Differential Maintenance of Cortical and Cancellous Bone Strength Following Discontinuation of Bone-Active Agents
2011

Effects of Stopping Bone Medications on Bone Strength

Sample size: 144 publication 15 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Shahnazari Mohammad, Yao Wei, Wang Bob, Panganiban Brian, Ritchie Robert O, Hagar Yolanda, Lane Nancy E

Primary Institution: University of California Davis Medical Center

Hypothesis

What are the effects of discontinuing bone-active agents on bone quality and strength?

Conclusion

Alendronate maintained cancellous bone strength, while parathyroid hormone maintained cortical bone strength for four months after treatment withdrawal.

Supporting Evidence

  • ALN, PTH, and RAL increased vertebral trabecular bone volume significantly.
  • Bone turnover remained suppressed in the ALN group after treatment withdrawal.
  • Only PTH treatment maintained cortical bone strength after withdrawal.

Takeaway

This study looked at how stopping certain medications affects bone strength. Some medicines help keep bones strong even after you stop taking them.

Methodology

Ovariectomized rats were treated with different medications for four months, then observed for eight months after treatment withdrawal.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the use of a single animal model and specific treatment dosages.

Limitations

The study used a low dose of PTH and only one dose of each medication, limiting comparisons.

Participant Demographics

Six-month-old ovariectomized female Sprague-Dawley rats.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1002/jbmr.249

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication