Posts Tagged ‘bone’

The current issue of the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery reports on a study of bone mineral density in men who used cell phones for extended periods of time. It was noted that men who carried their cell phones on their hips for an average of 15 hours a day had decreased bone mineral density in their hip bone on the side where they carried their phones. The study only included young males (average age 32) so the decrease in bone density wasn’t at the same level as someone with osteoporosis. But, it is an interesting finding which will no doubt continue the ongoing debate on the safety of cell phones. [via Medline Plus]

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One of the lesser known risk factors of taking the bisphosphonate class of osteoporosis drugs is osteonecrosis of the jaw bone (ONJ). Osteonecrosis is, quite literally, death of the bone cells. Previous studies already suggested that patients taking bisphosphonates, such as Fosomax, were at increased risk of developing ONJ, but this study shows that the side effect may be more common than had previously been suggested, even with short term use of the drugs since the drugs take so long to leave bone tissue (once stopped it takes 10 years for drug levels to halve). Researchers at University of Southern California’s School of Dentistry say of the 208 patients they identified for the study as having used Fosamax, nine of them had ONJ. That is a significant 4% of patients. The researchers are hoping that further studies will confirm their findings so that more physicians and dentists will be encouraged to speak to their patients regarding this potentially severe side effect.

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Last month physicians in Germany reported that a man co-infected with leukemia and HIV is free of both diseases two years after receiving a bone marrow transplant. The excitement centers around the use of bone marrow from a donor who has natural immunity to the HIV virus. Approximately one in 1,000 Europeans and Americans have an inherited genetic mutation which prevents HIV from attaching itself to our immune cells. This is a very unique case in that a matched donor just happens to be one of those who have immunity to HIV. However, researchers at UC Davis are actively working on a cure by playing on the same idea – by replacing HIV-infected individuals’ immune systems with genetically engineered stem cells that are resistent to the HIV virus.

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A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health reports that low weight and weight loss in middle-aged men could increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life. The researchers hypothesize that weight change can affect the skeleton, as well as the way in which hormones regulate bone metabolism. Although weight increase and elevated weight are beneficial for the skeleton (this is why weight-bearing exercises can strengthen bone and decrease osteoporosis risk), a stable, healthy weight is still recommended as a means for overall good health. Full story.

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Protonix, Prilosec and Nexium are just a few of the common drugs used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD or acid reflux). The use of these drugs, called proton pump inhibitors (PPI), has been shown to increase the risk of hip fractures when used for over 7 years, according to a new Canadian study. It is not uncommon to find patients who are taking these drugs for extended periods of time. As with any medication it is recommended that you and your physician weigh the risks and benefits prior to starting long term treatment with a PPI. Full story.

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