Histological Evaluation of the Effect of Alendronate on the Maxillary Bone of Wistar Rats Combined with Orthodontic Movement of Intense Force / Evaluación Histológica del Efecto del Alendronate en el Hueso Maxilar de Ratas Wistar Combinado con Movimiento de Ortodoncia de Fuerzas Intensas

SUMMARY: To evaluate the histological adverse effects of alendronate administered systemically and topically in combination with orthodontic movement by intense force. Thirty-six 24-week-old female Wistar rats, ovariectomized, were used and divided into three groups (n = 12/group): control, locally treated with saline (0.07 ml/kg/week) (group 1) and experimental, treated with alendronic acid systemically (0.07 mg/kg/week) (group 2) and locally (7 mg/kg/week) (group 3). At 14 days, an orthodontic anchor was installed in the right first molar, and a force of 144 cN was applied for 28 days. The samples were processed for histological evaluation. Descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk tests, one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction, one-way repeated measures ANOVA and chi-square tests were performed. All tests were statistically significant at p <0.05. The adverse events found in all groups were inflammation and osteoclastic activity. In the bisphosphonate-treated groups, there were statistically significant differences (p = 0.005) in the osteoclastic activity between the two hemiarcates. All rats in group 2 presented paralytic ileus. Compared to local administration, systemic treatment with alendronic acid produces more adverse effects, such as inflammation, fibrinoid necrosis, and osteoclastic activity. During the application of intense forces, it was not possible to show that there is necrosis associated with bisphosphonates.

Evaluar los efectos adversos histológicos del alendronato administrado sistémica y tópicamente en combinación con movimientos ortodóncicos de fuerza intensa. Treinta y seis ratas Wistar hembras de 24 semanas de edad, ovariectomizadas, fueron utilizadas y divididas en tres grupos (n = 12/grupo): control, tratado localmente con solución salina (0,07 ml/kg/semana) (grupo 1) y experimental, tratados con ácido alendrónico por vía sistémica (0,07 mg/kg/semana) (grupo 2) y local (7 mg/kg/semana) (grupo 3). A los 14 días se instaló un anclaje de ortodoncia en el primer molar derecho y se aplicó una fuerza de 144 cN durante 28 días. Las muestras fueron procesadas para evaluación histológica. Se realizó estadística descriptiva, pruebas de Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA de una vía con corrección de Bonferroni, ANOVA de medidas repetidas de una vía y pruebas de chi-cuadrado. Todas las pruebas fueron estadísticamente significativas con un p <0,05. Los eventos adversos encontrados en todos los grupos fueron inflamación y actividad osteoclástica. En los grupos tratados con bisfosfonatos hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p = 0,005) en la actividad osteoclástica entre los dos hemiarcados. Todas las ratas del grupo 2 presentaron íleo paralítico. En comparación con la administración local, el tratamiento sistémico con ácido alendrónico produce más efectos adversos, como inflamación, necrosis fibrinoide y actividad osteoclástica. Durante la aplicación de fuerzas intensas, no fue posible demostrar que existe necrosis asociada con los bisfosfonatos.

Eficácia e segurança do ácido zoledrônico comparado aos bifosfonados orais para prevenção de fraturas na osteoporose: revisão rápida de evidências / Effectiveness and safety of zoledronic acid compared to oral bifosfonates for fracture prevention in osteoporosis: rapid review of evidence

Tecnologia: Ácido zoledrônico e bifosfonados orais (alendronato e risedronato de sódio). Indicação: Prevenção de fraturas em pessoas com osteoporose. Pergunta: Em pessoas com osteoporose, o ácido zoledrônico é mais eficaz e seguro que os bifosfonados orais para prevenção de fraturas e outros desfechos de interesse? Métodos: Levantamento bibliográfico foi realizado nas bases eletrônicas Pubmed e BVS usando estratégias de buscas predefinidas. Foi feita avaliação da qualidade metodológica das revisões sistemáticas com a ferramenta Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). Resultados: Foram selecionadas e incluídas 5 revisões sistemáticas. Conclusão: O ácido zoledrônico é similar aos bifosfonados orais para prevenir fraturas em mulheres com osteoporose. Seu efeito sobre a densidade mineral óssea femoral é similar ao do alendronato e superior ao do risedronato. Um tratamento por 3 anos com ácido zoledrônico ou por 5 anos com alendronato de sódio é suficiente para prevenir fraturas vertebrais e não vertebrais. Bifosfonados têm similar risco de eventos adversos que o placebo, incluindo transtornos cardiovasculares e taxa de abandono do tratamento devido a distúrbios gastrointestinais. O ácido zoledrônico tem maior incidência de sintomas influenza-like que o placebo. O ácido zoledrônico não provoca eventos adversos do tipo esofágicos, gastrointestinais sérios ou do trato gastrointestinal superior, mas tem maior risco de náuseas, que pode estar relacionada à infusão intravenosa de grandes doses

Technology: Zoledronic acid and oral bisphosphonates. Indication: Prevention of osteoporotic fractures. Question: In people with osteoporosis, is zoledronic acid more effective and safer than oral bisphosphonates for preventing fractures and other outcomes? Methods: Bibliographic search was performed on PUBMED and BVS, using predefined search strategies. Evaluation of the methodological quality of systematic reviews was done by the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool. Results: 5 systematic reviews were selected and included. Conclusion: Zoledronic acid is similar to bisphosphonates for preventing fractures in women with osteoporosis and his effect on femoral bone mineral density is similar to that of alendronate and superior to risedronate. A 3 years treatment with zoledronic acid or for 5 years with sodium alendronate is sufficient to prevent vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. Bisphosphonates have a similar risk of adverse events than placebo, including cardiovascular disorders and risk of attrition due to gastrointestinal events. Zoledronic acid has a higher incidence of influenza-like symptoms (myalgia and arthralgia) than placebo, limited to the first dose and lasting a few days. Zoledronic acid does not cause esophageal, serious gastrointestinal or upper gastrointestinal tract adverse events, but has a higher risk of nausea, which can be caused by large doses of intravenous infusion

Eficácia e segurança do denosumabe comparado aos bifosfonados orais para tratamento de osteoporose e prevenção de fraturas: revisão rápida de evidências / Effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of denosumab compared to oral biposphonates for treating osteoporosis and fracture prevention: rapid review of evidence

Tecnologia: Denosumabe e bifosfonados. Indicação: tratamento de osteoporose para prevenção de fraturas. Pergunta: O denosumabe é mais eficaz e seguro que os bifosfonados orais para tratamento da osteoporose e prevenção de fraturas secundárias à osteoporose? Métodos: Levantamento bibliográfico realizado na PUBMED seguindo estratégia de busca predefinida. Avaliação da qualidade metodológica das revisões sistemáticas com a ferramenta AMSTAR (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews). Resultados: Foram selecionadas e incluídas 3 revisões sistemáticas, com pontuação de 9 a 11 no AMSTAR. Conclusão: Denosumabe tem menor risco relativo que alendronato e risedronato de sódio para fraturas vertebrais e maior efeito sobre densidade óssea mineral femoral, com risco similar de outros tipos de fratura e eventos adversos (infecções, transtornos cardiovasculares, óbito por infecção, morte cardiovascular ou por qualquer causa). Denosumabe evita 0,00154 fraturas, previne 0,00025 institucionalizações (ou cuidados permanentes de enfermagem no domicílio) e promove um ganho de 0,0018 anos de vida a mais que o alendronato de sódio por paciente tratado. Denosumabe é um pouco mais eficaz e tão seguro quanto os bifosfonados, mas a diferença de eficácia é mínima

Technology: Denosumab and bisphosphonates. Indication: osteoporosis treatment for fracture prevention. Question: Denosumab is more effective and safer than oral bisphosphonates for treating osteoporosis and preventing fractures related to osteoporosis? Methods: Bibliographic search was performed on PUBMED, following predefined search strategies. Evaluation of the methodological quality of systematic reviews was carried out using the AMSTAR (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews) tool. Results: We selected and included 3 systematic reviews. Their scores ranged from 9 to 11 on AMSTAR. Conclusion: Denosumab has a lower relative risk than sodium alendronate and risedronate for vertebral fractures and greater effect on femoral mineral bone density, with a similar risk for non-vertebral fractures and adverse events (infections, cardiovascular disorders, death caused by infection, cardiovascular death or any cause mortality). Denosumab avoids 0.00154 fractures, prevents 0.00025 nursing home/ residential care admissions and get 0.0018 years of life gained per treated patient more than sodium alendronate. Denosumab is slightly more effective and as safe as bisphosphonates, but the effectiveness difference is minimal

