[Fracture prevention in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis by an annual infusion of zoledronic acid].
A randomised, placebo-controlled study into the effects of the annual intravenous administration of zoledronic acid for the prevention of fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis was recently published. Zoledronic acid, a bisphosphonate, inhibits osteoclasts. The study included 7765 patients with osteoporosis, between the ages of 65 and 89 years, who were given calcium and cholecalciferol daily by mouth in addition to 5 mg zoledronic acid or placebo once a year. Three infusions were given to 81% of the patients. Fewer fractures were seen in the study group than in the control group: after 3 years, hip fractures were reduced by 41%, non-vertebral fractures by 25% and vertebral fractures by 70%, already within one year (by 6o%). Side effects included acute phase reactions, atrial fibrillation, ocular complaints, renal-function disorders, and hypocalcaemia. Some examples of candidates for treatment with zoledronic acid would be patients with osteoporosis in whom oral treatment meets objections or who are hospitalised due to a fracture.
Geusens
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PP
Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht, afd. Interne Geneeskunde/Reumatologie, Postbus 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht. piet.geusens@scarlet.be
Lems
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D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000139:chemically induced; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000150:complications*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D007093:Imidazoles; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid