This systematic review and meta-analysis included 13 randomized clinical trials from 2006-2016. Bisphosphonates, teriparatide (forteo), raloxifene, and denosumab (prolia) were compared with non-pharmacological therapy in patients with kidney disease: transplant, dialysis or simply stage 3-5. No clear benefit or harm of antiosteoporotic agents was found in individuals with CKD.
GT
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Annals of Internal Medicine
Meta-Analysis
May 2017
Background
Complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) include weak bones and increased fracture risk.
Purpose
To review the benefits and harms of osteoporosis medications (bisphosphonates, teriparatide, raloxifene, and denosumab) compared with placebo, usual care, or active control in terms of bone mineral density (BMD), fractures, and safety in patients with CKD.
Data Sources
PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from December 2006 – December 2016 (10 years).
Study Selection
Paired reviewers independently screened abstracts and full-text articles for English-language, randomized, controlled trials that had at least 6 months of follow-up; evaluated osteoporosis medications among patients with CKD; and reported on BMD, fractures, or safety (mortality and adverse events).
Data Extraction
Two reviewers serially abstracted data and independently assessed risk of bias and graded the strength of evidence (SOE).
Data Synthesis
There were 13 trials (n = 9850) that included kidney transplant recipients (6 trials), patients who had stage 3-5 CKD or were receiving dialysis (3 trials), or postmenopausal women with CKD (4 trials).
Evidence showed that bisphosphonates may slow loss of BMD among transplant recipients (moderate SOE), but their effects on fractures and safety in transplant recipients and others with CKD are unclear.
Raloxifene may prevent vertebral fractures but may not improve BMD (low SOE).
Effects of teriparatide and denosumab on BMD and fractures are unclear (very low SOE), and these medications may increase risk for some safety outcomes.
Limitation
Unclear rigor of evidence, possible reporting biases, and scant evidence among patients with stage 3 to 5 CKD.
Conclusion
Effects of osteoporosis medications on BMD, fracture risk, and safety among patients with Chronic Kidney Disease are not clearly established.