Background/aims: Osteoporosis is found to have high prevalence after gastrectomy and therefore, it is important to prevent this condition by means of effective medication, such as alendronate sodium hydrate.
Methods: A total number of 48 gastric cancer patients diagnosed with osteoporosis after R0 gastrectomy was registered in this study between December 2013 and August 2014. Twenty-three patients received intravenous (i.v.) alendronate sodium hydrate and 25 patients received the drug in an oral jelly form. Serological and urinary examinations related to bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) were performed periodically and the results obtained from the 2 groups were compared.
Results: BMD increased, serum levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b, and the urine level of urine N-terminal telopeptide decreased with time in both groups. However, the serum Ca level did not change. Two-way analysis of variance revealed no significant differences in these factors between the 2 groups.
Conclusion: It is essential to prevent both forms of osteoporosis by using alendronate sodium hydrate after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. A prospective, randomized, controlled trial in many patients following long duration should be conducted to clarify the benefits of i.v. alendronate sodium hydrate.
© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.