Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: In Romania, the prevalence of postmenopausal osteoporosis in urban centers was estimated by a study in 2007 to be 16.5%. Using alendronate we are increasing bone mineral density and reducing bone turn-over in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Materials and methods: There were examined 55 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (average age 62±4.5 years). Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer (HOLOGIC Delphi W; SN 7044909) on lumbar spine. Examination was performed before the onset of treatment and after a period of 1, 2 and 3 years of treatment. Alendronate was taken in a dose of 70 mg weekly. The patient also received 1000 mg of calcium and 800 IU Vit D daily.

Results: Alendronate (FOSAMAX) significantly increase BMD at lumbar spine after one year of therapy (with 1.9%) with further increase after two and three years of treatment (2.44 and 0.8%). In this study we had no serious side-effects or significant gastro-intestinal adverse effects. Also, no fractures were encountered during this period.

Conclusion: Our study suggest that alendronate therapy is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of women with established postmenopausal osteoporosis, but we need full support from the patient and long term-compliance.