Potential Usefulness of BMD and Bone Turnover Monitoring of Zoledronic Acid Therapy Among Women With Osteoporosis: Secondary Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial Data

Clodronate disodium does not produce measurable effects on bone metabolism in an exercising, juvenile, large animal model

Bisphosphonates are commonly used to treat and prevent bone loss, but their effects in active, juvenile populations are unknown. This study examined the effects of intramuscular clodronate disodium (CLO) on bone turnover, serum bone biomarkers (SBB), bone mineral density (BMD), bone microstructure, biomechanical testing (BT), and cartilage glycosaminoglycan content (GAG) over 165 days. Forty juvenile sheep (253 ± 6 days of age) were divided into four groups: Control (saline), T0 (0.6 mg/kg CLO on day 0), T84 (0.6 mg/kg CLO on day 84), and T0+84 (0.6 mg/kg CLO on days 0 and 84). Sheep were exercised 4 days/week and underwent physical and lameness examinations every 14 days. Blood samples were collected for SBB every 28 days. Microstructure and BMD were calculated from tuber coxae (TC) biopsies (days 84 and 165) and bone healing was assessed by examining the prior biopsy site. BT and GAG were evaluated postmortem. Data, except lameness data, were analyzed using a mixed-effects model; lameness data were analyzed as ordinal data using a cumulative logistic model. CLO did not have any measurable effects on the skeleton of sheep. SBB showed changes over time (p ≤ 0.03), with increases in bone formation and decreases in some bone resorption markers. TC biopsies showed increasing bone volume fraction, trabecular spacing and thickness, and reduced trabecular number on day 165 versus day 84 (p ≤ 0.04). These changes may be attributed to exercise or growth. The absence of a treatment effect may be explained by the lower CLO dose used in large animals compared to humans. Further research is needed to examine whether low doses of bisphosphonates may be used in active juvenile populations for analgesia without evidence of bone changes.

Effect of Zoledronic Acid in Hepatic Osteodystrophy: A Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial

Purpose

Literature on the treatment of pre-transplant hepatic osteodystrophy (HOD) is limited. The general treatment measures and their timing are currently adopted from the literature on postmenopausal osteoporosis. Therefore, we conducted this randomized study to investigate the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) on HOD.

Methods

We randomized 36 male patients with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A and B) into 19 to the ZA arm and 17 to the placebo arm, respectively. Patients in the ZA arm received a single infusion of 4 mg ZA dissolved in 100 mL of normal saline at baseline, while patients in the placebo arm received a similar infusion of normal saline at baseline. The primary outcome of the study was the change in lumbar spine bone mineral density (LS-BMD) at 12 months.

Results

Of 36 patients, 28 completed the study (15 in the ZA arm and 13 in the placebo arm). The mean increase in LS-BMD (g/cm2) in the ZA and placebo arms was 5.11% (3.50) and 0.72% (4.63) [P = 0.008], respectively. The trabecular bone score (TBS) did not improve significantly in either arm. The incidence of vertebral fractures (VFs) was similar in both arms. There was a significant decrease in plasma beta-C-terminal telopeptide (β-CTX) levels in the ZA arm compared to the placebo arm, while the change in plasma levels of procollagen 1 intact N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) was similar in both arms. Six patients (31.6%) in the ZA arm experienced adverse reactions such as fever and myalgia.

Conclusion

ZA improved LS-BMD in male patients with HOD by decreasing bone resorption. However, it may not improve trabecular microarchitecture or prevent morphometric VFs in this population.

Percutaneous kyphoplasty combined with zoledronic acid for the treatment of primary osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture: a prospective, multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

To explore the therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) combined with zoledronic acid (ZOL) in postmenopausal women and adult men with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 238 patients with OVCF were randomly assigned to the control or ZOL group: 119 patients were treated with only PKP (control group), and 119 were treated with ZOL infusion after PKP (ZOL group). Clinical, radiological and laboratory indices were evaluated at follow-up.

RESULTS

The visual analog scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were significantly higher in both groups post-treatment than at baseline (all p < 0.01). The bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femoral neck and height of the injured vertebra were significantly increased after treatment compared with before treatment, and the Cobb angle of the injured vertebra was significantly decreased in both groups (all p < 0.01). However, the bone metabolism indices (type I procollagen amino-terminal peptide (PINP), beta type I collagen carboxy-terminal peptide (β-CTX), and osteocalcin in the N-terminal molecular fragment (NMID)) were significantly lower post-treatment than at baseline in only the ZOL group (all p < 0.01). The VAS score, ODI, BMD, PINP level, β-CTX level, NMID level, vertebral height and Cobb angle of the injured vertebra were significantly higher in the ZOL group than in the control group (all p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the postoperative bone cement leakage rate between the two groups. At follow-up, new OVCFs were experienced by 16 patients in the control group and 2 patients in the ZOL group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic efficacy of PKP combined with ZOL for primary OVCF is clinically beneficial and warrants further study.

