Effects of Alendronate on bone mass in women with osteoporosis.

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a two-year study of the effects of alendronate (Fosamax) on bone mass in 187 women with osteoporosis, mean age 57.68 years. Bone mass, i.e. bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine. Measurements were performed prior to treatment, one year and two years after treatment using the DEXA method. The BMD was examined in 65 women, mean age 54.02, taking calcium and vitamin D, and in 75 women mean age 57.16, without any therapy. The baseline BMD (T score) in the alendronate group was -2.87 SD, whereas in the two control groups it measured -1.86 SD and -2.02 SD, respectively. A significant improvement of bone mass, by 5.8%, was registered after a year of treatment with alendronate, and by 8.3% after two years. In patients receiving calcium and vitamin D, a significant increase of bone mass was established as well: by 2.9% after a year, but the values declined back to the baseline after the second year. In patients without any treatment the bone mass decreased by 0.6% after a year, and by 0.9% after the second year.