Parathyroid and bone. Evidence and perspective of parathyroid therapy for patients with osteoporosis

: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a new management option for patients with osteoporosis. As an anabolic agent that affects bone remodeling and modeling, a novel approach to reducing fracture risk could be considered for patients with severe conditions. A number of trials have shown that increases in spine and hip bone mineral density (BMD), and reduction of fracture risk in postmenopausal women. Although the combination of PTH and alendronate does not seem to be additive, PTH followed by alendronate would yield maximum increase in BMD. Treatment with PTH can change the course of osteoporosis by directly stimulating formation of new bone, and its application should be explored in daily clinical practice.