Effects of Bisphosphonates Treatments in Osteopenic Older Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aims: To review the effects of bisphosphonates on bone density, fractures, and bone markers in osteopenic older women.

Methods: Relevant articles published before February 2022 were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. All randomized controlled trials that reported incident fractures, bone mineral density (BMD), bone markers, or adverse events with bisphosphonates in osteopenic older women were included. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The risk ratios (RRs) for fractures, net percent change in bone mineral density and differences in bone markers were calculated using a meta-analysis.

Results: A total of 11 studies were included in our meta-analysis. Bisphosphonates significantly increased the percent changes in the lumbar spine BMD (WMD, 5.60; 95% CI, 4.16–7.03; I² = 93.6%), hip BMD (WMD, 4.80; 95% CI, 2.93 to 6.66; I² = 97.1%), total body BMD (WMD, 3.24; 95% CI, 2.12–4.35; I² = 90.9%), femoral neck BMD (WMD, 4.02; 95% CI, 1.70–6.35; I² = 91.8%) and trochanter BMD (WMD, 5.22; 95% CI, 3.51–6.93; I² = 83.6%) when compared to placebo. Zoledronate was associated with a great treatment effect on fragility fracture (RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.50–0.79), clinical vertebral fracture (RR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22–0.76), and radiographic vertebral fracture (RR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.27–1.35) compared to placebo. Meanwhile, alendronate was also associated with beneficial effects on fragility fracture (RR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.15–1.07), clinical vertebral fracture (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.17–1.24), and radiographic vertebral fracture (RR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.38–1.09). In addition, the use of bisphosphonates reduced the concentration of procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) over placebo by 15.79 (95% CI, −18.92 to −12.66; I² = 28.4%), −0.23 (95% CI, −0.35 to −0.10; I² = 91.3%), respectively. Although there was insufficient evidence to determine their safety, these bisphosphonates may have an effect on cancer, cardiac events, and mortality in osteopenic older women.

Conclusion: All bisphosphonates examined were associated with beneficial effects on fractures, BMD, and bone markers in women with osteopenia. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to clarify the safety of bisphosphonates in women with osteopenia.

Target Values and Daytime Variation of Bone Turnover Markers in Monitoring Osteoporosis Treatment after Fractures

The serum bone turnover markers (BTM) procollagen type 1 N‐terminal propeptide (P1NP) and C‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) are recommended for monitoring adherence and response of antiresorptive drugs (ARD). BTM are elevated about 1 year after fracture and therefore BTM target values are most convenient in ARD treatment follow‐up of fracture patients. In this prospective cohort study, we explored the cut‐off values of P1NP and CTX showing the best discriminating ability with respect to adherence and treatment effects, reflected in bone mineral density (BMD) changes. Furthermore, we explored the ability of BTM to predict subsequent fractures and BTM variation during daytime in patients using ARD or not. After a fragility fracture, 228 consenting patients (82.2% women) were evaluated for ARD indication and followed for a mean of 4.6 years (SD 0.5 years). BMD was measured at baseline and after 2 years. Serum BTM were measured after 1 or 2 years. The largest area under the curve (AUC) for discrimination of patients taking ARD or not was shown for P1NP <30 μg/L and CTX <0.25 μg/L. AUC for discrimination of patients with >2% gain in BMD (lumbar spine and total hip) was largest at cut‐off values for P1NP <30 μg/L and CTX <0.25 μg/L. Higher P1NP was associated with increased fracture risk in patients using ARD (hazard ratio [HR]_logP1NP = 15.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7–83.3), p = 0.002. P1NP and CTX were stable during daytime, except in those patients not taking ARD, where CTX decreased by 21% per hour during daytime. In conclusion, P1NP <30 μg/L and CTX <0.25 μg/L yield the best discrimination between patients taking and not taking ARD and the best prediction of BMD gains after 2 years. Furthermore, higher P1NP is associated with increased fracture risk in patients on ARD. BTM can be measured at any time during the day in patients on ARD. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Efficacy of annual zoledronic acid in initial percutaneous kyphoplasty patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a 3-year follow-up study

This study investigated the efficacy of annual zoledronic acid (ZOL) administration against previously treated recompression vertebral fractures (RVF) and new vertebral fractures (NVF) in initial percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) over a 3-year follow-up period.

