EARLY INTERVENTION WITH NITROGEN-CONTAINING BISPHOSPHONATE (ALENDRONIC ACID) IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN AT RISK OF BONE LOSS

Abstract

Postmenopausal women are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis, which results in low bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of fractures. Alendronate was studied in order to determine whether it could prevent bone loss and fractures among postmenopausal women suffering from osteoporosis. Eight hundred and four women aged 44 to 59 were randomized into four treatment groups: placebo, 2.5 mg alendronate, 5 mg alendronate, and estrogen plus progestin. The bone mineral density of patients was measured at baseline, 12 months into treatment, and 24 months into treatment. BMD changes in the lumbar spine were the primary endpoint, while hip, forearm, and total body BMDs were secondary endpoints. In the study, alendronate significantly increased bone mineral density at the hips and lumbar spine, with the 5 mg dose showing the most significant effects. Furthermore, alendronate showed a significant reduction in fracture rates, with the placebo group experiencing the greatest number of fractures. According to the safety profile of alendronate, the most common side effects are gastrointestinal discomfort and esophageal irritation.