Raloxifene neutralizes bone brittleness induced by anti-remodeling treatment and increases fatigue life through non-cell mediated mechanisms / El raloxifeno invierte fragilidad ósea inducida por el tratamiento anti-remodelación y aumenta la resistencia a la fatiga a través de mecanismos mediados no celulares

Pre-clinical data have shown that tissue level effects stemming from bisphosphonateinduced suppression of bone remodeling can result in bone that is stronger yet more brittle. Raloxifene has been shown to reduce bone brittleness through non-cellular mechanisms. The goal of this work was to test the hypothesis that raloxifene can reverse the bone brittleness resulting from bisphosphonate treatment. Dog and mouse bone from multiple bisphosphonate dosing experiments were soaked in raloxifene and then assessed for mechanical properties. Mice treated with zoledronate in vivo had lower post-yield mechanical properties compared to controls. Raloxifene soaking had significant positive effects on select mechanical properties of bones from both vehicle and zoledronate treated mice. Although the effects were blunted in zoledronate bones relative to vehicle, the soaking was sufficient to normalize properties to control levels. Additional studies showed that raloxifene-soaked bones had a significant positive effect on cycles to failure (+114%) compared to control-soaked mouse bone. Finally, raloxifene soaking significantly improved select properties of ribs from dogs treated for 3 years with alendronate. These data show that ex vivo soaking in raloxifene can act through non-cellular mechanisms to enhance mechanical properties of bone previously treated with bisphosphonate. We also document that the positive effects of raloxifene soaking extend to enhancing fatigue properties of bone. (AU)

Los datos preclínicos han demostrado que los efectos a nivel de tejido que se derivan de la supresión del remodelado óseo inducida por bifosfonatos puede dar como resultado un hueso que es más fuerte pero más frágil. Está comprobado que el raloxifeno reduce la fragilidad ósea a través de mecanismos no celulares. El objetivo de este trabajo fue probar la hipótesis de que el raloxifeno puede revertir la fragilidad ósea resultante del tratamiento con bifosfonatos. Se emplearon huesos de perro y ratón de múltiples experimentos con diferentes dosis de bifosfonatos los cuales fueron sumergidos en raloxifeno y luego se evaluaron sus propiedades mecánicas. Ratones tratados con zoledronato in vivo mostraron propiedades mecánicas post-rendimiento más bajas en comparación con los controles. Luego de sumergirlos en raloxifeno se observaron efectos positivos significativos en algunas propiedades biomecánicas tanto en los huesos de ratones tratados con vehículo como con zoledronato. Aunque los efectos se atenuaron en los huesos tratados con zoledronato en relación con los tratados con vehículo, el raloxifeno fue suficiente para normalizar las propiedades a niveles basales. Estudios adicionales mostraron que los huesos sumergidos en raloxifeno tuvieron un efecto positivo significativo en los ciclos de fractura (+ 114%) en comparación con los huesos de ratón sumergido en vehículo. Finalmente, el raloxifeno mejoró significativamente las propiedades de costillas de perros tratados durante 3 años con alendronato. Estos datos muestran que la inclusión ex vivo en raloxifeno puede actuar a través de mecanismos no celulares para mejorar las propiedades mecánicas de huesos previamente tratado con bifosfonatos. También documentamos que los efectos positivos del raloxifeno mejoran las propiedades de fatiga del hueso. (AU)

Bisphosphonate associated osteomyelitis of the jaw in patients with bony exposure: prevention, a new way of thinking

Objective There is strong evidence of a link between the use of systemic bisphosphonates (BPs) and osteonecrosis of the jaw, especially in cancer patients. Among risk factors for BRONJ, tooth extraction and immune suppressive drugs seem to have significant role on bone healing. Therefore, the importance of these parameters in development of BRONJ was reviewed in this retrospective study in two maxillofacial surgery units. Material and Methods From 2007 to 2012, 46 patients on bisphosphonate who had developed oral bony lesions participated in this study. The pharmacological exposure, comorbidities, maxillofacial findings, types of treatment and outcome data were collected from clinical and radiological records. Results The most frequently used BP was alendronate (67%). Tooth extraction was reported in 61% of patients with BRONJ. Systemic corticosteroids were prescribed in 35 cases (76%) as an adjuvant for BP. Patients on corticosteroids had a lower probability of bony lesion healing (p<0.05) than patients without corticosteroids. Of the 46 patients who underwent conservative treatments, only ten were completely healed (21%). Conclusions Beside tooth extraction, corticosteroids were shown to be an implant risk factor for low rate of bone healing and hence the development of BRONJ. The outcome of conservative treatment was uncertain and this emphasizes the importance of prevention. .

Efficacy and Safety of Weekly Alendronate Plus Vitamin D3 5600 IU versus Weekly Alendronate Alone in Korean Osteoporotic Women: 16-Week Randomized Trial

Vitamin D (vit-D) is essential for bone health, although many osteoporosis patients have low levels of 25-hydroxy-vit-D [25(OH)D]. This randomized, open-label study compared the effects of once weekly alendronate 70 mg containing 5600 IU vit-D3 (ALN/D5600) to alendronate 70 mg without additional vit-D (ALN) on the percent of patients with vit-D insufficiency [25(OH)D <15 ng/mL, primary endpoint] and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH, secondary endpoint) levels in postmenopausal, osteoporotic Korean women. Neuromuscular function was also measured. A total of 268 subjects were randomized. Overall, 35% of patients had vit-D insufficiency at baseline. After 16-weeks, there were fewer patients with vit-D insufficiency in the ALN/D5600 group (1.47%) than in the ALN group (41.67%) (p<0.001). Patients receiving ALN/D5600 compared with ALN were at a significantly decreased risk of vit-D insufficiency [odds ratio=0.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00-0.08]. In the ALN/D5600 group, significant increases in serum 25(OH)D were observed at weeks 8 (9.60 ng/mL) and 16 (11.41 ng/mL), where as a significant decrease was recorded in the ALN group at week 16 (-1.61 ng/mL). By multiple regression analysis, major determinants of increases in serum 25(OH)D were ALN/D5600 administration, seasonal variation, and baseline 25(OH)D. The least squares mean percent change from baseline in serum PTH in the ALN/D5600 group (8.17%) was lower than that in the ALN group (29.98%) (p=0.0091). There was no significant difference between treatment groups in neuromuscular function. Overall safety was similar between groups. In conclusion, the administration of 5600 IU vit-D in the ALN/D5600 group improved vit-D status and reduced the magnitude of PTH increase without significant side-effects after 16 weeks in Korean osteoporotic patients.

Fractura subtrocantérica patológica asociada al uso crónico de bifosfonatos: reporte de caso / Chronic use of biphosphonates associated with a pathological subthrocanteric femur fracture: case report

Se reporta el caso de una mujer de 65 años que había iniciado la toma de bifosfonatos (alendronato) secundario a una histerectomía total y a un diagnóstico de osteopenia hace 10 años. La paciente refiere inicialmente dolor en el tercio proximal del muslo de manera intermitente y posteriormente presenta una fractura subtrocantérica patológica de fémur. Por medio de lo encontrado en la literatura actual, se logra llegar a un diagnóstico y se cree que el uso crónico de alendronato pudo ser la causa de dicha fractura. El objetivo de este reporte de caso es alertar sobre el riesgo de fracturas subtrocantéricas de fémur con mínimo esfuerzo, además de la alteración de la consolidación de la misma, por el uso crónico de bifosfonatos.

Linhas escleróticas metafisárias em crianças e adolescentes em uso de alendronato / Sclerotic metaphyseal lines in children and adolescents treated with alendronate

INTRODUÇÃO: Os bisfosfonatos inibem a reabsorção óssea pela interferência na ação dos osteoclastos. Dentre os efeitos adversos, as linhas escleróticas em metáfise de ossos longos são descritas como principal alteração radiográfica na faixa etária pediátrica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência de alterações radiográficas causadas pelo alendronato utilizado em crianças e adolescentes com baixa densidade óssea ou calcinose. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo do tipo coorte retrospectiva analisando-se prontuários de 21 pacientes que fizeram uso de alendronato semanal por no mínimo 10 meses. Os pacientes realizaram radiografias de ossos longos antes do início do alendronato e aproximadamente um ano após o seu uso. RESULTADOS: Onze pacientes (52,3 por cento) apresentaram linhas escleróticas em metáfise dos ossos longos. A localização mais frequente foi em tíbia (8/11 pacientes), seguida de fêmur (7/11), úmero (6/11), rádio (4/11), ulna (3/11) e fíbula (2/11). Nenhum paciente apresentou regressão das alterações radiográficas durante o tempo de evolução (até 1,1 ano após a suspensão do alendronato). CONCLUSÃO: Se usado com critério, o alendronato é seguro e as alterações radiográficas não mostraram ter um significado mais importante.

INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption by interfering with the action of osteoclasts. Among the adverse effects, sclerotic lines observed in the metaphysis of long bones have been described as the main imaging finding in pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of radiographic changes caused by alendronate in children and adolescents with low bone density or calcinosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 21 patients who were treated with once-weekly alendronate for at least 10 months. Patients underwent x-rays of long bones before the start of alendronate and approximately one year after its use. RESULTS: Eleven patients (52.3 percent) had sclerotic lines in the metaphysis of long bones. The most frequent site was the tibia (8/11 patients), followed by the femur (7/11), humerus (6/11), radius (4/11), ulna (3/11), and fibula (2/11). Regression of radiographic changes during the study period (up to 1.1 years after discontinuation of alendronate) was not observed. CONCLUSION: If used carefully, alendronate is safe and radiographic changes have not been shown to be clinically relevant.

Effects of sodium alendronate on body weight water and food intake in adult female Wistar rats

This study aimed to assess the body weight and food and water intake of alendronate-treated Wistar rats. Thirty rats were divided in 3 groups of 10. Group A (control group) received saline, and Groups B and C received alendronate 4mg and alendronate 0.033mg, respectively through gavage. Body weight and food and water intake were measured daily for 10 days. From the first to the last day, the mean body weight ranged from 188.2g (SD 7.3) to 183.2g (SD 5.7) in Group A, from 183.0g (SD 7.7) to 177.5g (SD 8.2) in Group B, and from 188.9g (SD 17.1) to 184.5 (SD 16.4) in Group C. Mean food intake ranged from 15.0g (SD 1.8) to 17.5g (SD 1.1)in Group A, from 14.0g (SD 2.2) to 15.4g (SD 2.6) in Group B, and from 23.3g (SD 2.0) to 14.9g (SD 2.6) in Group C. Mean water intake ranged from 17.0ml (SD 6.5) to 20.6ml (SD 5.6) in Group A, from 20.8ml (SD1.3) to 22.1ml (SD 3.6) in Group B, and from 16.0ml (SD 5.7) to 19.3ml (SD 2.7) in Group C. Alendronate caused significant differences in body weight (the higher the dose the lower the weight) and water intake (the control group consumed less water). No difference regarding food intake was found.

Osteonecrosis maxilar secundaria al uso de bisfosfonatos por vía oral: Exposición de tres casos clínicos relacionados con alendronato / Osteonecrosis of the jaw secondary to oral alendronate: Report of three cases

Osteonecrosis of the jaw associated to biphosphonate use is more common in cancer patients with bone metastases, that are using intravenous diphosphonates. When these drugs are used orally the risk of the complication is lower. We report 3 diabetic women aged 69, 76 and 82 years, receiving alendronate 70 mg every one week. The unveiling event was the extraction of several teeth without the use of antibiotics. All had bone pain, purulent discharge, loss of bone and halitosis. All improved five months after discontinuing alendronate.

Comparison of Effects of Alendronate and Raloxifene on Lumbar Bone Mineral Density, Bone Turnover, and Lipid Metabolism in Elderly Women with Osteoporosis