INTRODUCTION

Although PKP achieves a satisfactory outcome, previously treated RVF and NVF can limit its effectiveness. The annual infusion of ZOL over 3 years can improve fracture protection, particularly in the vertebrae. We hypothesized that ZOL can reduce the incidence of RVFs and/or NVFs, and improve the clinical outcomes of PKP.

METHODS

This was a placebo-controlled, double-blind prospective trial of 154 PKP patients (mean age: 70 years) with OVCFs. Patients were randomly assigned to receive a single infusion of ZOL (5 mg) or placebo (78 ZOL vs. 76 placebo) at 1 week, 12 months, and 24 months after surgery. Patients were followed-up for 36 months.

RESULTS

ZOL treatment lowered the risk of RVF by ~ 65% over the 36-month period when compared to placebo controls (6.41% in ZOL vs. 18.42% in placebo groups; relative risk, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.92). ZOL also reduced the risk of NVF by ~ 73% (3.85% in ZOL vs. 14.47% in placebo groups; relative risk, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.92). ZOL also significantly reduced the vertebral height lost rate (HLR) at 12, 24, and 36 months. ZOL also improved the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, and bone mineral density (BMD).

CONCLUSION

Annual ZOL administration significantly lowers the risk of RVFs and NVFs, improving the clinical outcome of initial PKP in patients with OVCFs over a 3-year follow-up period.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2000029307.

Efficacy of orthopaedic-inspired osteoporosis management: a secondary fracture prevention program after a fracture of the hip in a prospective randomized study

Aims:

Patients who present with fragility fractures are consistently under-evaluated and under-treated for underlying osteoporosis. This point-of-care represents a lost opportunity to prevent future fractures. This 2-arm study evaluated the success by an orthopaedic department in osteoporosis evaluation and initiating treatment.

Methods:

Patients over the age of 50 years with a fragility fracture of the hip were candidates for inclusion. Exclusion criteria included end-of-life care and moderate or severe dementia. Patients were prospectively randomized into 1 of 2 groups. The Letter group received a letter at the time of discharge encouraging their primary care physician to start medication for osteoporosis (Letter group). The intervention group had 4 interventions including printed information, a DEXA scan, a specific treatment recommendation, and monthly phone calls for 4 months (Intervention group). The primary outcome measure was whether the patient was on recommended treatment at 4 months from the fracture.

Results:

There were 200 patients in the study, 100 in the Letter, and 100 in the Intervention group. Sixteen patients were removed from the study since they either died (9) within 4 months of their fracture, were transferred for end-of-life care (7), and 4 dropped out. This left 180 patients for analysis. The Letter group had only 6 patients (6.2%) on recommended treatment compared with the Intervention group with 64 patients (77.1%). This was statistically significant (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Osteoporosis is a worldwide epidemic. Internationally, only about 20% of patients after a hip fracture are treated for their underlying weak bone. The most effective systems use a fracture liaison service (FLS) model. We present a 4-part intervention program that uses an FLS coordinator within the orthopaedic department. We encourage orthopaedic programs to adopt this or other models with the goal of taking the first step toward responsibility for bone health.

An FLS program within an orthopaedic department can successfully initiate treatment for underlying osteoporosis.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Zoledronic Acid Combined with PVP/PKP in the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective

We conducted this meta-analysis to provide better evidence of the efficacy and safety of zoledronic acid (ZA) combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty (PVP/PKP) on osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) and proposed a protocol for its application in clinical practice.

Methods

All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ZA combined with PVP or PKP compared to individual PVP/PKP for the management of patients with OVCFs were included in this study. Electronic database searches were conducted from database inception to November 2020, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. The pooled data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Seven RCTs with 929 subjects were finally included. All included studies reported visual analog scores (VAS), and no statistically significant differences were identified at follow-ups of 3 d and 1 w (P > 0.05). In contrast, significant differences were observed at the 1 mo, 3 mo, 6 mo, and 12 mo follow-ups (P < 0.05). Two trials reported the Cobb angle and vertebral body height (VBH), including 182 subjects without significant differences at the 12 mo follow-up (P > 0.05). In addition, significant differences in the bone mineral density (BMD), β-isomerized C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX), N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP), and N-terminal molecular fragment (N-MID) levels were observed between the two groups (P < 0.05). All trials reported side effects. Significant differences in recurrent fractures, fever, flu-like symptoms, and arthralgia or myalgia were identified (P < 0.05); however, no significant difference in postoperative leakage was detected (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared to PVP/PKP alone, an additional ZA injection had advantages of long-term analgesic effects with improved bone metabolism indexes. Moreover, combination therapy significantly prevented complications and drug reactions were well tolerated. Overall, this systematic review revealed that ZA combined with PVP/PKP was an effective, safe, and comprehensive therapy for patients with OVCFs.

