Monthly ibandronate for the prevention of bone loss in patients after liver transplantation.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Osteopenia and osteoporosis are diseases frequently occurring after liver transplantation (OLT). PURPOSE: In a prospective study, we have investigated the effect of ibandronate, vitamin D(3), and calcium on the prevention and treatment of posttransplant osteopenia and osteoporosis. METHODS: The bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (LS) and of the femoral neck (FN) were measured in 74 patients prospectively pre- and post-OLT. RESULTS: Postoperatively the study group showed a consistent percentage increase in BMD (g/cm(2)) and a significantly increased BMD after 12 and 24 months in the LS (12 months 1.05 ± 0.21 g/cm(2); P < .001 24 months 1.11 ± 0.19 g/cm(2); P < .001) and the FN (12 months 0.88 ± 0.16 g/cm(2); P < .002 24 months 0.90 ± 0.15 g/cm(2); P < .001) in comparison with baseline pre-OLT (LS pre-OLT 0.98 ± 0.19 g/cm(2), FN 0.86 ± 0.14 g/cm(2)). The overall bone fracture rate was 5.4% up to 24 months. CONCLUSION: Ibandronate once monthly per os significantly increased the BMD in the LS and FN after OLT at 12 and 24 months. The increased BMD limits the risk of fracture.