The Effect of Zoledronic Acid on Bone Density in Liver Transplant Patients

Summary

Following liver transplantation, rapid bone loss occurs, particularly within the first 6 months post-transplant. This may be associated with fractures, most notable vertebral. The ability to assess osteoporosis therapies in this system may provide useful information for osteoporosis management in general. Hypotheses: 1. That treatment with the bisphosphonate, zoledronate, at the time of liver transplantation and at 1 month post-transplantation will prevent the early transplant-related bone loss (measured by bone densitometry and biochemical bone markers at 3 months) seen in patients who are not treated with a bisphosphonate 2. That continuing treatment with zoledronate at 3 monthly intervals for a total duration of 12 months will result in further improvements in bone density beyond that seen at 3 months 3. That calcium and vitamin D (vit D) supplementation of liver transplant patients does not prevent marked bone loss following transplantation.

Timeline

Start

2000-02

Primary completion

—

Completion

2004-08

Publications

• Background McDonald JA, Dunstan CR, Dilworth P, Sherbon K, Sheil AG, Evans RA, McCaughan GW. Bone loss after liver transplantation. Hepatology. 1991 Oct;14(4 Pt 1):613-9. doi: 10.1016/0270-9139(91)90047-y.
• Results Crawford BA, Kam C, Pavlovic J, Byth K, Handelsman DJ, Angus PW, McCaughan GW. Zoledronic acid prevents bone loss after liver transplantation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2006 Feb 21;144(4):239-48. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-144-4-200602210-00005.

Drugs

Indications