Veterans Health Administration

About: Veterans Health Administration is a government organization based out in Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Veterans Affairs. The organization has 63820 authors who have published 98417 publications receiving 4835425 citations. The organization is also known as: VHA.

Efficacy of Raloxifene on Vertebral Fracture Risk Reduction in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis: Four-Year Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract: The Multiple Outcomes of Raloxifene Evaluation trial studied 7705 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis randomized to placebo, or raloxifene 60 or 120 mg/d [JAMA 282(1999): 637]. This report assesses the efficacy of raloxifene on the long-term cumulative incidence new vertebral fractures through 4 yr. New vertebral fractures was assessed from radiographs taken at baseline, yr 2-4. The primary analysis was the cumulative incidence of new vertebral fractures through 4 yr. A posthoc analysis compared the vertebral fracture risk in yr 4 alone with that observed in the first 3 yr. The 4-yr cumulative relative risks (RR) for one or more new vertebral fractures were 0.64 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53, 0.76] with raloxifene 60 mg/d and 0.57 (95% CI 0.48, 0.69) with raloxifene 120 mg/d. In yr 4 alone, raloxifene 60 mg/d reduced the new vertebral fracture risk by 39% [RR 0.61 (95% CI 0.43, 0.88)], which was not found to be significantly different from the RR observed in the first 3 yr in both raloxifene groups, irrespective of prevalent fracture status. The nonvertebral fracture risk was not significantly reduced [RR 0.93 (95% CI 0.81, 1.06)]. The safety profile after 4 yr was similar to that observed after 3 yr. Raloxifene 60 and 120 mg/d through 4 yr decreased the cumulative risk of new vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The decreased vertebral fracture risk in yr 4 alone was not different from that observed in the first 3 yr.

Predictors of Loss of Residual Renal Function among New Dialysis Patients

Abstract: Residual renal function (RRF) in end-stage renal disease is clinically important as it contributes to adequacy of dialysis, quality of life, and mortality. This study was conducted to determine the predictors of RRF loss in a national random sample of patients initiating hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The study controlled for baseline variables and included major predictors. The end point was loss of RRF, defined as a urine volume <200 ml/24 h at approximately 1 yr of follow-up. The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and P values associated with each of the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment parameters were estimated using an "adjusted" univariate analysis. Significant variables (P < 0.05) were included in a multivariate logistic regression model. Predictors of RRF loss were female gender (AOR = 1.45; P < 0.001), non-white race (AOR = 1.57; P = <0.001), prior history of diabetes (AOR = 1.82; P = 0.006), prior history of congestive heart failure (AOR = 1.32; P = 0.03), and time to follow-up (AOR = 1.06 per month; P = 0.03). Patients treated with peritoneal dialysis had a 65% lower risk of RRF loss than those on hemodialysis (AOR = 0.35; P < 0.001). Higher serum calcium (AOR = 0.81 per mg/dl; P = 0.05), use of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (AOR = 0.68; P < 0.001). and use of a calcium channel blocker (AOR = 0.77; P = 0.01) were independently associated with decreased risk of RRF loss. The observations of demographic groups at risk and potentially modifiable factors and therapies have generated testable hypotheses regarding therapies that may preserve RRF among end-stage renal disease patients.