[Fracture prevention in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis by an annual infusion of zoledronic acid].

A randomised, placebo-controlled study into the effects of the annual intravenous administration of zoledronic acid for the prevention of fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis was recently published. Zoledronic acid, a bisphosphonate, inhibits osteoclasts. The study included 7765 patients with osteoporosis, between the ages of 65 and 89 years, who were given calcium and cholecalciferol daily by mouth in addition to 5 mg zoledronic acid or placebo once a year. Three infusions were given to 81% of the patients. Fewer fractures were seen in the study group than in the control group: after 3 years, hip fractures were reduced by 41%, non-vertebral fractures by 25% and vertebral fractures by 70%, already within one year (by 6o%). Side effects included acute phase reactions, atrial fibrillation, ocular complaints, renal-function disorders, and hypocalcaemia. Some examples of candidates for treatment with zoledronic acid would be patients with osteoporosis in whom oral treatment meets objections or who are hospitalised due to a fracture.