The goal of this study is to perform the first fracture reduction clinical trial with a potent antiresorptive agent (intravenous zoledronic acid) in the most vulnerable long-term care population.
Although close to 85% of frail women in long-term care (LTC) facilities have osteoporosis and the risk of osteoporotic fractures is nearly 10 times that of community dwelling elderly, few are treated and studies are scarce. It is postulated that in frail, LTC women an annual infusion of zoledronic acid, an antiresorptive therapy for osteoporosis, will: 1. be effective demonstrated by fracture reduction; 2. be safe. To address these hypotheses, up to 1000 female LTC residents age 65 and older will be screened in order to enroll 310 eligible for randomization in a 3 year, randomized, double-blind, calcium and vitamin D controlled trial with the antiresorptive agent zoledronic acid. Use of an intravenous, once yearly agent avoids concerns of oral bisphosphonate side effects, poor absorption and burden on staff. Participants will reside in the long-term care settings associated with the Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pittsburgh and will include women with multiple comorbid conditions, functional and cognitive impairment, and limited mobility.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
310
Annual intravenous 5.0 mg
800 IU daily
approximately 1200 mg (dietary and supplement)
University of Pittsburgh Osteoporosis Prevention & Treatment Center
New Kensington, Pennsylvania, United States
Non-traumatic Incidental Fractures (Vertebral and Nonvertebral [Identified by X-ray, CT, MRI, VFA Imaging] Per Person-year)
Number of fractures divided by number of person-years. Effectiveness of fracture reduction will be demonstrated by total non-traumatic incidental fractures (vertebral and nonvertebral \[identified by x-ray, CT, MRI, VFA imaging) except those viewed as severe trauma (fall from a height higher than a stool or chair or severe trauma other than a fall), cancer-related or fractures of the toes, finger or facial bones.
Time frame: 3 years
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Annual intravenous saline placebo