Osteoporosis therapy

Osteoporosis therapy depends on the cause. The bottom line is to provide adequate calcium intake. Therapy relies on several routes of repair of bone composition. Proper diet and exercise, vitamin D and calcium supplementation should be ensured; osteoresorption can be prevented or osteosynthesis promoted from pharmacological methods.

Non-pharmacological treatment

 * Proper nutrition:
 * enough protein
 * enough calcium (100 g hard cheese equivalent to approximately 830 mg calcium, i.e. about half the recommended daily dose)
 * Sufficient exercise to rebuild bones
 * Stay in the sun (Vitamin D formation, protective creams only appropriately)

Supplementation
Often, dietary calcium intake is inadequate and eating habits cannot be adjusted. The question of supplementation and the possible method of administration of calcium is discussed and practices differ in different workplaces. The recommended daily dose of calcium is 1200-1,500 mg.

Insufficient sunbathing lacks vitamin D and is naturally deficient in old age. The recommended daily dose is 800-1200 international units. The blood level of vitamin D should be 50-75nmol/l.

Biophosphonates
Bisphosphonates are first-line therapies.


 * alendronate: 70 mg p.o. 1× per week
 * risendronate: 150 mg p.o. 1× per week
 * ibandronate: 150 mg p.o. 1× monthly nebo 3 mg i.v. 1× per 3 months
 * zoledronate: 5 mg i.v. 1× per year, can be used with an advantage in osteoporosis caused by corticotherapy or in osteoporosis in men
 * other: pamidronate

They reduce both resorption and bone formation by having a protective effect on the alkaline crystalline structure of hydroxyapatite. Modern studies suggest that chronic bisphosphonate therapy stops the progression of postmenopausal osteoporosis and reduces the incidence of secondary fractures. Since these substances are highly irritating to the lining of the esophagus, they must be swallowed with plenty of water and sufferers must avoid situations that increase the likelihood of oesophageal reflux.

In the event of a fracture, bisphosphonates should be discontinued for 3 months as they prolong bone muscle formation and increase the incidence of whitefish!

The effect of bisphosphonates is documented in studies: FIT, VERT, MOBILE.

Estrogens
Estrogens prevent or delay bone loss in postmenopausal women. The mechanism of action probably involves several ways: inhibition of parathyroid hormone-induced bone resorbtion (inhibition of osteoclast activity). In the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, oestrogens are the most effective method of therapy. Combined formulations with progestins are used.

Estrogen tissue activity modulator
This is just one formulation, tibolone. It is associated with a higher risk of stroke.

Estrogen receptor modulators
This is mainly the raloxifene formulation. It's a second-choice drug. It is associated with a higher risk of thromboembolism, with hot flushes among the side effects.

Biological treatment
The monoclonal antibody denosumab is an antibody of the IgG2class against RANK ligand. It prevents osteoblasts from activating osteoclasts. It is administered subcutaneously 1× per 6 months. The effect is documented in the DEFEND and FREEDOM studies.

Fluoride ions
The appropriate concentration of fluoride ions in drinking water or toothpaste has a well-documented ability to reduce tooth decay. Chronic treatment, especially in high concentrations, may increase bone synthesis. Acute fluoride toxicity (commonly produced by swallowing rat poison) will manifest itself in gastrointestinal + neurological symptoms. Chronic toxicosis (fluorosis) is characterised by the formation of ectopic localised newly formed bone or exostoses.

Calcitonin
Salmon calcitonin was administered intranasally. Withdrawn from the market in the Czech Republic and the whole EU for prevailing risks over treatment benefits.

Parathyroid hormone derivatives
With the correct dosing schedule, parathyroid hormone derivative teriparatide does not act osteoresorptively (or only weakly - there is no such activation of osteoclasts via RANK ligand) but osteostheically by activating osteoblasts. It is given once a day for a maximum of 24 months. It is used in osteoporosis caused by corticotherapy and in osteoporosis in men. The regulation is subject to the approval of the Indicative Panel. The effect of terparatide is documented in an FPT study.

Related articles

 * Vitamin D
 * Osteoporosis
 * Osteomalacia
 * Metabolic osteopathy

Literature

 * MÁDLOVÁ, Pavla. Osteoporóza [přednáška k předmětu Geriatrie, obor Všeobecné lékařství, 1. lékařská fakulta Univerzita Karlova v Praze]. Praha. 18.11.2013.
 * MARTÍNKOVÁ, Jiřina, Stanislav MIČUDA a Jolana ČERMÁKOVÁ. Vybrané kapitoly z klinické farmakologie pro bakalářské studium : Terapie osteoporózy [online]. ©2001. [cit. 2010-07-09]. .