/or vitamin D insufficiencies, in particular older women and men. This article describes the evidence base that supports targeting these groups. Benefits are most apparent when 800 IU day(-1) vitamin D is complemented with a dose of 1000-1200 mg day(-1) elemental calcium. Compliance is also key to optimizing clinical efficacy.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Is systematic screening for thyroid disorders indicated in subfertile men?

CONTEXT: Data on the prevalence of thyroid disorders in male subfertility remain scarce. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity in men with normal and abnormal semen characteristics. SETTING: Tertiary referral center for reproductive medicine of the University Hospital AZ-VUB, Brussels, Belgium. PATIENTS AND DESIGN: Two hundred and ninety-two men were stratified according to the presence of normal (group 1; n = 39) or abnormal (group 2; n = 253) semen characteristics. Thyroid function was assessed by serum thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) for thyroid autoimmunity (TAI or TPO-Ab > 34 kU/l); both were correlated with semen characteristics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Semen characteristics were determined by World Health Organisation criteria (rapid + slow motility > or = 50% and concentration > or = 20 x 10(6)) and Kruger criteria (morphology > or = 14% normal cells). RESULTS: In group 1, the mean (+/- s.d.) age was 33 +/- 4 years; serum TSH was 1.6 (0.3-29.6) mU/l (median (range)) and FT4 was 12.2 (8.8-15.6) ng/l. In group 2, the mean age was 33 +/- 5 years, serum TSH was 1.3 (0.3-5.2) mU/l and FT4 was 12.5 (8.4-17.5) ng/l; (compared with group 1 P = 0.008 for TSH and P = 0.037 for FT4). In both groups, one patient had increased TSH (2.6% and 0.4%; P = not significant (ns)). In group 1, one patient had TAI and in group 2 twelve patients had TAI (2.6% compared with 4.7%; P = ns). FT4 was an independent determinant for semen characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity is comparable between men with normal and abnormal semen characteristics. On the basis of these data, we do not advise systematic screening for thyroid disorders in subfertile men consulting a tertiary referral center for reproductive medicine.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Predictors of functional outcome following intracapsular hip fracture in elderly women. A one-year prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore potential predictors of functional outcome one year after the injury in elderly women who sustained a displaced intracapsular hip fracture and who were treated with internal fixation, hemiarthroplasty, or total hip arthroplasty. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Eighty-four women aged > or =50 years were enrolled on a consecutive basis in this one-year prospective cohort study reflecting standard day-to-day clinical practice. The main outcome measure was the rapid disability rating scale version-2 (RDRS-2) applied at hospital discharge and one year later. RESULTS: At hospital discharge, the total hip arthroplasty group was younger and had a better functional status than the internal fixation or hemiarthroplasty groups. One year later, the best function was still observed in the total arthroplasty group, but the differences were small and failed to achieve the level of statistical significance. During that one-year period, walking ability or mobility did not change significantly after total hip arthroplasty, but a significant proportion of the women developed cognitive impairment, including mental confusion, uncooperativeness, and depression. Overall, the most significant predictors of poor functional status one year after fracture were increasing age, living in an institution at time of injury, and poor functional status at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: In elderly women with a displaced intracapsular hip fracture, total hip arthroplasty is associated with a functional benefit within the first months after surgery. However, the extent to which this functional benefit is maintained over time, is less clear. These results support the need for randomised studies to quantify the extent to which, in elderly women, the early functional benefit of total hip arthroplasty is maintained in the long run or compromised by progressive cognitive impairment and other negative determinants of functional outcome.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2005