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of alendronate and raloxifene on lumbar bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover, and lipid metabolism in elderly women with osteoporosis. Subjects and Methods: One hundred twenty-two postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (mean age: 69.4 years) were randomly divided into 2 groups of 61 patients: the alendronate group and the raloxifene group. BMD of the lumbar spine, urinary level of cross-linked N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX), and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol (TC), high and low density lipoprotein cholesterols (LDL-C and HDL-C, respectively), and triglycerides (TG) were measured during the 12-month-treatment period. RESULTS: The trial in 50 patients in the alendronate group and 52 patients in the raloxifene group could be completed. Both alendronate and raloxifene increased lumbar BMD (+8.0% and +2.4% at 12 months, respectively), followed by reductions of urinary NTX level and serum ALP level; however, the effects of alendronate were more pronounced than those of raloxifene. Only raloxifene reduced the serum levels of TC and LDL-C (-3.9% and -7.7% at 12 months, respectively), without any significant effect on the serum HDL-C and TG levels. CONCLUSION: The present study confirmed the efficacy of alendronate greater than raloxifene in increasing lumbar BMD through its effect on marked reduction of the bone turnover more than by raloxifene, and some beneficial effects of raloxifene on lipid metabolism in elderly women with osteoporosis.

case report of esophageal intramural hematoma

The patient is a 69 years old female presented with chest pain and rapidly progressive dysphagia. Then she suffered of hematemesis and aphagia. In evaluation of patient, a intramural hematoma obstructing esophageal lumen was demonstrated which was accompanied with mucosal ulceration and bleeding. It appears that this complication occurred in the context of concomitant use of alendronate with aspirin in this patient

Ação local do alendronato sódico no processo de reparação óssea de fêmures de ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) / Local action of alendronate sodium on bone repair of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) femurs

Este trabalho analisou a ação local do alendronato sódico no processo de reparação óssea em fêmures de ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR). Foram utilizadosquarenta ratos machos e quarenta fêmeas, para a confecção de um defeito ósseo de 2,5mm de diâmetro. De acordo com o material utilizado, criaram-se quatro grupos: controle (C), amido (Am), alendronato 1mol (A1) e alendronato 2mol (A2). Os animais do grupo C não tiveram seus defeitos ósseos preenchidos. Após o período de sete e 21 dias, os animais foram sacrificados. Foi realizada a análise histológica e histomorfométrica e os dados submetidos à análise estatística ANOVA. Aos sete dias, encontrava-se tecido conjuntivo com hemorragia e infiltrado inflamatório ocupando a área do defeito em todos os grupos experimentais e, em alguns grupos, focos de matriz osteóide. Os animais dos grupos A1 e A2 apresentavam uma rede de fibrina no tecidoconjuntivo. Aos 21 dias, as trabéculas ósseas fechavam praticamente toda a extensão do defeito nos grupos C e Am. No grupo A1 de animais machos, observavam-setrabéculas que se irradiavam do interior da medula óssea até a área do defeito. Nos demais grupos A1 e A2 constatava-se apenas a presença de tecido conjuntivo, comdeposição de fibras colágenas e mínima deposição de matriz osteóide. Um achado histológico marcante foi a formação de tecido ósseo extra-cortical subperiosteal nosanimais dos grupos A1 e A2. O estudo concluiu que, neste modelo experimental, a administração local do alendronato sódico não contribuiu para o processo de reparação óssea nas concentrações molares utilizadas.

Comparison of Effect of Treatment with Etidronate and Alendronate on Lumbar Bone Mineral Density in Elderly Women with Osteoporosis

The purpose of this open-labeled prospective study was to compare the treatment effects of cyclical etidronate and alendronate on the lumbar bone mineral density (BMD), bone resorption, and back pain in elderly women with osteoporosis. Fifty postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, age ranging from 55 to 86 years (mean: 70.7 years), were randomly divided into two groups with 25 patients in each group: the cyclical etidronate group (etidronate 200 mg daily for 2 weeks every 3 months) and the alendronate group (5 mg daily). The BMD of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) measured by DXA, the urinary cross-linked N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX) level measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and back pain evaluated by the face scale score were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics including age, body mass index, years since menopause, lumbar BMD, urinary NTX level, and face scale score between the two treatment groups. Etidronate treatment sustained the lumbar BMD following a reduction in the urinary NTX level and improved back pain, while alendronate treatment reduced the urinary NTX level more significantly, resulting in an increase in the lumbar BMD, and similarly improved back pain. No serious adverse events were observed in either group. This study confirmed that alendronate treatment had a greater efficacy than etidronate treatment in increasing the lumbar BMD through the reduction of bone resorption in elderly women with osteoporosis.

