Effect of alendronate on bone mineral density in spinal cord injury patients: a pilot study.
METHODS
Prospective, randomised controlled trial.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of alendronate on bone mineral density in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.


METHODS
University-based rehabilitation centre in São Paulo, Brazil.


METHODS
A total of 19 chronic SCI patients were evaluated, divided into a control group and an experimental group. Control group patients received 1000 mg of calcium daily, and experimental group patients received 1000 mg of calcium plus 10 mg of alendronate daily. The study duration was 6 months. In all, 12 densitometric parameters were analysed using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and after 6 months.


RESULTS
The experimental group presented increases in nine densitometric parameters, although statistical significance was attained in only two of those parameters. In the control group, an increase was observed in only one parameter, whereas the remaining 11 presented either no alteration or a decrease.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of alendronate had a positive effect on bone mineral density in SCI patients and therefore represents a potential tool for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in this population.
Moran de Brito
C M
CM
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of São Paulo Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Battistella
L R
LR
Saito
E T
ET
Sakamoto
H
H
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D019386:Alendronate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D002118:Calcium / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004338:Drug Combinations; D002118:Calcium; D019386:Alendronate