Anti-fracture efficacy of risedronic acid in men: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVE
Male osteoporosis is an important public health issue and remains undertreated. We performed this meta-analysis to clarify the anti-fracture efficacy of risedronic acid in men.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in men receiving risedronic acid or placebo published between 1980 and September 2008 were searched for in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies with a follow-up of at least 12 months and providing the incidence of fractures were considered for inclusion in the review. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of the included studies and performed data extraction. Analysis of pooled data was carried out using Revman 4.2 software.


RESULTS
Four RCTs met the inclusion criteria and permitted a pooled estimate of effectiveness. Relative risk with 95% confidence intervals for pooled effect under fixed effects model were: 0.31 (0.16, 0.60) for vertebral fractures and 0.40 (0.23, 0.70) for nonvertebral fractures, suggesting a 69% risk reduction of vertebral fractures and a 60% risk reduction of nonvertebral fracture with risedronic acid treatment in men.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this meta-analysis show that risedronic acid treatment is associated with a reduced risk of fractures in men.
Department of Orthopedic and Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Zhao-Ming
ZM
Zhong
Jian-Ting
JT
Chen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012968:Etidronic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D000068296:Risedronic Acid; D012306:Risk; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D000068296:Risedronic Acid; D012968:Etidronic Acid