We have examined the effects of the diphosphonate, clodronate, in 9 haemodialysis patients with severe hyperparathyroid bone disease. Clodronate (300–600 mg infused after dialysis on 5 consecutive occasions) significantly decreased mean serum calcium, phosphate and hydroxyproline. This was associated with an increase in serum immunoassayable parathyroid hormone and activity of alkaline phosphatase. These changes reversed 2–4 weeks after stopping treatment but were sustained when treatment with oral clodronate (1.6 g daily) was supplemented for 2 weeks. Our findings suggest that intravenous clodronate is capable of inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption in chronic renal failure. The therapeutic potential of clodronate alone or with vitamin D derivatives merits further evaluation, particularly in patients with severe hyperparathyroidism, when the use of D metabolites alone is precluded by the presence of hypercalcaemia.
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.