Zoledronic acid: clinical utility and patient considerations in osteoporosis and low bone mass

Management of primary and secondary osteoporosis in children

Osteoporosis in children differs from adults in terms of definition, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment options. Primary osteoporosis comprises primarily of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), but there are significant other causes of bone fragility in children that require treatment. Secondary osteoporosis can be a result of muscle disuse, iatrogenic causes, such as steroids, chronic inflammation, delayed or arrested puberty and thalassaemia major. Investigations involve bone biochemistry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan for bone densitometry and vertebral fracture assessment, radiographic assessment of the spine and, in some cases, quantitative computed tomography (QCT) or peripheral QCT. It is important that bone mineral density (BMD) results are adjusted based on age, gender and height, in order to reflect size corrections in children. Genetics are being used increasingly for the diagnosis and classification of various cases of primary osteoporosis. Bone turnover markers are used less frequently in children, but can be helpful in monitoring treatment and transiliac bone biopsy can assist in the diagnosis of atypical cases of osteoporosis. The management of children with osteoporosis requires a multidisciplinary team of health professionals with expertise in paediatric bone disease. The prevention and treatment of fragility fractures and improvement of the quality of life of patients are important aims of a specialised service. The drugs used most commonly in children are bisphosphonates, that, with timely treatment, can give good results in improving BMD and reshaping vertebral fractures. The data regarding their effect on reducing long bone fractures are equivocal. Denosumab is being used increasingly for various conditions with mixed results. There are more drugs trialled in adults, but these are not yet licenced for children. Increasing awareness of risk factors for paediatric osteoporosis, screening and referral to a specialist team for appropriate management can lead to early detection and treatment of asymptomatic fractures and prevention of further bone damage.

Study of Adverse Effect Profile of Zoledronic Acid Infusion Among Patients with Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis

Background: Zoledronic acid (ZA) is widely used in the management of cancer-related bone events. It, however, might be associated with serious adverse effects. Objectives: To evaluate ZA adverse effects and changes in biochemical parameters related to ZA toxicities among patients with cancer. Methods: Ninety-eight oncology patients, who were prescribed ZA intravenous (IV) infusion, were interviewed to assess whether they experienced ZA related symptoms, including acute events and serious adverse effects. ZA’s effects on the serum levels of different biochemical parameters were retrospectively assessed by checking patients’ electronic medical records. Results: The most commonly reported adverse effects were: myalgia (48%), bone pain (36.7%), influenza-like symptoms (34.7%), headache (31.6%), and pyrexia (22.45%) with decreasing frequency of such adverse effects upon repeated infusions. Serious side effects including jaw osteonecrosis, cardiac, and renal problems were not reported. A small, but statistically significant reduction in serum calcium, creatinine, and total protein levels was observed upon comparing levels before and after the first IV infusion of ZA (P ≤ 0.031). No significant change was recorded with other serum electrolytes including phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and magnesium as well as urea levels (P ≥ 0.271). No significant difference was determined in terms of final serum levels of all parameters in comparison to pre-treatment (P ≥ 0.059), except for potassium, where a significant reduction was observed (P = 0.003). Notably, the mean values of all parameters were within the normal range. Conclusions: ZA acute events resolved with symptomatic treatment and reduced with repeated IV infusions. ZA appears as a safe treatment modality for skeletal-related events among patients with cancer and the reported adverse effects should not affect patients’ compliance.

Secondary Fracture Prevention: Consensus Clinical Recommendations from a Multistakeholder Coalition

