Effect of 5 mg zoledronic acid on bone mineral density in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis

Abstract

Objective To determine the effects of once yearly zoledronic acid on bone density and falling risk in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.Methods In this randomized controlled trial,45 patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis were randomly assigned to receive a single 30-minute infusion of zoledronic acid (5 mg) (Group A) and 46 patients were assigned to receive placebo at baseline (Group B).The lumbar spine and hip bone mineral density (BMD) were measured by dual-X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)at 12 months versus baseline.The risk of falling was examined by the balance test (Sunlight Tetrax).New vertebral fracture,hip fracture and other fracture also served as end point.The compliance of patients was evaluated.The adverse events of zoledronic acid were recorded.Results After one year,41 patients in each group had completed the follow-up.In groups A,lumbar spine BMD significantly increased by 5.8％,total hip by 3.9％,and femoral neck by 2.9％.In groups B,lumbar spine BMD significantly increased by 4.4％.The risks of falling significantly reduced in both group,and there was no statistical significance between group A and group B.Patella fracture was found one patient in group A.New vertebral fracture and hip fracture were not found in two groups.The compliance of patients was comparable in two groups.Some adverse events were tolerated in group A.Conclusion A once-yearly infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid during a 1-year period significantly increased the lumbar spine,total hip,and femoral neck BMD.Zoledronic acid combined with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D reduced the risk of falling in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.The treatment of once-yearly infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid also increases the compliance of patients.It's a very important for long-time treatment of osteoporosis. Key words: Osteoporosis, postmenopausal; Diphosphonates; Bone density