Effect of minodronate on the speed of sound of the calcaneus in postmenopausal women with an increased risk of fractures: A clinical practice-based observational study

Abstract

BackgroundWe previously reported that alendronate and risedronate reduce the urinary levels of cross-linked N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX) by 44.9% and 34.7%, respectively, at 3 months after the start of treatment, and increase the speed of sound (SOS) of the calcaneus by 0.6% and 0.65%, respectively, at 12 months after the start of treatment in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The aim of the present clinical practice-based observational study was to examine the effect of treatment with minodronate for 12 months on the SOS of the calcaneus and on bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women with an increased risk of fractures. MethodsForty-two postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia with a clinical risk factor for fractures who had been treated with minodronate for > 12 months were enrolled in the study. The SOS and bone turnover markers were monitored during treatment with minodronate for 12 months. ResultsCompared to their baseline values, the urinary levels of NTX at 3 months and the serum levels of alkaline phosphatase at 12 months were significantly decreased at 47.5% and 25.8%, respectively. At 12 months, the SOS increased modestly, but significantly, by 0.47%, compared to the baseline value. ConclusionThe present study confirmed that minodronate suppressed bone turnover and modestly increased the SOS of the calcaneus in postmenopausal women with an increased risk of fractures.