[Treatment of osteoporosis with parathyroid hormone].
BACKGROUND
Until recently, antiresorptive therapy has been the only treatment of osteoporosis. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) represents a new treatment principle. PTH given intermittently stimulates the osteoblasts and bone formation. We here present the effect of PTH on bone metabolism, bone mineral density and fracture reduction, and discuss the role of PTH in osteoporosis treatment.


METHODS
The article is based on literature retrieved from Pubmed/Medline and on own experience from participation in multicentre studies.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with PTH stimulates bone formation and causes a more pronounced increase in bone mineral density than bisphosphonates and results in a significant reduction of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. The treatment is very expensive, and is therefore used and reimbursed restrictively.
Syversen
Unni
U
Avdeling for endokrinologi, St. Olavs Hospital, 7006 Trondheim. unni.syversen@ntnu.no
Halse
Johan I
JI
D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016527:Drug Costs; D005260:Female; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone