Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

Journal:


Spinal Cord

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 58, , 921–929

Publication Website:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41393-020-0431-9

Abstract:

Study design: Randomized double blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Objectives: To examine the effect of early intravenous zoledronic acid (ZA) on bone markers and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in persons with acute ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Setting: Two inpatient rehabilitation units.

Methods: Thirteen men, 2 women, aged 19–65, C4-T10 AIS A SCI, received 5 mg intravenous ZA vs. placebo 12–21 days post injury. Markers of bone formation (procollagen N-1 terminal propeptide [P1NP]), bone resorption (serum C-telopeptide [CTX]), and aBMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for hip (femur—proximal, intertrochanteric, neck), and knee (distal femur, proximal tibia) were obtained at baseline, 2 weeks post infusion (P1NP, CTX only), 4 and 12 months post injury.

Results: P1NP remained unchanged, while CTX decreased in ZA but increased in controls at 2 weeks (mean difference = −97%, p < 0.01), 4 months (mean difference = −54%, p < 0.05), but not 12 months (mean difference = 3%, p = 0.23). Changes in aBMD at the hip favored ZA at 4 months (mean difference 10.3–14.1%, p < 0.01) and 12 months (mean difference 10.8–13.1%, p < 0.02). At 4 months, changes in aBMD favored ZA at the distal femur (mean difference 6.0%, 95% CI: 0.7–11.2, p < 0.03) but not proximal tibia (mean difference 8.3%, 95% CI: −6.9 to 23.6, p < 0.23). Both groups declined in aBMD at 12 months, with no between group differences.

Conclusion: ZA administered ≤21 days of complete traumatic SCI maintains aBMD at the hip and distal femur at 4 months post injury. This effect is partially maintained at 12 months.

Author(s):


Christina V. Oleson, Ralph J. Marino, Christopher S. Formal, Christopher M. Modlesky &amp; Benjamin E. Leiby

Participating Centers: