[Alendronate treatment of osteoporosis secondary to Duchenne muscular dystrophy]

Abstract

Introduction: Reduced mobility and glucocorticoids as adjunctive therapy causes osteoporosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Alendronate has been used in childhood osteoporosis of other aetiologies with good results and no adverse effects.

Patients and methods: Three patients with Duchenne dystrophy, symptoms of bone involvement (prior history of generalized bone pain and fractures) and bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry with Z-score ≤-2 SD. Treatment with oral alendronate was initiated (10mg/day).

Results: There was an increase in lumbar (L2-L4) BMD in all cases, with improvement of bone pain. No fractures and adverse effects were observed during follow up.

Conclusion: Oral alendronate produces an increase in BMD in these patients, with good tolerance and no need for hospitalization, and so improves quality of life and reduces health care costs.