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Risedronate's Positive Effects On Vertebral Fracture Extend To Five Years

The positive effects of risedronate on vertebral fracture and bone mineral density (BMD) are maintained through five years of treatment, say Danish researchers.

Benefits observed in a 3-year, placebo-controlled study in 265 women were maintained in a 2-year extension of the study. Two hundred and twenty women (83%) completed the trial extension.

Participating women received 5 milligrams of risedronate or placebo, according to their original randomisation. Study blinding was also maintained.

Vertebral and non-vertebral fracture assessments, BMD measurements and changes in biochemical markers of bone turnover were used as study endpoints.

Fracture results were consistent with those seen in the first three years of the study. Risk of new vertebral fractures was significantly reduced (59%) over years four and five in participants receiving risedronate. This compared to a 49% reduction in the first three years in risedronate participants.

"Rapid and significant decreases in markers of bone turnover observed in the first three years were similarly maintained in the next two years of treatment," investigators from Hvidovre University Hospital in Copenhagen report.

Similarly, increases in spine and hip BMD occurring in risedronate-treated participants during the first three years were maintained or increased in two further years of therapy.

The mean increase in lumbar spine BMD was 9.3% from baseline to five years.
Bone, 2003;32:2:120-126. "Long-term efficacy of risedronate: a 5-year placebo-controlled clinical experience( small star, filled )"

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