Does mandibular bone structure predict subsequent height loss? A longitudinal cohort study of women in Gothenburg, Sweden.

• Several risk factors for loss of height with increasing age have been identified.To investigate if mandibular bone structure predicts future height loss in middle-aged and elderly Swedish women.Prospective cohort study with longitudinally measured heights, radiographical assessments of the cortical bone using Klemetti's Index (normal, moderate or severely eroded cortex) and classification of the trabecular bone using an index proposed by Lindh et al (sparse, mixed or dense trabeculation). No intervention was performed.Gothenburg, Sweden.A population-based sample of 937 Swedish women born in 1914, 1922 and 1930 was recruited. At the baseline examination, the ages were 38, 46 and 54 years. All had undergone a dental examination with panoramic radiographs of the mandible, and a general examination including height measurements on at least two occasions.Height loss was calculated over three periods 12-13years (1968-1980, 1980-1992, 1992-2005).Mean annual height loss measures were 0.075cm/year, 0.08cm/year and 0.18cm/year over the three observation intervals, corresponding to absolute decreases of 0.9cm, 1.0cm and 2.4cm. Cortical erosion in 1968, 1980 and 1992 significantly predicted height loss 12 years later. Sparse trabeculation in 1968, 1980 and 1992 also predicted significant shrinkage over 12 or 13 years. Multivariable regression analyses adjusting for baseline covariates such as height, birth year, physical activity, smoking, body mass index and education yielded consistent findings except for cortical erosion 1968-1980.Mandibular bone structure characteristics such as severe cortical erosion and sparse trabeculation may serve as early risk factors for height loss. Since most individuals visit their dentist at least every 2years and radiographs are taken, a collaboration between dentists and physicians may open opportunities for predicting future risk of height loss.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Folkhälsovetenskap, global hälsa, socialmedicin och epidemiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Aged

Middle Aged

Female

Humans

Aged

80 and over

Longitudinal Studies

Sweden

epidemiology

Bone Density

Prospective Studies

Cohort Studies

Mandible

diagnostic imaging

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