Effects of teriparatide on lung function and pain relief in women with multiple osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Background: Osteoporosis is predominantly a condition of the elderly. In this study, we evaluated the effects of teriparatide on lung function and pain relief in elderly women with multiple osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Methods: A total of 37 patients who received teriparatide treatment during the period January 2010 to December 2011 were enrolled. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans were used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and lung function was measured using a MasterScreen Body Jaeger spirometer. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) values were recorded. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain were used to evaluate physical health and pain intensity, respectively, at baseline and after 6 months of teriparatide treatment. Results: Mean BMD at the lumbar spine increased from 0.716 g/cm2 at baseline to 0.829 g/cm2 after 6 months of treatment. In addition, both mean FVC and FEV1 values after 6 months of treatment were significantly higher than baseline values (99.01% and 100.06% vs. 87.62% and 90.62%, respectively). Teriparatide treatment also resulted in a significant reduction in self-reported pain intensity and a significant improvement in physical health as measured by VAS and ODI scores, respectively. Conclusions: In addition to increasing BMD, teriparatide treatment improves the lung function and results in diminished pain intensity in women with multiple osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.