Effects of alendronate on bone mineral density and bone metabolic markers in patients with liver transplantation

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of alendronate (ALN) on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers in patients with orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Methods: In the prospective, controlled, open study with 24 months of follow-up, 98 patients with OLT were randomised to receive ALN 70 mg weekly or no ALN; calcium (Ca) 1,000 mg daily and 0.5 mcg calcitriol daily were provided to all patients. Lumbar spine (LS) and hip BMDs were measured at 6-month intervals by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Spinal radiographs were obtained to assess vertebral fractures. Additionally, bone turnover markers, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and biochemical parameters were determined every 3 months. Results: Compared with the control group, the ALN group showed significant increases in BMD of the LS (5.1 [+ or -] 3.9% vs 0.4 [+ or -] 4.2%, p Keywords Alendronate * Bone fractures * Bone turnover * Liver transplantation * Osteoporosis