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Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 1998 August;157(4):105-9
Copyright © 1998 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA
language: English
Effect of treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with continuous daily oral alendronate and the incidence of fractures
Carfora E. 1, Sergio F. 2, Bellini P. 1, Sergio C. 3, Falco D. 2, Zarcone R. 1
1 Second University of Naples, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; 2 Second University of Naples, Department of Orthopaedy and Traumatology; 3 Second University of Naples, Department of Biochemistry
Background. Alendronate is a potent aminobisphosphonate which specifically inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption and has been found to reserve bone loss. The aim of this study is to determine if daily oral alendronate treatment could prevent or reserve bone loss in osteoporotic postmenopausal women.
Methods. Between December 1993 and May 1996 we have studied, at the Obstetric and Gy-naecologic Clinic of II University of Naples, 136 women, 44-73 aged, in postmenopause from 5 years, with osteoporosis (defined as a bone mineral density of the lumbar spine that was at least 2.5 SD below the mean value in pre-menopausal women).
Bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. During this period of two and half years of observation, the effects of alendronate were monitored on the biochemical indicators of bone remodelment and on the metabolism of the calcium; the degree of certainty and tolerability of this drug has also been assessed.
Results. The women receiving alendronate had significant, progressive increases in bone mineral density in the spine, whereas those receiving placebo had decreases in bone mineral density.
The relative risk of a new fracture among the women treated with alendronate, as compared with those receiving placebo, was 0.55.
Conclusions. The therapy with alendronate has, on the basis of data proposed from this study, a good tolerability and is very effective in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.