Evaluation of Bone Density Changes Before and After One Year of Denosumab (Prolia) Administration in Osteoporosis Patients

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis, a widespread disease associated with aging, is characterized by a decrease in bone tissue density. With the global population aging, numerous studies aim to present methods for preventing or treating this disease to avoid pathological fractures by preserving bone density. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the changes in bone density in females with osteoporosis before and after receiving denosumab for at least one year. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 202 patients with osteoporosis who were referred to two private clinics in Tehran between 2019 and 2020. Each patient received two subcutaneous injections of 60 mg denosumab (Prolia) once every six months. Bone density was measured using the DXA method, and the T-score and the risk of bone fracture were calculated and compared using the FRAX instrument before drug administration and six months after the second dose injection. Results: The average age of the participants was 69.0 ± 8.0 years. Significant differences were observed in vertebral bone density (-2.55 ± 0.06 to -2.00 ± 0.07) and femur bone density (-2.10 ± 0.10 to -1.88 ± 0.06) before and after denosumab treatment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the risk of major fractures (23.0 ± 1.9 to 18.9 ± 1.5) and hip fractures (8.5 ± 1.3 to 5.7 ± 0.9) significantly decreased before and after treatment with denosumab (P < 0.05). A significant improvement in bone density was observed across all age groups of patients before and after treatment with denosumab (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Denosumab significantly reduces the risk of bone fractures and enhances bone density in postmenopausal women. It proves to be an effective medication for reducing the increased risk of fractures in postmenopausal women and for improving their bone density.