Therapeutic efficacy of zoledronic acid combined with calcitriol in elderly patients receiving total hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty for osteoporotic femoral neck fracture

Zoledronic acid could improve the clinical outcome in elderly patients receiving total hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty for osteoporotic femoral neck fracture in the 1-year prospective study.

INTRODUCTION

To validate the therapeutic efficacy of zoledronic acid (ZOL) in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture who received total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hemiarthroplasty (HA).

METHODS

Included in this study were 95 elderly patients with femoral neck fractures who received THA/HA between August 2015 and June 2018. They were randomized into a ZOL group and a control group. Patients in ZOL group received a yearly single dose of 5 mg ZOL intravenous injection plus 0.5 μg/day calcitriol and 1000 mg/day calcium carbonate 2 days before THA or HA. Patients in the control group were treated with the same dose of calcitriol and calcium carbonate only without ZOL. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone metabolism markers including the total extension of the peptide type I collagen amino end (P1NP) and beta collagen degradation product (β-CTX) were obtained by serum examination. The postoperative functional outcome was assessed using Harris Hip Score (HHS).

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, BMD in the ZOL group was improved and significantly higher than that in the control group at 6 and 12 months post-operation. Bone metabolism markers P1NP and β-CTX in ZOL group remained at a relatively low level as compared with that in the control group at 6 months after treatment. No significant difference in the mean HHS and the excellent/good rate of joint function was observed during the follow-up period between the two groups. The occurrence of adverse events in the ZOL group was significantly higher than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

A single infusion of ZOL shows promise in improving BMD of the healthy side of the femoral neck, lumbar spine, and total hip and decreasing the level of bone markers, which may improve the clinical outcome of patients with osteoporotic femoral neck fractures receiving THA/HA.

The Role of PINP in Diagnosis and Management of Metabolic Bone Disease

Serum procollagen type I N-propeptide (PINP) is designated the reference marker of bone formation in osteoporosis; the reference marker for resorption is C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX). PINP has very low circadian and biological variation, is not affected by food intake, and is very stable in serum after venepuncture. The two automated commercial assays for PINP provide similar results in subjects with normal renal function, allowing reference intervals to be used interchangeably. Bone turnover markers (BTM) are currently not recommended for fracture risk assessment and therefore not included in fracture risk calculators. In the management of osteoporosis, the main utility of BTM including PINP is for monitoring therapy, both antiresorptive as well as anabolic agents; monitoring is thought to help improve adherence. PINP as well as CTX may also be used in assessing offset of drug action following a pause in bisphosphonate therapy, to help decide when to re-instate therapy, or following cessation of denosumab therapy to assess efficacy of follow-on bisphosphonate therapy. PINP may also be used in the diagnosis of Paget's disease of bone as well as in monitoring response to therapy and for recurrence. Although BTM other than bone alkaline phosphatase are currently not recommended for use in metabolic bone disease of chronic kidney disease, PINP measured by assays specific to the intact molecule has potential in this condition. Further studies are needed to examine this area, as well as in malignant bone disease.

The challenge of long-term adherence: The role of bone turnover markers in monitoring bisphosphonate treatment of osteoporosis

Oral Bisphosphonates (BPs) are the mainstay of osteoporotic treatment, however long-term adherence remains a challenge, primarily owing to the chronic character of the disease and the regimen complexity. Poor compliance has been shown to have a clear link to fracture risk. The role of bone turnover markers (BTMs) as a tool to ascertain adherence and response to therapy is supported by their rapid response to treatment; a decrease in values is witnessed within days or weeks of commencing treatment. A greater reduction of serum CTX and NTX is evidenced with alendronate and ibandronate compared to risedronate. A change in bone formation BTMs appears to be related to vertebral fracture risk reduction, whereas no significant relationship is evident for hip and non-vertebral fractures. The utility of BTMs as an adjunct for monitoring withdrawal of treatment with oral BP has also been suggested. Finally, studies evaluating BTMs as an intervention, failed to demonstrate any effect on adherence. This review explores the challenge of long-term adherence with bisphosphonates and provides an analytic framework with respect to the role of BTMs in monitoring bisphosphonate treatment, adherence and the offset of treatment effect.