Osteoporosis-related fractures are undertreated, due in part to misinformation about recommended approaches to patient care and discrepancies among treatment guidelines. To help bridge this gap and improve patient outcomes, the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research assembled a multistakeholder coalition to develop clinical recommendations for the optimal prevention of secondary fractureamong people aged 65 years and older with a hip or vertebral fracture. The coalition developed 13 recommendations (7 primary and 6 secondary) strongly supported by the empirical literature. The coalition recommends increased communication with patients regarding fracture risk, mortality and morbidity outcomes, and fracture risk reduction. Risk assessment (including fall history) should occur at regular intervals with referral to physical and/or occupational therapy as appropriate. Oral, intravenous, andsubcutaneous pharmacotherapies are efficaciousandcanreduce risk of future fracture.Patientsneededucation,however, about thebenefitsandrisks of both treatment and not receiving treatment. Oral bisphosphonates alendronate and risedronate are first-line options and are generally well tolerated; otherwise, intravenous zoledronic acid and subcutaneous denosumab can be considered. Anabolic agents are expensive butmay be beneficial for selected patients at high risk.Optimal duration of pharmacotherapy is unknown but because the risk for second fractures is highest in the earlypost-fractureperiod,prompt treatment is recommended.Adequate dietary or supplemental vitaminDand calciumintake shouldbe assured. Individuals beingtreatedfor osteoporosis shouldbe reevaluated for fracture risk routinely, includingvia patienteducationabout osteoporosisandfracturesandmonitoringfor adverse treatment effects.Patients shouldbestronglyencouraged to avoid tobacco, consume alcohol inmoderation atmost, and engage in regular exercise and fall prevention strategies. Finally, referral to endocrinologists or other osteoporosis specialists may be warranted for individuals who experience repeated fracture or bone loss and those with complicating comorbidities (eg, hyperparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease).

Secondary Fracture Prevention: Consensus Clinical Recommendations from a Multistakeholder Coalition

Osteoporosis-related fractures are undertreated, due in part to misinformation about recommended approaches to patient care and discrepancies among treatment guidelines. To help bridge this gap and improve patient outcomes, the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research assembled a multistakeholder coalition to develop clinical recommendations for the optimal prevention of secondary fracture among people aged 65 years and older with a hip or vertebral fracture. The coalition developed 13 recommendations (7 primary and 6 secondary) strongly supported by the empirical literature. The coalition recommends increased communication with patients regarding fracture risk, mortality and morbidity outcomes, and fracture risk reduction. Risk assessment (including fall history) should occur at regular intervals with referral to physical and/or occupational therapy as appropriate. Oral, intravenous, and subcutaneous pharmacotherapies are efficacious and can reduce risk of future fracture. Patients need education, however, about the benefits and risks of both treatment and not receiving treatment. Oral bisphosphonates alendronate and risedronate are first-line options and are generally well tolerated; otherwise, intravenous zoledronic acid and subcutaneous denosumab can be considered. Anabolic agents are expensive but may be beneficial for selected patients at high risk. Optimal duration of pharmacotherapy is unknown but because the risk for second fractures is highest in the early post-fracture period, prompt treatment is recommended. Adequate dietary or supplemental vitamin D and calcium intake should be assured. Individuals being treated for osteoporosis should be reevaluated for fracture risk routinely, including via patient education about osteoporosis and fractures and monitoring for adverse treatment effects. Patients should be strongly encouraged to avoid tobacco, consume alcohol in moderation at most, and engage in regular exercise and fall prevention strategies. Finally, referral to endocrinologists or other osteoporosis specialists may be warranted for individuals who experience repeated fracture or bone loss and those with complicating comorbidities (eg, hyperparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease). © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws after tooth extraction in senescent female mice treated with zoledronic acid: Microtomographic, histological and immunohistochemical characterization

Treatment with cumulative dosages of zoledronic acid (ZA) in elderly patients is a risk factor for the development of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ), mainly related to surgical triggers such as tooth extraction. However, animal models for the investigation and understanding of MRONJ pathophysiology in senescent and postmenopausal stages remains to be developed and characterized. The aim of this study was to analyze MRONJ development in senescent female mice treated with cumulative dosages of ZA. For this purpose, twenty 129/Sv female mice, 64 weeks old, were treated with 0.9% saline solution as control group (n = 10), and with ZA at 250μg/Kg (n = 10), once a week, starting 4 weeks before the upper right incisor extraction and until the end of the experimental time points (7 days and 21 days). At 7 and 21 days post-surgery, specimens were harvested for microCT, histological, birefringence and immunohistochemical analysis. Clinically, an incomplete epithelialization was observed in ZA group at 7 days and a delayed bone matrix mineralization and collagen maturation at 7 and 21 days compared to the controls. Controls revealed sockets filled with mature bone at 21 days as observed by microCT and birefringence, while ZA group presented delayed bone deposition at 7 and 21 days, as well increased leukocyte infiltration and blood clot at 7 days, and increased bone sequestrum and empty osteocyte lacunae at 21 days (p<0.05). Also, ZA group presented decreased quantity of TGFb+ and Runx-2+ cells at 7 days, and decreased quantity of TRAP+ osteoclasts compared to the control at 21 days (p<0.05). Altogether, these data demonstrate the usefulness of this model to understanding the pathophysiology of MRONJ.

