Alendronate increases bone density

[Kristy]

ABSTRACT

Background Osteoporosis is a common complication of long-term glucocorticoid therapy for which there is no well-proved preventive or restorative treatment.

Methods We carried out two 48-week, randomized, placebo-controlled studies of two doses of alendronate in 477 men and women, 17 to 83 years of age, who were receiving glucocorticoid therapy. The primary end point was the difference in the mean percent change in lumbar-spine bone density from base line to week 48 between the groups. Secondary outcomes included changes in bone density of the hip, biochemical markers of bone turnover, and the incidence of new vertebral fractures.

Results The mean (?SE) bone density of the lumbar spine increased by 2.1?0.3 percent and 2.9?0.3 percent, respectively, in the groups that received 5 and 10 mg of alendronate per day (PConclusions Alendronate increases bone density in patients receiving glucocorticoid therapy.

Source Information

N Engl J Med 1998; 339:292-299, Jul 30, 1998. Original Articles