Low heel ultrasound parameters predict mortality in men: results from the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS)

Pye, S. R. et al. (2015) Low heel ultrasound parameters predict mortality in men: results from the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS). Age and Ageing, 44(5), pp. 801-807. (doi: 10.1093/ageing/afv073) (PMID:26162912) (PMCID:PMC4547925)

Abstract

Background: low bone mineral density measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is associated with increased mortality. The relationship between other skeletal phenotypes and mortality is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between quantitative heel ultrasound parameters and mortality in a cohort of European men. Methods: men aged 40–79 years were recruited for participation in a prospective study of male ageing: the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS). At baseline, subjects attended for quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the heel (Hologic—SAHARA) and completed questionnaires on lifestyle factors and co-morbidities. Height and weight were measured. After a median of 4.3 years, subjects were invited to attend a follow-up assessment, and reasons for non-participation, including death, were recorded. The relationship between QUS parameters (broadband ultrasound attenuation [BUA] and speed of sound [SOS]) and mortality was assessed using Cox proportional hazards model. Results: from a total of 3,244 men (mean age 59.8, standard deviation [SD] 10.8 years), 185 (5.7%) died during the follow-up period. After adjusting for age, centre, body mass index, physical activity, current smoking, number of co-morbidities and general health, each SD decrease in BUA was associated with a 20% higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] per SD = 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0–1.4). Compared with those in higher quintiles (2nd–5th), those in the lowest quintile of BUA and SOS had a greater mortality risk (BUA: HR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.1–2.3 and SOS: HR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.2–2.2). Conclusion: lower heel ultrasound parameters are associated with increased mortality in European men.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the Commission of the European Communities Fifth Framework Programme “Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources” (grant number QLK6-CT-2001-00258) and by Arthritis Research UK (grant number 20380).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lean, Professor Michael
• Authors: Pye, S. R., Vanderschueren, D., Boonen, S., Gielen, E., Adams, J. E., Ward, K. A., Lee, D. M., Bartfai, G., Casanueva, F. F., Finn, J. D., Forti, G., Giwercman, A., Han, T. S., Huhtaniemi, I. T., Kula, K., Lean, M. E., Pendleton, N., Punab, M., Wu, F. C., and O'Neill, T. W.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Age and Ageing
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 0002-0729
• ISSN (Online): 1468-2834
• Published Online: 09 July 2015
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © The Authors 2015
• First Published: First published in Age and Aging 44(5):801-807
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license