Interim report on treatment of osteoporotic patients with 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 and calcium.

Fifteen patients, 13 women and 2 men (mean age 60 years) with osteoporosis of different types have been under treatment with 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 and calcium. The responses were observed clinically and by the use of roentgen morphometry, photon absorptiometry and by blood and urine chemical analyses. The treatment had beneficial clinical effect in all but 3 patients. The intestinal calcium absorption rate increased significantly. Slight hypercalcemia and a significant hypercalciuria occurred during treatment. Serum and urine phosphate levels, alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone values were within normal ranges. The bone mineral content increased significantly during treatment. 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 and calcium was well tolerated by the patients. Three patients had coincidental acute attacks of spinal pain and 2 had further vertebral crush fractures. A period of time longer than one year is necessary to further evaluate the effects of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 therapy on the clinical course of severe osteoporosis.