Effect of alfacalcidol on osteoporosis induced by large dose glucocorticoid treatment in glomerulonephritis patients

AIM:To observe the effect of alfacalcidol on osteoporosis induced by large dose glucocorticoid treatment in glomerulonephritis patients.METHODS:28 patients with glomerulonephritis receiving glucocorticoids were divided into two groups randomly.16 patients received calcium carbonate 750 mg three times plus alfacalcidol 1μg one time orally a day(treatment group),and 12 patients received calcium carbonate 750 mg three times orally a day(control group).Bone mineral density(BMD) in the lumbar spine(L2-4) and the femoral neck were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).Intact parathyroid hormone(iPTH), serum albumin(ALB),serum calcium and phosphorus were detected before and 3,6 months after treatment.RESULTS:BMD in the treatment group at the sixth month were higher than control group(lumbar spine 0.967±0.105,0.896±0.131,P0.05;femoral neck 1.078±0.124,0.925±0.107,P0.05).BMD in the control group at the sixth month were lower than those before treatment.There were no statistical differences in iPTH,ALB,serum calcium and phosphorus in two groups before and 3, 6 months after therapy.CONCLUSION:Alfacalcidol can decrease loss of bone mass in the lumbar spine and the femoral neck in the glomerulonephritis patients receiving glucocorticoid therapy.