Glomerular filtration rate in patients with Cushing's disease: a matched case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Cushing's disease have a high prevalence of atherosclerosis and maintain an increased cardiovascular risk even after cure of the disease. However, the impact of Cushing's disease on renal function remains to be quantified. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and to identify predictors of GFR in patients with Cushing's disease. DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a matched case-control study: 18 patients with active or cured Cushing's disease were compared with healthy population controls matched for age and sex. The main outcome measures were GFR and micro-albuminuria. RESULTS: Patients with Cushing's disease had a lower GFR, as measured by 24-h creatinine clearance (79 versus 95 ml/min per 1.73 m2, P = 0.005) and estimated by the MDRD2 formula (75 versus 88 ml/min per 1.73 m2, P = 0.008). Multiple regression analyses indicated that disease duration was the strongest predictor for a worse GFR. The prevalence of micro-albuminuria was low (5.5% in both groups). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Cushing's disease have a decreased GFR. Even if they are cured, close follow-up with strict control of cardiovascular risk factors and monitoring of GFR seems mandatory. Furthermore, the dosage of certain drugs should be adapted to the individual GFR.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2004

Preventing osteoporotic fractures with antiresorptive therapy: implications of microarchitectural changes.

Prospective studies have demonstrated that low bone mass correlates well with increased risk of osteoporotic fractures at various skeletal sites. Trials have likewise confirmed that enhancing bone mass with antiresorptive therapy reduces fracture incidence in individuals at risk. However, correlation of bone mineral density (BMD) increases with therapeutic risk reduction has proved less consistent than correlation of BMD decreases with greater fracture risk in the untreated. Indeed, various analyses have indicated that - even during treatment with potent bisphosphonates like alendronate and risedronate - BMD changes from baseline account for <30% of the reduction in vertebral fractures in treated women. It is clearly, therefore, that factors other than BMD are involved in the reduction of fracture risk achieved by antiresorptive therapies. According to recent micro-computed tomography imaging and other studies, antiresorptive therapy can help rebuild the microarchitecture of bone as well as strengthen the materials that go into it. When treating individuals with osteoporosis, these microarchitectural changes contribute to the reduction of fracture risk achieved by antiresorptive therapies.

Bone Density↗
PubMed2002

Clinical risk factors for hip fracture in elderly women: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the strength of the association between clinical risk factors and hip fracture occurrence in elderly women. DESIGN: A case-control study. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Medical and social characteristics of 159 women with a first hip fracture (cases) were compared with 159 women without a hip fracture (controls) who were matched on age and residence. METHODS: Using conditional logistic regression modeling, the odds ratio (OR) and the 95 percent confidence interval (95 percent CI) were estimated as measures of the relative hip fracture risk. RESULTS: The highest hip fracture risk was associated with the self-perceived safety of the residence at the time of injury: if it were thought that the residence was not adequately equipped to allow safe motion or to perform the activities of daily living safely, this was associated with an almost sixfold increase in hip fracture risk (OR 5.8, 95 percent CI 2.5 to 13.4). The hip fracture risk was also increased by a report of two or more other fractures before the first hip fracture (OR 2.6, 95 percent CI 1.1 to 6.3), any tendency to fall within one year of the injury date (OR 2.3, 95 percent CI 1.8 to 4.1), and the chronic use of psychotropic drugs (OR 2.0, 95 percent CI 1.1 to 3.7). In contrast, ability to read a newspaper was protective against hip fracture (OR 0.3, 95 percent CI 0.2 to 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that these factors may be useful for an easy identification of women at high risk for hip fracture in the short term and, thus, who should benefit in priority from hip fracture prevention strategies.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

