Optimising bisphosphonate treatment outcomes in postmenopausal osteoporosis: review and Italian experience

Abstract

This review aims to investigate ways to optimise treatment outcomes with bisphosphonate therapy of osteoporosis in general, and in Italian clinical practice specifically. Overall, poor adherence to bisphosphonate therapy is a major limiting factor in the treatment of osteoporosis, and is associated to a large extent with gastrointestinal adverse events. An improved patient-doctor relationship and patient motivation are critical factors to improving adherence. However, other medical interventions also play a significant role. Intermittent dosing regimens decrease gastrointestinal adverse events and improve adherence, and demonstrate at least equivalent efficacy to daily regimens. Intravenous formulations also improve gastrointestinal tolerability, and are recommended in Italy for patients at high risk of this adverse event. Other recommendations in Italy to improve treatment outcomes include a case-finding approach to identify patients most suitable for bisphosphonate therapy, thus reducing the numbers needed to treat to avoid fractures. To facilitate this, a comprehensive assessment is advocated which incorporates bone mineral density, previous fractures, parental history of fractures, corticosteroid use and the presence of other diseases associated with secondary osteoporosis.