Sunday, March 1, 2009

Zoledronate's Benefits for Bone Persist for 2 Years After a Single Dose


Publication Logo

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Feb 23 - The beneficial effects on bone health of a single 5 mg dose of zoledronate last for at least 2 years, according to the first study to rigorously examine the duration of zoledronate's antiresorptive effects.

The study, by researchers in New Zealand, was published in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

"Optimizing the dosing interval for zoledronate is important," the researchers wrote, noting that compliance with oral bisphosphonate therapy can be poor and that less-frequent administration of such a drug will probably result in better adherence over the long term. They also point out that giving a 5 mg dose less frequently would substantially decrease treatment costs. Currently, zoledronate is given as a 5 mg dose once a year.

In the first year, consistent with previous reports, women receiving zoledronate experienced substantial decreases in levels of serum procollagen type-I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (beta-CTX) - both markers of bone turnover. In the second year, levels of these markers remained significantly lower in the zoledronate group than in the placebo group. Further, the magnitude of the differences between the 2 groups was similar at 12 and 24 months.

BMD also increased among the zoledronate group in the first year and remained higher than in the placebo group during the second year.

J Clin Encocrinol Metab 2009;94:538-544.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/588584?src=mpnews&spon=34&uac=126137EG

for pgmeenotes by dv

No comments:

Post a Comment

Please add your comments or suggestions here..

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...