Alendronate Is Effective to Treat Bone Loss in Renal Transplantation Recipients

Bone loss is a common complication among renal transplant patients. Some studies have shown that alendronate may be effective to treat bone loss in these patients. In this study, we have reported our experience with administration of alendronate to treat bone loss in renal transplanted patients. Methods. The 46 kidney transplant recipients with bone loss were randomly divided into 2 groups: group I was treated with calcium and calcitriol, and group II with calcium, calcitriol, and alendronate. We examined bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical indicators of both groups. All patients received cyclosporine and prednisone treatment. Results. There was no significant difference in age, body mass index, gender, immunosuppression, time since transplantation, 25(OH)D-3, or intact parathyroid hormone levels at study commencement. The BMD of the femoral neck was significantly increased (P <.05), and the serum type I collagen-cross-linked N telopeptide (NTx) dramatically (P <.05) decreased in posttransplantation group II recipients treated with calcium, calcitriol, and alendronate. There were also significant differences in BMD and serum NTx between recipients treated with versus without alendronate (P <.05). Conclusion. At least in the short term, alendronate is a effective inhibitor for the treatment of bone loss in renal transplantation patients.