[Salmon calcitonin in the treatment of osteoporosis].

Salmon calcitonin is frequently used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Via specific receptors on osteoclasts it reduces bone absorption and has also an osteogenic effect. Treatment with calcitonin leads to an increase in bone density, drop of markers of bone turnover and reduction of risk fractures. In the submitted trial the authors investigated the influence of nasal calcitonin administered in amounts of 100 IU in three-month intervals, on bone density. The group comprised 59 patients, mean age 64 years. The mean period of treatment was 2.5 years. Treatment led to a significant increase of bone density in the region of the lumbar spine and neck of the femur. Treatment was well tolerated and the authors did not record new manifest fractures or side-effects of treatment.