Effects of intravenous zoledronate on bone turnover and BMD persist for at least 24 months

J Bone Miner Res. 2008 Aug;23(8):1304-8. doi: 10.1359/jbmr.080312.

Abstract

The duration of the antiresorptive effects of the intravenous bisphosphonate, zoledronate, is not known. Recently, we reported that two annual 4-mg doses of zoledronate suppressed bone turnover and increased BMD in HIV-infected men over 24 mo. We set out to determine the persistence of these effects after two doses of zoledronate. Thirty-three HIV-infected men who completed a randomized trial of 4 mg annual zoledronate (n = 17) or placebo (n = 16) were studied for a further 12 mo, during which time no skeletal therapy was administered. Participants received calcium (400 mg/d) and vitamin D supplements (50,000 IU/mo) for the first 24 mo of the study only. Biochemical markers of bone turnover and BMD were measured every 6 mo. Bone turnover markers were stably suppressed at 24 and 36 mo (12 and 24 mo after the second annual dose of zoledronate, respectively). There were no significant within-group changes in urine N-telopeptide, serum C-telopeptide, and osteocalcin between 24 and 36 mo (p > 0.07), and at each time point, each of the turnover markers was significantly lower in the zoledronate group. There were also no significant between-group differences in the changes in BMD at each site between 24 and 36 mo (p > 0.5), and at each time point, BMD at each site was significantly higher in the zoledronate group. These results suggest that the antiresorptive effects of zoledronate last >12 mo and raise the possibility that zoledronate could be administered less frequently than annually. Randomized trials that address this issue should be performed.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bone Density / drug effects*
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / administration & dosage
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bone and Bones / drug effects*
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism*
  • Diphosphonates / administration & dosage
  • Diphosphonates / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • HIV Infections / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles / administration & dosage
  • Imidazoles / pharmacology*
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Placebos
  • Time Factors
  • Zoledronic Acid

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates
  • Imidazoles
  • Placebos
  • Zoledronic Acid