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Adverse cardiovascular effects of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates in patients with osteoporosis: A nationwide
Jen-Chun Wang1, Wu-Chien Chien2, Chi-Hsiang Chung3
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan,; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Background:
Bisphosphonates (BPs) are a class of medications used for the treatment of osteoporosis. Nitrogen-containing BPs (N-BPs) are more potent than non-nitrogenous BPs in terms of their effects on osteoporosis. We examined the effects of N-BPs on osteoporosis in patients included in a large population-based cohort study.
Methods:
Based on the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, we identified 1258 patients with osteoporosis who had received N-BP treatment from 2005 through 2010.
Results:
During the retrospective observation period, N-BP users had significantly higher incidence rates of hypertension, acute ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation (Af), and congestive heart failure (CHF), and lower rates of hyperlipidemia than patients who did not use N-BPs. Overall, N-BP users had a higher incidence of cardiovascular events at the end of the follow-up period. After adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities, the risk of developing cardiovascular events was significantly high for patients using N-BPs. Patients who received N-BP therapy also had a higher risk of Af and CHF than those who did not during the five-year follow-up period.
Conclusion:
We provide evidence that patients with osteoporosis using N-BP therapy have an increased risk of CHF and Af. This potential risk should be weighed against the reduction in the risk of osteoporotic fractures.
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