Osteoporosis: Taechakraichana N

Chan SP, Chen JF, Chu LW, Van DP, Hosking D, Ip TP, Koh L, Kung A, Lai NS, Lau E, Lee JK, Leewattana R, Min YK, Nghia ND, Boonsong O, Park HM, Ringe J, Setyohadi B, Shin CS, Soontrapa S, Taechakraichana N, Tanjung F, Tobing D, Tsai KS, Woo J, Yang RS. · c/o Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China. · Public Health Nutr. · Pubmed #18647434 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is essential for Ca absorption, prevention of falls and fracture, and maintenance of muscle strength and balance. Lack of awareness of the importance of vitamin D in bone health is common in Asia. OBJECTIVE: To define key statements, objectives and actions for improving osteoporosis management and vitamin D inadequacy in Asia. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This declaration was jointly produced by specialists at the Asia Metaforum on the Role of Vitamin D and the Management of Osteoporosis, held in September 2006 in Hong Kong, to define actions to prevent vitamin D insufficiency in Asia. Although developed specifically for Asia, some or all of these statements may be applicable to other regions of the world.

Pongchaiyakul C, Songpattanasilp T, Taechakraichana N. · Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. · J Med Assoc Thai. · Pubmed #18556872 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Pongchaiyakul C, Songpattanasilp T, Taechakraichana N. · Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. · J Med Assoc Thai. · Pubmed #18389994 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Taechakraichana N, Jaisamrarn U, Panyakhamlerd K, Chaikittisilpa S, Limpaphayom KK. · Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. · J Med Assoc Thai. · Pubmed #12188398 No free full text.

Abstract: Climacteric is the period of life starting from the decline in ovarian activity until after the end of ovarian function. According to the definition, the period includes peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause. Climacteric is considered to be a natural change of life which may be accompanied by various health consequences i.e., menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, or Alzheimer's disease. The key concept is that women enter menopause with different menopausal status for instances, natural menopause, surgical menopause, early menopause or even premature ovarian failure. Women may experience various health consequences due to the difference in genetic and environmental interaction. The prevalence and incidence of menopausal problems vary according to ethnic groups. For instance, Asian women seem to have less problems after menopause than their occidental counterparts. Nevertheless, the problems do exist and seem to be increasing due to the longer life expectancy and lifestyle changes of people in the region. Clinical decision in menopausal therapy can be determined according to health risk stratification. Appropriated menopausal therapeutic strategies include medical and non-medical modalities. The non-medical modalities are mainly focussed on lifestyle modification, while the medical modalities are classified as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-HRT. Those in the high risk group will probably benefit most from medication besides lifestyle modification. There are various types, doses, routes and regimens of medication which need to be appropriately matched with the proper women's characteristics. Those who have contraindications to HRT or can not tolerate its side effects may choose other alternatives eg, selective estrogen receptor modulators, bisphosphonates, calcitonin or calcium and vitamin D. The success of menopausal therapy is to give an appropriate therapeutic option to the right woman. The future direction of research will remain focussing on the development in diagnosis and menopausal therapy particularly the main three areas of health promotion, disease prevention and treatment. The trend of research and development will probably be concentrated on new pharmaceutical agents with more specific action and high selectivity in an attempt to maximize its efficacy and safety. Attention may be paid more on the convenience of drug administration to increase its compliance. Alternative medicine and appropriated technologies are also the fields of special interest of which research is underway.

Kung AW, Chao HT, Huang KE, Need AG, Taechakraichana N, Loh FH, Gonzaga F, Sriram U, Ismail NM, Farooqi A, Rachman IA, Crans GG, Wong M, Thiebaud D. · Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Division of Endocrinology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China. · J Clin Endocrinol Metab. · Pubmed #12843154 links to  free full text

