Zoledronate sodium for treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in a clinical analysis of 50 cases.

Objective To analyze the short-term effect of zoledronate sodium in treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis(GIOP).Methods Between January and June 2009,50 patients with GIOP diagnosed and admitted in Shengjing Hospital affiliated to Chinese Medical University or Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology in all Grade 3 Level A hospitals in Shenyang city were randomly divided into 2 groups:experimental group and placebo group.Both groups were given 0.6 g caltrate D and 0.25 μg rocaltrol daily by oral use,and in addition,patients in experimental group received intravenous infusion of 5mg zoledronate sodium once a year.The changes in bone density,serum ions and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) were compared between the two groups after 12 months.Results The both groups showed increase in hip bone density from baseline(P0.05),with greater improvement in the experimental group(1.56%) compared to the placebo group(0.33%)(P0.01).There was also a rise in the lumbar bone density in both groups.Significant difference from baseline was noted in experimental group(P0.05) but not the placebo group(P0.05),indicating more benefits obtained in experimental group(3.96% vs 0.62%,P0.01).Last but not least,no obvious changes in the levels of serum calcium,phosphorus and ALP after treatment were detected(P0.05),except for a decline in the ratio of urinary calcium to creatinine(P0.01).Five patients experienced possible drug-related adverse effects with mild symptoms.Conclusion Zoledronate sodium can be effective and safe in treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.