Denosumab Improves Bone Mineral Density in Patients With Intestinal Failure Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition: Results From a Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

AIM

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is commonly reported in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Oral and intravenous calcium, vitamin D, and bisphosphonates have been used to treat BMD but with low efficiency due to their limited absorption and patient compliance. Denosumab is a new drug that helps prevent osteoclast development and activation and led to decreased bone resorption in some studies. The aim of this study was to assess its value in HPN patients.

METHODS

Between November 2011 and March 2013, 49 patients receiving HPN (29 women, 20 men, mean age 55.3 years) who met the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to a denosumab or control group. Regional dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry of the spine and hip was performed before therapy and after 12 months. BMD, T score, and z score were assessed.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients received 2 doses of therapy and were fully reassessed after 1 year. At baseline and after 12 months, the absorptiometry revealed T scores of -3.439 standard deviations (SD) vs -2.33 SD at lumbar segment 2 (L2) and -2.957 SD vs -2.067 SD at lumbar segment 3 (L3), z scores of -2.24 SD vs -1.36 SD at L2 and -1.995 vs -1.067 SD at L3, and BMD of 0.801 vs 0.946 at L2 and 0.857 vs 0.979 at L3, respectively. Two serious outcomes were reported, without any correlation to the intervention. Two patients were weaned off HPN and hence discontinued. One patient experienced sciatica, resulting in discontinuation of the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that denosumab may be a valuable treatment option for improving BMD in HPN patients.