The economic cost of hip fractures among elderly women. A one-year, prospective, observational cohort study with matched-pair analysis. Belgian Hip Fracture Study Group.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a prospective study to assess the costs of initial hospitalization for a first hip fracture and to evaluate the excess costs attributable to the hip fracture during the one-year period following hospital discharge. METHODS: This investigation was designed as a one-year prospective cohort study with matched-pair analysis. Elderly women who were receiving care for a first hip fracture at four Belgian hospitals were matched, with respect to age and residence, with women (control subjects) with no history of hip fracture who lived in the same neighborhood. The initial hospitalization costs were tabulated from the hospital invoices. To estimate the costs during the year after hospital discharge, health-care services utilized by the hip-fracture patients and by the control subjects were recorded. We used the official reimbursement rates to assign a cost to these services, and the results are reported in United States dollars. RESULTS: The mean age of the 159 patients who had a hip fracture was 79.3 years, and that of the 159 control subjects was 78.7 years. The total mean cost of the initial hospitalization was $9534 for the hip-fracture patients. The total direct costs during the year after discharge averaged $13,470 for the hip-fracture patients and $6170 for the control subjects. Thus, the excess direct cost during the one-year period following hospital discharge averaged $7300 for the hip-fracture patients. The largest cost differences were attributable to nursing-home stays (31%), rehabilitation-center stays (31%), hospitalizations (16%), and home physical-therapy services (14%). Two-fifths of the excess costs were spent during the three months following hospital discharge. Moreover, we observed a shift in resource utilization after hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Our one-year prospective study demonstrated that the costs of treating a hip-fracture patient are about three times greater than those of caring for a patient without a fracture. This study also highlights the savings to society if a hip fracture can be avoided.

Aftercare↗
PubMed2001

Fractures and nonunions of the carpal scaphoid in children.

Fractures of the carpal scaphoid in children show some quite remarkable differences with respect to fractures of the carpal scaphoid in adults. A review of the literature shows that fractures in children are more often located in the distal third, are more often incomplete and are usually not displaced. Our experience with 23 fresh fractures of the carpal scaphoid in children confirms these findings of the literature. Nonunion of the carpal scaphoid is exceedingly rare in children. When reviewing the literature we could find only 29 published cases of nonunion of the carpal scaphoid in children. In most articles describing carpal scaphoid nonunion in children, bone grafting is recommended as the treatment of choice. We report two children with a nonunion of the carpal scaphoid treated successfully by cast immobilization. Therefore, we propose that a child with a nonunion of the carpal scaphoid bone that has never been immobilized previously should be treated by cast immobilization. Surgery should be considered only if there is no indication of healing after 3 months of immobilization.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Costs induced by hip fractures: a prospective controlled study in Belgium. Belgian Hip Fracture Study Group.

The economic burden of hip fractures is thought to be important, but the excess medical costs they induce remain largely unknown. We assessed the direct medical costs induced by hip fractures during and after hospitalization. Hospital costs of 170 consecutive Belgian women with hip fracture were gathered. During the year following discharge, all medical costs were collected for the 159 hip fracture women who survived the acute hospitalization stay. A similar collection of data was performed on a comparison group of 159 age-and residence-matched women without a history of hip fracture. The mean cost of the acute hospital stay was 8,667 Belgian francs and the mean 1-year hip-fracture-related extra costs after hospitalization was 6,636 Belgian francs. During the year following the acute hospital stay, 19% of the hip fracture women and 4% of the comparison women were newly admitted to nursing homes (p<0.001). Although health care costs increased with age, hip-fracture-related extra costs after hospitalization seemed similar in those below or above 81 years old. These extra costs amounted to 7,710 Belgian francs in women not living in nursing homes at the time of fracture, and to 3,479 Belgian francs in women who lived in nursing homes. Health or mental status before hip fracture seemed not to affect extra costs. Taking into account the higher mortality of women with hip fracture, the extra costs during the acute hospital stay and during the 1-year follow-up amounted to a mean 15,151 Belgian francs. In conclusion, both acute hospital stays and subsequent medical care contribute significantly to medical costs induced by hip fractures.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1999

Prognostic factors in the treatment of carpal scaphoid nonunions.

The aim of this multicenter study of 138 patients with scaphoid nonunions was to assess the prognostic factors of bone healing or failure after curative surgical treatment options: isolated bone grafting (30%), internal fixation (23%), or combined bone grafting and internal fixation (47%). Bone healing occurred in 75% of cases. Persistent nonunion was evident in 20% of cases; it was possible in 6%. The clinical and radiologic results were worse in the group of failures. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors of prognosis toward bone healing or failure. In univariate analysis, professional heavy work, age of the nonunion of over 5 years, associated radial styloidectomy, and duration of postoperative immobilization were associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of healing of the scaphoid nonunion. In multivariate analysis, the only remaining predictor was the delay between the initial trauma and the treatment of the nonunion. Among the cases of internal fixation (with or without bone grafting), the only predictor in multivariate analysis was the importance of bone resorption. The dorsal approach resulted in a more pronounced loss of wrist flexion and extension amplitudes. If the time elapsed between the initial fracture and the treatment of the nonunion exceeds 5 years, the chances of healing of the nonunion are decreased.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Factors associated with hip fracture occurrence in old age. Implications in the postsurgical management.

