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Effects of raloxifene on changes in bone density.
Blazenka Miskić1, Dragica Bistrović, Branka Vizner
1Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Dr. Josip Bencević, Slavonski Brod, Croatia. blazenka.miskic@bolnicasb.hr
Collegium Antropologicum
|January 25, 2007
Summary
Raloxifene hydrochloride significantly increased spinal bone mineral density (BMD) compared to calcium and vitamin D3 alone over two years. This therapy showed less effectiveness for hip and forearm BMD in postmenopausal women.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a significant health concern, particularly in postmenopausal women.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) is a key indicator of bone health and fracture risk.
- Calcium and vitamin D3 are commonly recommended for bone health, but their effectiveness can be limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of raloxifene hydrochloride plus calcium and vitamin D3 versus calcium and vitamin D3 alone in improving BMD over two years.
- To evaluate BMD changes at the spine, hip, and forearm.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 508 postmenopausal women (254 per group).
- One group received raloxifene hydrochloride with calcium and vitamin D3.
- The control group received calcium and vitamin D3 alone.
- BMD measurements were taken at baseline and after two years.
Main Results:
- Raloxifene therapy resulted in a 3.7% increase in spinal BMD in 98% of women, significantly higher than calcium and vitamin D3 alone (OR 5.85, p <0.05).
- A 1.2% increase in hip BMD was observed in 75% of women on raloxifene, but this was not statistically significant.
- Forearm BMD showed a 1.2% decrease in 93% of women on raloxifene, with no statistically significant increase observed at the hip or forearm.
- Calcium and vitamin D3 alone resulted in lower BMD increases at the spine and hip and decreases at the forearm compared to raloxifene.
Conclusions:
- Raloxifene hydrochloride, in combination with calcium and vitamin D3, is effective in significantly increasing spinal bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
- The study did not find statistically significant improvements in hip or forearm BMD with raloxifene therapy.
- Raloxifene hydrochloride offers a potential therapeutic option for improving spinal bone health in women at risk of osteoporosis.
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