Bisphosphonate-induced Severe Hypocalcemia - A Case Report -

Bisphosphonate generally seems to be safe, but hypocalcemia may occasionally develop in the course of bisphosphonate treatment. Hypocalcemia induced by bisphosphonate is usually mild and asymptomatic, but unrecognized or poorly treated hypocalcemia can lead to life-threatening state. A 78-year-old woman who had a history of hip arthroplasty and intravenous zoledronate treatment for femur neck fracture was presented to emergency department with altered mental status. It turned out that her symptom was due to severe hypocalcemia which was caused by intravenous zoledronate treatment. She also had renal dysfunction. She was treated by intravenous calcium gluconate and calcitriol administration. This case supports the need for evaluation of renal dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency and parathyroid gland dysfunction before bisphosphonate treatment and accurate monitoring of plasma calcium and creatinine levels. In addition, vitamin D and calcium supply during treatment with bisphosphonate is mandatory.

Clinical utility of risedronate in postmenopausal osteoporosis: patient considerations with delayed-release formulation

Bisphosphonates are the most widely prescribed treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis, secondary osteoporosis, and male osteoporosis. Notwithstanding their high effectiveness and favorable safety profile, the adherence to bisphosphonate treatment remains low. Different treatment strategies aim to improve the clinical effectiveness of bisphosphonate therapy. This review paper assesses the clinical utility of oral intermittent risedronate in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The new delayed-release risedronate formulation is a safer and easy to use alternative to other risedronate therapy. Oral risedronate, a potent nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, has been extensively studied using daily regimens. A new intermittent (weekly) dosing regimen confirmed its clinical effectiveness in relation to vertebral and nonvertebral fracture prevention. The absence of significant differences in the incidence of adverse effects confirmed the favorable tolerability of the weekly dosage. In efforts to improve patient adherence to treatment, an innovative, delayed-release formulation of risedronate, which ensures adequate bioavailability of the active compound when taken with food, was introduced. The once-weekly delayed-release formulation of risedronate proved to be noninferior to the daily dosage of risedronate in terms of bone mineral density and markers of bone turnover. In addition, the incidence of new morphometric vertebral fractures was comparable in both treatment regimens. The new delayed-release formulation of risedronate showed a favorable safety profile. Delayed-release risedronate is a promising, new, effective, and convenient alternative to current bisphosphonate treatments. It appears to allow better patient adherence to antiresorptive treatment.

Bisphosphonates: prevention of bone metastases in breast cancer

Disease recurrence and distant metastases remain challenging for patients with breast cancer despite advances in early diagnosis, surgical expertise, and adjuvant therapy. Bone is the most common site for breast cancer metastasis, and the bone microenvironment plays a crucial role in harboring disseminated tumor cells (DTCs), a putative source of late relapse in and outside bone. Therefore, agents that affect bone metabolism might not only prevent the development of bone lesions but also provide meaningful reductions in the risk of relapse both in bone and beyond. Bisphosphonates bind to mineralized bone surfaces and are ingested by osteoclasts, wherein they inhibit osteolysis, thereby preventing the release of growth factors from the bone matrix. Therefore, the bone microenvironment becomes less conducive to survival and growth of DTCs and bone lesion formation. Recent trials of zoledronic acid in the adjuvant setting in breast cancer have demonstrated reduced disease recurrence in bone and other sites in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with early breast cancer. Based on the proven effect of bone protection during adjuvant endocrine therapy, new treatment guidelines recommend the routine use of bisphosphonates to prevent bone loss during adjuvant therapy, which may likely become the standard practice.