The Short-Term Effects of Strontium Ranelate on Pain and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis

Abstract

Aim: Minerals and trace elements affect bone formation and resorption through direct or indirect effects on bone cells or bone mineral. Strontium has several effects on bone cells and anabolic actvity. Materials and Methods: The effects of strontium ranelate on pain and bone mineral density were assessed in an open, noncontrolled trial conducted in postmenopausal women. Oral strontium ranelate was given at a daily dose of 2 g for six months in 31 patients. All women received calcium and vitamin D supplements. Measurements of bone mineral density were performed before treatment and at the sixth month. Blood biochemistry analysis was performed at the beginning and at the 6th month. Results: Pain (visual analog scala) score was 6.12±1.05 at baseline and 4.25±0.92 at sixth month of treatment. Pain decreased significantly at 6th month (p<0.05). New fractures did not occur during the study. Strontium renalate treatment increased bone mineral density at 6th month at the total lumbar spine and the femoral total region. The changes were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). There were no serious adverse events. None of the patients discontinued treatment due to adverse effects. The blood biochemistry was normal at baseline and end of the trial. Global efficacy was good in 64.5% of patients at sixth month. Tolerability was excellent during the study (80.6%). Conclusion: Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with strontium ranelate can decrease pain, and increase bone mineral density beginning at six months following treatment. The results have to be considered as preliminary, the study was planned for a longer duration on a greater number of patients. (Turkish Journal of Osteoporosis 2012;18: 53-7)

Keywords

• Strontium ranelate
• pain
• bone mineral density