RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the measurements using biochemical markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in the assessment of the efficiency of osteoporosis treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2006 and December 2008, 166 patients with osteoporosis in our clinic were included. Patients who were out of contact due to death or other reasons during follow-up were excluded. We compared the measurements of urinary biochemical markers of bone turnover using cross-linked N-telopeptide (Ntx) values and BMD in 60 patients (49 females, 11 males; mean age: 65.7 years; range: 42 to 87 years) with osteoporosis who were treatment-naive and completed study. RESULTS: Twenty-nine (48.3%) of the patients received surgical treatment, while 31 (51.7%) received conservative therapy. Urine NTx values of the patients decreased 38.82% at three months; 51.99% at six months and 66.41% at 12 months. Lumbar vertebra BMD increased by 20.7% and femur neck BMD increased by 11.9% at the end of the first year. CONCLUSION: Urine NTx values respond to osteoporosis treatment faster than BMD measurements; thereby it may be suitable to use this parameter for the monitorization of the treatment efficiency.