Fractures of the proximal femur (intracapsular as well as trochanteric fractures) are the most devastating complication of osteoporosis. These fractures are not only associated with significant morbidity, but also with a severe risk of death (+/- 25%) within one year. The strongest predisposing factor for fractures of the proximal femur is low bone density. In addition, numerous studies provide evidence that several other factors, independently, contribute to hip fracture risk, including low body mass index, previous fractures, muscle weakness, impaired vision, cognitive impairment, history of hyperthyroidism, use of long-acting sedatives, and physical inactivity. These findings indicate the need for preventive strategies based on risk factor modification and also on measures to maintain bone density. In view of the growing incidence of subsequent fracture of the contralateral hip, preventive strategies should be initiated in all these patients as an integral part of the postsurgical management during the acute hospital stay. These strategies should not only include combined supplements of calcium and vitamin D to attenuate further bone loss, but also a comprehensive assessment of risk factors.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Treatment of isolated distal ulnar shaft fractures with below-elbow plaster cast. A prospective study.

In a prospective study 52 patients with an isolated fracture of the distal ulna were treated with a below-elbow plaster cast. The histories of 46 patients were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 3.5 years (ranging from 10 months to 7 years). Forty-three fractures united. There were two non-unions. One fracture displaced while in the plaster, so that there was no longer any bone contact between the fragments. The fracture was consequently treated by open reduction and internal fixation. The type of fracture, the initial displacement (all fractures had bone contact) or the initial angulation (maximum 10 deg) was not found to influence the final clinical results. Below-elbow plaster cast appeared to produce satisfactory results in 89% of the patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Thromboembolic prophylaxis in orthopaedic trauma patients: a comparison between a fixed dose and an individually adjusted dose of a low molecular weight heparin (nadroparin calcium)

In a prospective, randomized multicentre trial the safety and efficacy of two regimens of a low molecular weight heparin (nadroparin calcium) were compared for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in orthopaedic trauma patients. Two hundred and eighty-three patients with a spinal fracture, a pelvic fracture, or a lower limb injury were randomized to receive either a fixed dose (7500 anti-Xa IC units = 3075 anti-Xa IU) or a variable dose depending on body weight and time since operation (100 to 150 anti-Xa IC units/kg approximately equal to 40 to 60 anti-Xa IU/kg). The patients continued the prophylactic regimen for 6 weeks, but were withdrawn from the study medication in the presence of a major complication or if they were completely cured from their injury. To assess the rate of DVT, a B-mode ultrasound scan of both legs was performed. Positive results were confirmed by phlebography. If signs or symptoms of PE were present, a ventilation-perfusion scan was performed. Both prophylactic regimens were equally safe. In each group, five patients developed major haemorrhagic complications. In each group, one case of reversible thrombocytopenia was seen. DVT was confirmed by phlebography in one patient given the fixed dose and in four patients given the variable dose. PE was confirmed by ventilation-perfusion scans in one patient with the fixed dose and in two patients with the variable dose. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed on the overall randomized population, with the assumption that all patients who were lost to follow-up had DVT. A therapeutic efficacy analysis was performed on those patients, who completed the course of the prophylactic regimen and in whom B-mode ultrasound scanning was performed 10 days and also 6 weeks after injury. These two modes of analysis showed no significant differences in the incidence of DVT or PE between both prophylactic regimens. In conclusion, both regimens were equally safe following a spinal fracture, a pelvic fracture or a lower limb injury. The risk of DVT and PE was similar with both regimens.

Aged↗