combined estrogen plus bisphosphonate

Study: 1) randomized trial 2) 373 women age 65-90 years 3) 3 years duration 4) 4 groups a) alendronate b) HRT c) alendronate plus HRT d) double placebo Results: (after 3 years) 1) increased bone mineral density at hip & spine in 3 treatment groups relative to placebo 2) combination therapy best for increasing bone mineral density at both hip & spine 3) alendronate better than HRT for increasing bone mineral density at hip but not in spine 4) effects not additive 5) only adverse effects related to HRT

References

Journal Watch 23(13):102, 2003 - Greenspan SL et al, Combination therapy with hormone replacement and alendronate for prevention of bone loss in elderly women: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 289: 2525, 2003 PMID: 12759324