Effect of bisphosphonates on bone mineral density after renal transplantation as assessed by bone mineral densitometry.
BACKGROUND
Steroid-induced osteoporosis is a major problem after organ transplantation. There is considerable evidence that bisphosphonates are effective in decreasing osteoporosis.


OBJECTIVE
This prospective study was carried out to see the effects of bisphosphonates on bone mineral density (BMD) after successful renal transplantation.


METHODS
Fifty consecutive patients of successful renal transplantation were randomized into two groups. Group A (n = 27) received 35 mg/wk of Alendronate for 6 months after transplantation. Group B (n = 23) did not receive Alendronate and served as a control. Both groups underwent a pretransplant baseline dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan of their hips and lumber spines. Both groups received oral calcium and vitamin D supplement. Both groups were matched for the regimen and dose of immunosuppressive drugs. BMD was measured at 3 months and 6 months after transplantation.


RESULTS
Both groups showed a decline in BMD in early months posttransplantation. However, the 6-month DEXA scans showed a significant rise in BMD in group A as compared to group B.


CONCLUSIONS
Bisphosphonates appear to have a beneficial effect on steroid-induced bone loss.
Nayak
B
B
Department of Surgery, Endocrinology and Nephrology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India.
Guleria
S
S
Varma
M
M
Tandon
N
N
Aggarwal
S
S
Bhowmick
D
D
Agarwal
S K
SK
Mahajan
S
S
Gupta
S
S
Tiwari
S C
SC
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects; D019386:Alendronate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005269:Femur / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000502:physiology*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013131:Spine / Q000187:drug effects
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D019386:Alendronate