Randomized controlled trial of zoledronic acid for treatment of osteoporosis in women

Objective To assess the effect of zoledronic acid (ZOL) on bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk at the L1-L4 vertebrae, femoral neck, hip and trochanter in Chinese women with osteoporosis. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted in female patients with osteoporosis, randomized to receive one 5-mg ZOL intravenous infusion per year or placebo equivalent. Facture risk and BMD were measured over a 2-year follow-up period. Results A statistically significant reduction in the risk of fracture was observed at the trochanter in the ZOL group (n=242) compared with the placebo group (n=241); (odds ratio 0.54 [95% confidence interval 0.29, 0.98]): BMD was 0.24, 0.28, 0.31 and 0.22 greater at the L1-L4 vertebrae, total hip, femoral neck and trochanter, respectively, in the ZOL group. The incidence of adverse events was comparable between treatment groups. Conclusions This study indicated that ZOL could increase BMD and reduce fracture risk in women with osteoporosis over a 2-year follow-up period, and was not associated with any serious drug-related adverse effects.