Efeitos de alendronato de sódio, atorvastatina cálcica e ipriflavona sobre a osteoporose induzida com dexametasona em ratas / Effects of alendronate, atorvastatin and ipriflavone on dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis

O crescente aumento da prevalência da osteoporose tem sido considerado um grave problema de saúde pública no mundo. A osteoporose é uma doença caracterizada por diminuição da massa óssea, com conseqüente aumento do risco de fraturas, necessitando, portanto, de métodos preventivos e de tratamentos eficazes. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo verificar, comparativamente, os efeitos do bifosfonato alendronato de sódio, da estatina atorvastatina cálcica e do flavonóide ipriflavona sobre a osteoporose induzida pelo glicocorticóide dexametasona em ratas. Os efeitos desses fármacos foram avaliados pelos marcadores bioquímicos cálcio e fósforo sérico, fosfatase alcalina óssea e exame histomorfométrico. Os resultados obtidos a partir da análise dos marcadores bioquímicos não foram significativos, não fornecendo subsídios para o diagnóstico e acompanhamento do tratamento da osteoporose. No entanto, a avaliação histomorfométrica permitiu a análise estática e dinâmica, bem como detecção de alterações teciduais na unidade metabólica óssea, particularmente, no osso trabecular. Verificou-se que os tratamentos testados determinaram resultados significativos no aumento da densidade trabecular óssea, destacando-se o bifosfonato que apresentou o melhor resultado, alcançando níveis de densidade trabecular óssea semelhantes aos dos animais intactos. Além disso, a histomorfometria se mostrou válida na detecção da osteoporose, podendo servir de modelo para o estudo de drogas sobre este distúrbio ósteo-metabólico

Gastrointestinal Side Effect Profile Due to the Use of Alendronate in the Treatment of Osteoporosis

The aim of our study was to evaluate the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract side effect profile in 759 female patients that had taken alendronate (10 mg/day), for at least 6 months, for the treatment of osteoporosis, in relation to the safety of alendronate and the compliance of patients to its absorption rules. This study was a multicentered retrospective, clinical, non- placebo controlled, study of 759 female subjects carried out at 26 centres in 6 different regions of Turkey. The mean age of our patients was 62.6+/-8.6, with 51.2%in the age range 60 to 69 years. 158 patients (20.8%) were considered to have upper GI tract complaints with nausea as the most often encountered symptom. Of the subjects with upper GI tract complaints, 20% reported discontinued drug use, and 30% reported the requirement of an additional drug in order to abolish their complaints. Approximately 537 (71%) of the patients stated they had been given written information about the administration of the drug, and at least 93 patients (12%) and 73 patients (18.4%) acknowledged non compliance with the safety and absorption rules, respectively. In our study, no significant difference was found between the adherence to the safety measures and upper GI tract complaints (p > 0.05), but that upper GI tract complaints were higher in patients taking additional medication to alendronate (p < 0.05).

Esofagitis asociada con el uso de alendronato en 5 pacientes posmenopáusicas / Esophagitis associated with use of alendronate in 5 postmenopausic patients

The biphosphonate, alendronate sodium (e.g. Fosamax) is a bone resorption inhibitor used to treat posmenopausal osteoporotic women and osseous Paget's disease. Esophaghitis is one of the adverse effects (AE) associated to its use. Five (5) patients with alendronate-associated esophagitis assisted in the Gastroenterologic Center, Rosario, Argentina, between October 1996 and December 1999 are described. The aim is to correlate the clinical, endoscopic and histopathological findings in 5 women (ages 57-71) complained for upper digestive symptoms (disphagia, epigastrialgia, retroesternal pain). All had osteoporosis treated with alendronate 10 mg/day and received detailed instructions about how to take the medication. The time from the beginning of alendronate intake and the appearence of the symptoms was elapsed 30, 35, 67, 85 and 90 days. The esophagitis was graded according to the Savary-Miller Classification. The videoscopy disclosed esophagitis of III and IV grades. Three patients has also antral and antroduodenal lesions, one of them associated to Helicobacter pylori. Anatomopathological findings confirm esophagitis and esophagic ulceration. Some authors claim that disphosphonates as a new class of gastrotoxic drugs with AE similar to aspirin. Even when it is administrated according to the instructions of the manufactures it should be used with caution. Our contribution emphazise the importance of this AE and suggest measures to diminish or suppres them, and take into consideration those patients who are taking aspirin. With alendronate, as well as with other potentially corrosive agents, is very important to take in mind the measures to prevent AE.