Efficacy of ossein-hydroxyapatite complex compared with calcium carbonate to prevent bone loss: a meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
There is increasing evidence to suggest that ossein-hydroxyapatite complex (OHC) is more effective than calcium supplements in maintaining bone mass. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine whether OHC has a different clinical effect on bone mineral density (BMD) compared with calcium carbonate (CC).


METHODS
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of OHC versus CC on trabecular BMD. We identified publications on clinical trials by a search of electronic databases, including MEDLINE (1966-November 2008), EMBASE (1974-November 2008), and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register.The primary endpoint was percent change in BMD from baseline. Data were pooled in a random-effects model, and the weighted mean difference was calculated. A sensitivity analysis that excluded trials without full data was performed.


RESULTS
Of the 18 controlled trials initially identified, 6 were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant heterogeneity among the included trials. The percent change in BMD significantly favored the OHC group (1.02% [95% CI, 0.63-1.41], P < 0.00001). These results were confirmed in the sensitivity analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
OHC is significantly more effective in preventing bone loss than CC.
Castelo-Branco
Camil
C
Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Hospital Clínic i Provincial, Barcelona, Spain.
Ciria-Recasens
Manel
M
Cancelo-Hidalgo
María J
MJ
Palacios
Santiago
S
Haya-Palazuelos
Javier
J
Carbonell-Abelló
Jordi
J
Blanch-Rubió
Josep
J
Martínez-Zapata
María J
MJ
Manasanch
José
J
Pérez-Edo
Lluís
L
D000284:Administration, Oral; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017886:Durapatite / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D017886:Durapatite; D002119:Calcium Carbonate