Article Text
Abstract
Background Zoledronic acid is a third generation intravenous (IV) drug, indicated for the treatment of Osteoporosis, among other diseases, including Paget’s disease and Reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
Objectives To describe the clinical features of a series of 196 patients treated with zoledronic acid ev in the period 2008-2011 in two hospitals in Barcelona. To analyze the indications, clinical and densitometric characteristics and treatment side effects of zoledronic acid.
Methods A total of 196 patients received zoledronic acid. We performed a retrospective design reviewing medical records of these patients. We collected epidemiological, clinical, densitometric parameters and side effects to treatment.
Results Of the 196 patients who received zoledronic acid, 157 were women (80.1%) and 39 men (19.9%). 94% of patients (184) had Osteoporosis, 4% (8) Paget, 1 patient had SAPHO, 1 Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, 1 neuropathic arthropathy and 1 osteogenesis imperfecta
Of the total of Osteoporosis treated, 84% had primary osteoporosis and 16% had secondary osteoporosis.
47% of patients had received prior treatments for Osteoporosis (66.5% bisphosphonates, 16.2% estrontium ranelate, 4.8% raloxifene, 8% PTH and 4.5% calcitonin).
51% of patients had previous fractures (62.5% vertebral fractures, 18.7% Colles’ fracture, 12.5% fracture of the femur and 6.3% in other locations). Only 4.7% presented a new fracture after starting treatment.
Average patients’ densitometric values before starting the treatment were: T-score -3.3 at the lumbar spine and -2.3 at femoral neck.
Only 9.5% of patients experienced adverse effects, 75% of them flu like syndrome. Among the other side effects, there was a case of hypocalcemia and another one of keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Conclusions Zoledronic acid is indicated primarily as intravenous treatment for Osteoporosis, in cases of intolerance to oral treatment and refractory Osteoporosis to previous treatments. Most cases have a history of fracture. This is an effective and safe treatment with a low rate of adverse effects.
Disclosure of Interest None Declared