Early changes in bone turnover predict longer-term changes in bone mineral density but not trabecular bone score in frail older women

Clinicians and patients want to know if therapy is working early in their course of treatment. We found that early changes in bone turnover markers at 6 months were associated with long-term changes in bone mineral density but not trabecular bone score at 12 and 24 months.

PURPOSE

We sought to examine the association between shorter-term changes in markers of bone turnover and longer-term changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and microstructure in a cohort of frail elderly women with multiple comorbid conditions including osteoporosis.

METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of a 2-year zoledronic acid trial for osteoporosis in 155 women residents of long-term care communities (mean age 86.9 years). We examined the association of the 6-month change in serum C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and serum intact procollagen type I N propeptide (PINP) with the 12- and 24-month changes in BMD at the spine and hip and the trabecular bone score (TBS), an indirect measure of bone microstructure.

RESULTS

For every 0.2-ng/ml 6-month CTX decrease, the corresponding increase in spine BMD at 12 and 24 months was 0.2% (p = 0.7210) and 1.1% (p = 0.0396), respectively; total hip BMD 1.1% (p = 0.0279) and 0.9% (p = 0.0716); and femoral neck BMD 1.7% (p = 0.0079) and 0.9% (p = 0.1698). Similarly, for every 20-ng/ml 6-month PINP decrease, the corresponding increase in spine BMD at 12 and 24 months was 0.9% (p = 0.0286) and 1.4% (p = 0.0012), respectively; total hip BMD 1.4% (p = 0.0005) and 1.4% (p = 0.0006); and femoral neck BMD 2.3% (p < 0.0001) and 2.0% (p < 0.0001). Bone marker changes were not consistently associated with TBS changes.

CONCLUSION

Shorter-term 6-month changes in bone turnover markers are associated with the long-term changes in BMD over 1-2 years in the spine and hip but not with TBS.

Osteoporosis in South-East Asian Countries

Osteoporosis (OP) is a condition where there is low bone density and microarchitectural deterioration which can predispose to fragility fractures. There is a wealth of literature on OP from the developed countries, but less so from Asia. This review will explore the field of OP research in South-East Asia with regard to the epidemiology, the diagnosis of OP and the role of laboratory tests in the management of OP, with emphasis on 25-dihydroxyvitamin D and bone turnover markers.

Effects of zoledronic acid on bone mineral density around prostheses and bone metabolism markers after primary total hip arthroplasty in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the effect of zoledronic acid on periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism markers after primary total hip arthroplasty in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

METHODS

From November 2015 to April 2016, 40 female patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups: a control group (calcium + calcitriol) and a zoledronic acid group (calcium + calcitriol + zoledronic acid). At 1 week and 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, BMD was obtained through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). At pre-operation and at 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation, levels of bone metabolism markers were obtained by serum examination.

RESULTS

Loss of BMD was significantly more pronounced in the control group than in the ZOL group in zones 1, 4, 6, and 7 at 6 months and in zones 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 at 12 months after the operation. The levels of bone-resorption marker (β-CTX) were significantly lower in the ZOL group than in the control group at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation. The levels of bone-formation marker (TP1NP) performed statistically differences only at 12 months after the operation in these two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Receiving an intravenous infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid after THA can effectively reduce periprosthetic BMD loss and improve bone remodeling in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Zoledronic acid significantly inhibited bone mass loss in zones 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 after THA and inhibited bone-resorption marker (β-CTX) to improve bone remodeling. Zoledronic acid treatment is potentially important for patients with osteoporosis after THA.

Zoledronic acid combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic compression fracture in a single T12 or L1 vertebral body in postmenopausal women

We performed a 1-year prospective study to see whether zoledronic acid infusion combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty could provide more benefits in the treatment of T12 or L1 osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).

