Pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis with severe vertebral deformities: can strontium ranelate be a new alternative for the treatment?

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis is an uncommon condition that may be a consequence of preexisting low bone density, loss of bone mineral content during pregnancy, and increased bone turnover. PURPOSE To present a case of severe osteoporosis associated with pregnancy and lactation and its treatment protocol. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING A tertiary care hospital. PATIENT SAMPLE A young female after twin pregnancy presenting with severe osteoporosis. METHODS The diagnosis was done on the basis of bone mineral density (BMD) measurement. The patient was treated with first alendronate and then strontium ranelate. She was considered as a candidate for kyphoplasty. RESULTS A dramatic increase in the BMD and palliation of back pain were observed. CONCLUSIONS Strontium ranelate may be a new alternative in the treatment of pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis.