CALCIUM HOMEOSTASIS, BONE METABOLISM AND SAFETY ASPECTS DURING LONG-TERM TREATMENT WITH A GNRH AGONIST

Thirty-five women with symptomatic fibroids were treated with monthly injections of 3.2 mg microcapsulated D-Trp-6-LHRH for 6 months. During treatment serum 17-beta-oestradiol levels decreased, falling to castration levels associated with a reduction in the volume of the fibroids. In 16 patients a complete calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism work-up was carried out during treatment and subsequently for a 6-month follow-up period. Bone mineral content (BMC) and Compton bone densitometry readings remained unchanged. There were significant increases in serum calcium phosphate and alkaline phosphatase concentrations. A slight although not significant increase was observed in osteocalcin and parathyroid hormone (PTH) serum levels. Serum 1,25(OH)2D3 values decreased significantly after 3 months of treatment. Urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine and calcium/creatinine ratios as well as 24-h urinary calcium values increased significantly during the treatment period but decreased rapidly to pretreatment values after 3 months in the follow-up period. The endocrine changes induced by the GnRH-agonist treatment were associated with reversible biochemical signs of increased bone turnover and no significant changes in bone mass, suggesting that the treatment can be administered safely for a period of 6 months in patients with oestrogen-dependent diseases.