BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (Jul 2009)

Treatment with intravenous pamidronate is a good alternative in case of gastrointestinal side effects or contraindications for oral bisphosphonates

  • Dijkmans Ben AC,
  • Derikx Harm JGM,
  • Bultink Irene EM,
  • Vis Marijn,
  • Eekman Danielle A,
  • Lems Willem F

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-10-86
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 1
p. 86

Abstract

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Abstract Background In case of contraindications or intolerance during treatment with oral bisphosphonates (OB), administration of pamidronate intravenously is a widely used alternative. In this study we compared the effect on change in bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine and hip during long term treatment with pamidronate iv in comparison to OB. Methods We studied 61 patients receiving treatment for at least two years. In case of contraindications or intolerance (within 3 months) of an OB, pamidronate iv was started. BMD was measured on a Hologic 4500 and a Lunar DPX-IQ at the spine (L1-L4) and total hip. Results Thirty-one patients were enrolled in the OB group and 30 in the intravenous pamidronate group. Mean follow-up duration (SD) was 4.3 (1.3) years. We observed a significant increase (p Conclusion We conclude that intravenous pamidronate is a good alternative for oral bisphosphonates in the treatment of osteoporosis in patients with contraindications or intolerance during treatment with oral bisphosphonates.