Adverse cardiovascular effects of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates in patients with osteoporosis: A nationwide population-based retrospective study. (15th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Jen-Chun; Chien, Wu-Chien; Chung, Chi-Hsiang; Liao, Wen-I; Tsai, Shih-Hung
• Is Part Of: International journal of cardiology. Volume 215(2016)
• Page Start: 232
• Page End: 237
• Publication Date: 2016-07-15
• Subjects: Bisphosphonates -- Osteoporosis -- Atrial fibrillation -- Congestive heart failure; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.04.088
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-5273

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Bisphosphonates (BPs) are a class of medications used for the treatment of osteoporosis. Nitrogen-containing BPs (N-BPs) are more potent than non-nitrogenous BPs in terms of their effects on osteoporosis. We examined the effects of N-BPs on osteoporosis in patients included in a large population-based cohort study. Methods: Based on the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, we identified 1258 patients with osteoporosis who had received N-BP treatment from 2005 through 2010. Results: During the retrospective observation period, N-BP users had significantly higher incidence rates of hypertension, acute ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation (Af), and congestive heart failure (CHF), and lower rates of hyperlipidemia than patients who did not use N-BPs. Overall, N-BP users had a higher incidence of cardiovascular events at the end of the follow-up period. After adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities, the risk of developing cardiovascular events was significantly high for patients using N-BPs. Patients who received N-BP therapy also had a higher risk of Af and CHF than those who did not during the five-year follow-up period. Conclusion: We provide evidence that patients with osteoporosis using N-BP therapy have an increased risk of CHF and Af. This potential risk should be weighed against the reduction in the risk of osteoporotic fractures.