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Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research

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Open Access 01-12-2007 | Research article

Alendronate increases BMD at appendicular and axial skeletons in patients with established osteoporosis

Authors: Ling Qin, Wingyee Choy, Szeki Au, Musei Fan, Pingchung Leung

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research | Issue 1/2007

Abstract

Background

To identify high-risk patients and provide pharmacological treatment is one of the effective approaches in prevention of osteoporotic fractures. This study investigated the effect of 12-month Alendronate treatment on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover biochemical markers in postmenopausal women with one or more non-traumatic fractures, i.e. patients with established osteoporosis.

Methods

A total of 118 Hong Kong postmenopausal Chinese women aged 50 to 75 with low-energy fracture at distal radius (Colles' fracture) were recruited for BMD measurement at lumbar spine and non-dominant hip using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). 47 women with BMD T-score below -2 SD at either side were identified as patients with established osteoporosis and then randomized into Alendronate group (n = 22) and placebo control group (n = 25) for BMD measurement at spine and hip using DXA and distal radius of the non-fracture side by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), and bone turnover markers, including bone forming alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and bone resorbing urinary Deoxypyridinoline (DPD). All measurements were repeated at 6 and 12 months.

Results

Alendronate treatment significantly increased BMD, more in weight-bearing skeletons (5.1% at spine and 2.5% at hip) than in non-weight bearing skeleton (0.9% at distal radius) after 12 months treatment. Spine T-score was significant improved in Alendronate group (p < 0.01) (from -2.2 to -1.9) but not in control placebo group. The Alendronate treatment effect was explained by significant suppression of bone turnover.

Conclusion

12 months Alendronate treatment was effective to increase BMD at both axial and appendicular skeletons in postmenopausal women with established osteoporosis.

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Title: Alendronate increases BMD at appendicular and axial skeletons in patients with established osteoporosis
Authors: Ling Qin
Wingyee Choy
Szeki Au
Musei Fan
Pingchung Leung
Publication date: 01-12-2007
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research / Issue 1/2007
Electronic ISSN: 1749-799X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-799X-2-9

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Alendronate increases BMD at appendicular and axial skeletons in patients with established osteoporosis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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