[The efficacy of alendronate in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the effectiveness of alendronate Chinese national product in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

METHODS:

The 56 postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis were randomly divided into two groups: treated with alendronate 10 mg/d (28 cases) orally and placebo (28 cases), for 6 months. All subjects received 600 mg/d of calcium carbonate and vitamin D 1,000 U/d. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, trochanter and Ward's triangle were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry as well as the markers of bone turnover were analysed at the beginning and the end of the study.

RESULTS:

The results showed that lumbar spine BMD increased by 5% in the alendronate group (P < 0.01), but decreased in BMD of the lumbar spine and femur in the placebo group (P < 0.05) after 6 months of treatment. In the alendronate group the marker of bone resorption and bone formation were significantly decreased after alendronate therapy. There were no change in placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Alendronate (Chinese national product) is effective in reducing bone turnover and promoting bone mass of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

• Authors: Zhi-qiang Cheng, Wei Yin, Ji-yuan Fan, Tong-jun Ma
• Journal: Zhongguo yi xue ke xue yuan xue bao. Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae (Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao) Vol. 24 Issue 3 Pg. 306-9 (Jun 2002) ISSN: 1000-503X [Print] China
• PMID: 12905641 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, English Abstract, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Alendronate

Topics

• Absorptiometry, Photon
• Aged
• Alendronate (therapeutic use)
• Bone Density
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal (drug therapy, prevention & control)