Bisphosphonate therapy may extend life of people with osteoporosis

People with osteoporosis who are treated with bisphosphonates tend to experience lower mortality rates, a team of researchers report in Osteoporosis International.

Experts looked at the risk of secondary fractures and mortality in 31,668 people aged at least 50 years old with osteoporosis who had hip fractures and were treated with and without antiosteoporotic medication.
About 28% were prescribed antiosteoporotic medication (mainly bisphosphonates).

Key findings
• Women who started bisphosphonate treatment before their first fracture had a lower risk of mortality one and three years after the fracture;
• People who started bisphosphonate treatment before their first fracture were more likely to have another fracture;
• Men and women whose treatment started after fracture had a lower death risk but higher hip re-fracture incidence. The exception was people aged 50 to 69 years. Women in this category had more hip re-fracture-free days.

The fact that bisphosphonate use is linked to a higher fracture rate is “most likely accounted for by a high probability of bisphosphonate prescription to more comorbid patients suffering from more severe osteoporosis,” the researchers claim. They also said the results show bisphosphonates have beneficial effects on the body other than on bone.

Dr Katherine Free from Arthritis Research UK comments:

“We know that bisphosphonate drugs are very effective at building bone in people with osteoporosis, and this study reveals that there may also be additional benefits.

“This work highlights the importance of diagnosing osteoporosis at an early stage, as lifestyle changes and drug treatments such as bisphosphonates can significantly reduce the risk of fractures.”

For more in-depth features, interviews and information, subscribe to Arthritis Digest magazine, a popular title that’s published six times a year. Click here for the digital version or tel 0845 643 8470 to order your had copy. You’ll know what your doctor is talking about, what new drugs are in the pipeline and be up to date on helpful products

Image credit: Umberto Salvagnin