title: Treatment of osteoporosis of ageing with 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol.
abstract: Seven patients with osteoporosis of ageing were treated with synthetic 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1alpha-H.C.C.) for 3-4 months. The compound was given at a daily oral dose of 2 mug together with an oral supplement of 1 g of calcium. Clinically there was a striking improvement in the patients' physical fitness. Increased bone formation and mineralisation were seen on iliac-crest bone biopsy, and this was supported by an increased osteoblastic activity demonstrated by histochemical measurement of alkaline-phosphatase activity. Bone histology furthermore showed a reduced bone resorption, which was supported by a reduced urinary excretion of total hydroxyproline. Photon absorptiometry of the forearm accorded with the histological findings, showing a significant increase in the bone mineral content. Serum-calcium rose in all patients, one developing a severe transitory hypercalcaemia. The urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium increased significantly. The serum concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and parathyroid hormone were not significantly affected by the treatment. It is concluded that 1alpha-H.C.C. is an effective tool in the treatment of senile osteoporosis.
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000473:pathology; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000652:urine; D003404:Creatinine / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D006887:Hydroxycholecalciferols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006909:Hydroxyproline / Q000652:urine; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D006887:Hydroxycholecalciferols; D003404:Creatinine; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D008274:Magnesium; D006909:Hydroxyproline; D002118:Calcium