INTRODUCTION

To investigate and analyze the clinical effects of zoledronic acid (ZOL) in combination with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in the treatment of OVCF in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Included in this study were 101 postmenopausal women patients with T12 or L1 OVCF who received PKP in our hospital between August 2015 and July 2017. They were randomly assigned to a zoledronic acid (ZOL) group (n = 50) or a control group (n = 51). Patients in ZOL group were treated preoperatively with IV infusion of 5 mg ZOL in combination with 0.25μg/d calcitriol and D3 600 mg/d calcium carbonate for a year. Patients in the control group were treated with the same dose of calcitriol and calcium carbonate D3 without ZOL.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), menopause age, and the fractured vertebral body between the two groups. At 6 and 12 months after treatment, bone mineral density (BMD) in ZOL group was higher than that in the control group (p < 0.01); bone markers (NMID, P1NP, and β-CTX) and the VAS score in ZOL group were significantly lower than those in the control group. No new fracture occurred in ZOL group. The incidence of recompression vertebral fracture (RVF) in the control group was 11.7%, while no RVF was detected in any patient in ZOL group. Mild adverse reactions in ZOL group were significantly higher than those in the control group, but all of them were relieved after symptomatic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

ZOL IV infusion in combination with PKP is beneficial for the treatment of T12 or L1 OVCF.

Modeling and simulation of bone mineral density in Japanese osteoporosis patients treated with zoledronic acid using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b, a bone resorption marker

Annual intravenous administration of zoledronic acid is used in the treatment of osteoporosis. A mathematical model was developed to predict bone mineral density up to 2 years after two annual doses of zoledronic acid from the early values of a bone resorption marker in osteoporosis patients.

INTRODUCTION

The measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) has been used as a surrogate marker instead of the observation of incident fractures to detect the efficacy of treatment. However, this method requires a long time to obtain significant changes. On the other hand, bone resorption markers respond to bone resorption inhibitors within a few weeks. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a mathematical model predicting long-term BMD after two annual doses of zoledronic acid (ZOL) using the early response of a bone resorption marker in osteoporosis patients.

METHODS

The model was constructed using 3410 tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) serum concentrations and 1146 lumbar spine (L2-L4) BMD values from 306 patients with primary osteoporosis. A mathematical model was developed to describe the time-dependent profiles of TRACP-5b and BMD.

RESULTS

The percentage changes from baseline of the BMD (%BMD) at up to 2 years were predicted from patients' baseline BMD and baseline and 12-week TRACP-5b values by the model obtained. The simulated 90% prediction interval almost covered the observed %BMD distribution at each time point, and the predictions were comparable to the observed %BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first model to predict BMD for up to 2 years following two annual doses of ZOL using patients' background characteristics and the early response of TRACP-5b. This model allows us to inform patients at the initial stage of ZOL treatment of their predicted response to treatment.

DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Bone turnover markers: are they clinically useful?

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are useful in clinical practice as they are inexpensive, and they have proven useful for treatment monitoring and identification of poor adherence. BTMs cannot be used in individual patients for identifying accelerated bone loss or an increase in fracture risk or in deciding on the optimal therapy. They are useful for monitoring both anti-resorptive and anabolic treatment. Response can be defined as a result that exceeds an absolute target, or by a change greater than the least significant change; if such a response is not present, then poor compliance or secondary osteoporosis are likely causes. A baseline BTM measurement is not always made; in that case, a value of BTM on anti-resorptive treatment that is low or low normal or above the reference interval for anabolic therapy may be taken to indicate a satisfactory response. We provide an approach to using these bone turnover markers in clinical practice by describing algorithms for anti-resorptive and anabolic therapy and describing the changes we observe in the clinical practice setting.

Use of bone turnover markers in postmenopausal osteoporosis

Bone turnover comprises two processes: the removal of old bone (resorption) and the laying down of new bone (formation). N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) and C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) are markers of bone formation and resorption, respectively, that are recommended for clinical use. Bone turnover markers can be measured on several occasions in one individual with good precision. However, these markers are subject to several sources of variability, including feeding (resorption decreases) and recent fracture (all markers increase for several months). Bone turnover markers are not used for diagnosis of osteoporosis and do not improve prediction of bone loss or fracture within an individual. In untreated women, very high bone turnover marker concentrations suggest secondary causes of high bone turnover (eg, bone metastases or multiple myeloma). In people with osteoporosis, bone turnover markers might be useful to assess the response to anabolic and antiresorptive therapies, to assess compliance to therapy, or to indicate possible secondary osteoporosis. Much remains to be learnt about how bone turnover markers can be used to monitor the effect of stopping bisphosphonate therapy (eg, to identify a threshold above which restarting therapy should be considered). More studies are needed to investigate the use of bone turnover markers for assessment of the bone safety of new medications.