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Antiresorptive Therapy in Hyperthyroid Patients: Longitudinal Changes in Bone and Mineral Metabolism

Services of Endocrinology (Catedra de Medicina Interna I) and Nuclear Medicine (N.O.), University Hospital, and the Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine (J.D.L.), Granada University, Granada, Spain

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Dr. Manuel Muñoz-Torres, Plz. Isabel La Católica, 2, 3°A, Granada E-18009, Spain.

The effect of antiresorptive therapy with nasal calcitonin (CT) in recently diagnosed hyperthyroid patients on conventional medical therapy as well as the evolution of bone metabolism were assessed. Forty-five patients with recent-onset hyperthyroidism (<12 weeks) were sex and menopause stratified and randomly allocated to treatment with carbimazole (Neotomizol), carbimazole plus low dose CT (Calsynar; 100 IU/day, 2 days/week), or carbimazole plus high dose CT (Calsynar; 100 IU/day, 14 days/month). Bone mineral density was measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry in lumbar spine, femoral neck, and Ward’s triangle at 0, 9, and 18 months of treatment. We also determined free T₄, free T₃, TSH, osteocalcin, total and bone alkaline phosphatases, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, type I collagen C telopeptide, and urinary hydroxyproline every 3 months of follow-up. No significant difference was observed among treatments. A euthyroid state was attained at 3 months. Bone mass increased significantly at the 9 month evaluation (P < 0.05), with a 5–10% net gain during follow-up. Nevertheless, final bone mass was 4–8% smaller than expected. Bone formation markers were increased at 0 and 3 months, with reductions at 6–9 months; resorption bone markers showed a significant reduction at the 3 month evaluation.

These results indicate that the euthyroid state partially reduces hyperthyroidism-associated osteopenia, with a bone mass recovery period during the 6–9 early months of effective treatment. This recovery phase is characterized by raised bone formation markers and reduced bone resorption markers. The treatment with nasal CT at the doses assayed has no additional effect over that of attainment of the euthyroid state.

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