Use of Bisphosphonates in the Treatment of Osteopathy After Liver Transplantation

Use of Bisphosphonates in the Treatment of Osteopathy After Liver Transplantation, a Prospective Randomised Study

Patients with a terminal chronic liver disease have a disordered bone metabolism resulting in a higher risk of falling ill with osteoporosis. Although liver transplantation restores liver function, immunosuppressive therapy (especially corticosteroids) after transplantation increases again the risk of osteoporosis and bone fragility. Zoledronate, a bisphosphonate, slows down the destruction of bone. The purpose of this study is to determine whether bisphosphonates are effective in the prevention of osteoporosis following immunosuppressive therapy after liver transplantation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• primary liver transplantation
• retransplantation within two weeks
• written informed consent
• Age ≥ 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• chronic kidney disease:
• Creatinine Clearance < 35 ml/min or Serum Creatinine > 2,5 mg/dl
• known hypersensitivity to Zoledronate, or any of the recipients of the drug
• bone specific medication (Bisphosphonate, Fluoride, Calcitonin) within the last three months before liver transplantation