The Efficacy of Alendronate Treatment in Ambulatory Stroke Patients

Objective: Hip fracture is a serious complication that occurs after stroke. The incidence of hip fracture in stroke patients is 2-4 times higher than that in normal people and most of these fractures occur on the paretic side. A significant bone loss on the paretic side of stroke patients has been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of alendronate therapy in ambulatory stroke patients. Methods: Ambulatory stroke patients who have been followed in the outpatient clinic (n=20) were enrolled in the study. Their bone mineral density (BMD) values and laboratory parameters were retrospectively evaluated according to the medications given for osteoporosis. The analysis was performed by comparing the results of patients who had been given (Group 1) and not given (Group 2) bisphosphonate (alendronate) for a one-year period. Results: Measurements performed after a one year interval revealed that the BMD values of lumbar region and paretic and nonparetic femur neck were increased in Group 1, whereas these values were decreased in Group 2. However, when the drug use was considered, the changes were statistically significant only for the lumbar region (p=0.004). Conclusion: Alendronate treatment may have a beneficial effect on the hemiosteoporosis of ambulatory stroke patients.