Bisphosphonates Alleviate Bone Loss in People with Acute Spinal Cord Injury：A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Bone loss is not to be underestimated in people with acute spinal cord injury (SCI). Bisphosphonates can inhibit the bone resorption of osteoclast. To study whether the early application of bisphosphonates can alleviate bone loss after acute SCI, we included 7 randomized controlled trials for meta-analysis.

Seven randomized controlled trials were found in literature databases. The percentage change in bone mineral density (BMD) at different sites were primary outcomes and serum bone turnover markers were secondary outcomes. A random-effects model was selected for meta-analysis.

There were significant differences in the percentage change in BMD of the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck between the bisphosphonates and control groups, but not in the percentage change in distal femur BMD. Besides, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the bone formation marker Procollagen type 1 N propeptide; bisphosphonates were effective in reducing the C-terminal telopeptide at the 6-month follow-up, but not at the 12-month follow-up. Subgroup analysis of the effects of zoledronate showed positive effects on BMD of the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck at the 6-month follow-up and showed positive effects on BMD of the total hip and femoral neck at the 12-month follow-up.

Bisphosphonates can effectively alleviate the bone loss of the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck in patients with acute SCI, and early application is advocated.