Effects of Aminobisphosphonates and Thiazides in Patients With Osteopenia/Osteoporosis, Hypercalciuria, and Recurring Renal Calcium Lithiasis

Objective To analyze the effects of aminobisphosphonates and thiazides on renal lithogenic activity and bone mineral density in patients with recurring renal calcium lithiasis. Materials and Methods A prospective cohort study with 3 years of clinical follow-up data was performed. The study included 2 groups of patients with recurring calcium lithiasis, hypercalciuria, and bone mineral density loss. Group 1 included 35 patients who underwent treatment with 70 mg/wk alendronate. Group 2 included 35 patients who underwent treatment with 50 mg/d hydrochlothiazide and 70 mg/wk alendronate. Biochemical analysis was performed at baseline, 6 months, and 2 years, bone densitometry at baseline and 2 years, and clinical follow-up during the 3 years of treatment. The biochemical variables from the blood and urine samples, recurrent lithiasis, and bone mineral density were analyzed. Results Age, sex, baseline biochemical markers, and bone density showed no differences between the 2 treatment groups at the onset of treatment. After 2 years of treatment, group 1 showed a significant decrease in bone turnover markers and calciuria and significant improvement in bone mineral density. After 2 years of treatment, group 2 showed a decrease in calciuria and bone markers. At 2 years, the decrease in calciuria and the improvement in bone mineral density were greater in group 2 than in group 1, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion Aminobisphosphonates improve bone mineral density and slow lithogenic activity; however, administration of aminobisphosphonates in association with thiazides produced the same clinical effects and also reduced calciuria and improved bone mineral density.