Abstract: In healthy Caucasian postmenopausal women, raloxifene increases bone mineral density (BMD), decreases biochemical markers of bone turnover, and lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, without effects on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. This randomized, double-blind study examines the effects of raloxifene 60 mg/d (n = 483) or placebo (n = 485) in healthy postmenopausal Asian women (mean age 57 yr) from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Serum osteocalcin, serum N-telopeptide, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Lumbar spine BMD was measured at baseline and 1 yr in 309 women from 4 countries. Clinical adverse events were recorded at each interim visit. At 6 months, raloxifene 60 mg/d significantly decreased osteocalcin, N-telopeptide, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol by medians of 15.9%, 14.6%, 5.3%, and 7.7%, respectively, from placebo. Changes in HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were similar between raloxifene and placebo. Raloxifene 60 mg/d increased mean lumbar spine BMD (1.9%) from placebo at 1 yr (P = 0.0003). The incidences of hot flashes (placebo 3.5%, raloxifene 5.6%, P = 0.12), and leg cramps (placebo 2.7%, raloxifene 4.3%, P = 0.16) were not different between groups. No case of venous thromboembolism was reported. The effects of raloxifene 60 mg/d on bone turnover, BMD, and serum lipids in healthy postmenopausal Asian women were similar to that previously reported in Caucasian women.

Taechakraichana N, Jaisamrarn U, Panyakhamlerd K, Chaikittisilpa S, Limpaphayom K. · Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. · J Med Assoc Thai. · Pubmed #11853286 No free full text.

Abstract: This prospective analysis was conducted to compare the effects of hormone treatments on bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine, hip, and distal forearm in postmenopausal women with normal BMD and those with low bone mass. Eighty healthy women were randomly assigned to receive a cyclic regimen of standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or currently used low-dose oral contraceptive (OC). Women were categorized as normal BMD and low bone mass according to the Thai reference database. The results revealed that women with low bone mass gained more BMD than those with normal BMD. The difference in mean per cent bone acquisition was obvious at the spine. In addition, further subset analysis into OC and HRT groups revealed higher effects of OC on BMD when compared to HRT.

Chaikittisilpa S, Jirapinyo M, Chaovisitsaree S, Wipatavit V, Bunyaviroch S, Kanluan B, Panyakhamlerd K, Jaisamrarn U, Taechakraichana N. · Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok, Thailand. · J Med Assoc Thai. · Pubmed #17487115 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the attitude and acceptance of Thai women attending menopause clinics on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) publication. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A standardized questionnaire was used to assess attitude and acceptance of HRT in 1,206 women who visited menopause clinics in six hospitals between September 2005 and February 2006. RESULTS: Of the total respondents, 92% were in the age of 40-70 years, 75% were in their peri- and post menopause, 25% were current users and the average duration of hormone use was 5.6 +/- 5.3 years. The women's perception of hormone benefits on osteoporosis prevention, skin improvement, and hot flashes treatment were 39.1%, 31.7%, and 28.9%, respectively. The most common concern of hormone use was malignancy. Hormone side effects were found to be the most common reason for switching hormone regimen. Of all the past users, 85% stopped HRT because they changed to another treatment regimen. Only 3.7% had been aware the WHI, of which 43.5% were influenced by its results. The most common source of HRT information was from doctors. For the ever users, 72.3% had some knowledge about HRT. CONCLUSION: The present survey revealed that very few women had been aware of the WHI study. Nevertheless, the prevalence of HRT current users was lower compared to a prior survey before the WHI publication. Doctors appeared to be the important source of HRT information, which may indirectly have an influence over women's attitude and acceptance on HRT.

