Effect of pamidronate administration on bone in patients with acute spinal cord injury

摘要

Eleven subjects participated in a prospective placebocontrolled trial to address the efficacy of pamidronate in reducing bone loss in persons with acute spinal cord injury (SCI). We administered pamidronate (treatment) or normal saline (placebo) intravenously at baseline (22 to 65 days after injury) and sequentially over 12 months, with followup at 18 and 24 months. Regional bone mineral density (BMD) was lost over time, regardless of group. In the treatment group compared with the placebo group, we noted a mild early reduction in loss of total leg BMD. Significant bone loss from baseline occurred earlier in the placebo group at the regional sites than in the treatment group. However, by the end of the treatment and followup phases, both groups demonstrated a similar percent bone loss from baseline. Despite an early reduction in bone loss, pamidronate failed to prevent major, longterm bone loss in persons with acute neurologically complete SCI.