Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026
08:42
Design and Implementation of an fMRI Study Examining Thought Suppression in Young Women with, and At-risk, for Depression
Published on: May 19, 2015
11.2K
Mortality risk reduction differs according to bisphosphonate class: a 15-year observational study.
D Bliuc1, T Tran2, T van Geel3
1Osteoporosis and Bone Biology, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia. d.bliuc@garvan.org.au.
Summary
Nitrogen-bisphosphonates significantly reduced mortality risk by 34% in adults over 50 compared to no treatment. Non-nitrogen bisphosphonates showed no significant mortality benefit, suggesting different drug classes impact survival differently.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Bisphosphonates (BP) are primary osteoporosis treatments.
- Emerging research links BP use to reduced all-cause mortality.
- This study investigates BP types and mortality risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between nitrogen-bisphosphonates (n-BP) and non-nitrogen bisphosphonates (non-n-BP) with mortality risk.
- To compare mortality risk in BP users versus matched non-users.
- To explore these associations in individuals with and without fractures.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 6120 participants aged 50+.
- Propensity score matching (age, gender, comorbidities, fracture status) for BP users and non-users.
- Analysis using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.
Main Results:
- Nitrogen-bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate) were linked to a 34% mortality risk reduction (HR 0.66).
- Non-nitrogen bisphosphonates (etidronate) showed no significant mortality benefit (HR 0.89).
- Direct comparison showed n-BP had better survival than etidronate (HR 0.47).
Conclusions:
- Nitrogen-bisphosphonates, unlike non-nitrogen bisphosphonates, are associated with improved survival.
- Findings suggest differential effects of BP classes on mortality.
- Further research into mechanistic pathways is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Observational Studies
11.0K
Observational studies are a type of analytical study where researchers observe events without any interventions. In other words, the researcher does not influence the response variable or the experiment's outcome.
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...
11.0K
03:11Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
75.6K
Oxidation–Reduction Reactions
75.6K
01:16Other Nuclides: 31P, 19F, 15N NMR
787
Many organic, inorganic, and biological molecules contain spin-half nuclei such as nitrogen-15, fluorine-19, and phosphorus-31. As a result, NMR studies of these nuclei have found extensive applications in chemical and biological research.
While fluorine-19 and phosphorous-31 have high natural abundances (100%) and positive gyromagnetic ratios, nitrogen-15 has a low natural abundance and a negative gyromagnetic ratio. However, nitrogen-15 is still preferred over nitrogen-14 (which has a...
While fluorine-19 and phosphorous-31 have high natural abundances (100%) and positive gyromagnetic ratios, nitrogen-15 has a low natural abundance and a negative gyromagnetic ratio. However, nitrogen-15 is still preferred over nitrogen-14 (which has a...
787
02:30Naturalistic Observations
17.1K
If you want to understand how behavior occurs, one of the best ways to gain information is to simply observe the behavior in its natural context. However, people might change their behavior in unexpected ways if they know they are being observed. How do researchers obtain accurate information when people tend to hide their natural behavior? As an example, imagine that your professor asks everyone in your class to raise their hand if they always wash their hands after using the restroom. Chances...
17.1K
01:12Relative Risk
2.1K
Relative risk (RR) is a statistical measure commonly used in epidemiology to compare the likelihood of a particular event occurring between two groups. This metric is important for evaluating the relationship between exposure to a specific risk factor and the probability of a particular outcome. It plays a crucial role in medical research, public health studies, and risk assessment. Relative risk quantifies how much more (or less) likely an event is to occur in an exposed group compared to an...
2.1K
01:25Drug Classes and Categories
3.1K
Drugs can be classified according to their chemical composition or their intended therapeutic application. For instance, anti-infective agents that possess the ability to eliminate pathogens or suppress their growth and reproduction can be grouped based on the organisms they target or their chemical structure. Furthermore, drugs can be divided into prescription, nonprescription, or controlled substances. Prescription medications, such as antibiotics, require oversight from a licensed healthcare...
3.1K