Taechakraichana N, Wilawan K, Wipatavit V, Maitrisathit S, Thamanavat N, Jaisamrarn U, Panyakhamlerd K, Havanond P, Limpaphayom KK. · Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. · J Med Assoc Thai. · Pubmed #12930015 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To conduct a hospital-based survey to assess women's attitude and acceptance towards menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). METHOD: The authors conducted a survey in women who visited the menopause clinic in 5 university and public hospitals in Bangkok. A group of 615 women who lived in those catchment areas and voluntarily cooperated in responding to a set of standardized questionnaires was randomly selected. RESULTS: Of the total respondents, 97.0 per cent were in the age range between 40-70 years, 51.7 per cent were in the peri- and postmenopausal period, 65.7 per cent believed that menopause is a natural change but some may need medical treatment, 53.9 per cent were current users of which the average duration of HRT use was 4.70 +/- 3.36 years. The most common reasons for HRT initiation were osteoporosis, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. The most common side effects found in the current users were breast pain, headache, and vaginal bleeding. Of all the current users, 43.2 per cent wanted to switch from HRT. Most of the respondents (95.4%) based their decision on the choices of treatment on medical advice. Of the total respondents, 62.0-74.7 per cent reported not having enough clear information on menopause and HRT. CONCLUSION: According to the present study, most of the women regarded menopause as a natural change of life although some need treatment. The most common indications for HRT were osteoporosis, hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Nearly half of the current users wanted to switch from HRT. Most of the respondents based their treatment decision on medical advice.

Limpaphayom KK, Taechakraichana N, Jaisamrarn U, Bunyavejchevin S, Chaikittisilpa S, Poshyachinda M, Taechamahachai C, Havanond P, Onthuam Y, Lumbiganon P, Kamolratanakul P. · Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. · Menopause. · Pubmed #11201518 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the age-specific and age-adjusted prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in pre- and postmenopausal Thai women. METHODS: This was a descriptive study of 1,935 Thai women ranging in age from 40 to 80 years, with randomly selected strata using multistage sampling and stratifying from six representative provinces of the country. After recruiting, all the women were interviewed by a well-trained interviewer using structured questionnaires. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine 1-4 and nondominant hip was measured by a dual energy photon absorptiometer. The investigators were trained and standardized; inter- and intraobserver variations were measured periodically. Every BMD outcome was re-examined by the specialist. Age-specific prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia were determined using both Thai and Western standard BMD values. Age-adjusted prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis was calculated using the age-adjusted direct method. RESULTS: Using the Thai BMD reference, the age-specific prevalence of osteoporosis among Thai women rose progressively with increasing age to more than 50% after the age of 70. The age-adjusted prevalence of osteoporosis also rose progressively. It was 19.8%, 13.6%, and 10% for lumbar spine, femoral neck, and intertrochanteric. The age-adjusted prevalence of osteoporosis indicates the overall magnitude of that condition in the population or country. In our study, using a Western BMD reference resulted in a misleadingly high prevalence of osteoporosis in the population of Asian countries. CONCLUSION: It is important to calculate the age-adjusted prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis to address the overall magnitude of the problem in Thai women. This will allow us to predict the socioeconomic impact of preventable chronic conditions such as osteoporosis. The results obtained from this study are important data for public health policy: maximizing bone mass throughout life as well as detection of important risk factors is essential.

Limpaphayom KK, Taechakraichana N, Jaisamrarn U, Bunyavejchevin S, Chaikittisilpa S, Poshyachinda M, Taechamahachai C, Havanond P, Onthuam Y, Lumbiganon P, Kamolratanakul P. · Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. · J Med Assoc Thai. · Pubmed #10932505 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To find the reference data for age-specific normal bone mineral density in a Thai female population. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, Descriptive study. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 1773 Thai women aged between 11-80 years were recruited, using multistage cluster sampling and stratifying from six represented provinces in the country, each strata was randomly selected. After recruiting, the women were interviewed by well-trained personnel using structured questionnaires. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine 1-4 and nondominant hip were measured by Dual Energy Photon Absorptiometer. The scientists, X-rays technician were trained and standardized inter and intra observers variation. Quality control of examination was measured periodically. Every BMD outcome was re-examined by a specialist. RESULTS: The peak bone mineral density of both spines and hips was between the age of 30 to 34 years old. Mean Value for spine and femoral neck was 0.957 and 0.814 g/cm2 respectively. The BMD of spine and hip was significantly decreased after the age of 35 and the loss was accelerated at age 50. Osteoporosis for spine and femoral neck is considered when BMD are below 0.682 and 0.569 g/cm2 respectively. CONCLUSION: The results are important data for public health policy, by maximizing bone mass during skeletal growth before menopause and minimizing bone loss throughout life as well as for detection of important risk factors.