Effect of intravenous zolendronic acid on bone mineral density in post-menopausal women with low bone mineral density.

Background : Menopause is the period during which systemic oestrogen level is reduced. During postmenopausal period, bone remodelling cycle is distorted and is occasionally associated with low bone mass which is the major determinant of bone strength. Zoledronic acid, a third generation bisphosphonates available as an alternative formulation approved for the treatment of postmenopausal women. Aim : To study the efficacy of zolendronic acid in the post menopausal women with low BMD through change in BMD and to assess the adverse effects, compliance and adherence of the of zoledronic acid in the post menopausal women with low BMD. Results : Mean BMD on day 1 was 0.4380.039 while on 1 year it was 0.4800.037 and the difference was found highly significant. Mean T-score on day 1 was -2.2800.677 and on 1 year follow up it was -1.6420.644 and the difference was found statistically highly significant (p<0.001). We divided T-Score into two groups i.e. >-2.50 and -1 to -2.5. Out of total 100 patients, on day 1 total 37 patients were found in T-Score group >-2.5 group and out of them 5, 25 and 7 belonged to <60, 61-70 and >70 years of age group and total 63 patients were found in T-Score group -1to-2.5group and out of them 20, 37 and 6 belonged to <60, 61-70 and >70 years of age group. Conclusion : In conclusion zoledronic acid was effective drug for the treatment of the postmenopausal women with the low bone mineral density with a once yearly administration with only significant infusion related reaction, which can be managed conservatively. Zoledronic acid is also safe without effect on renal and hepatic function, and without any adverse serious reaction, though a large study and long follow up required to reach some definite conclusion. ______________________________________________________________________________