The effect of pamidronate on bone density and bone resorption in patients with multiple myeloma

Abstract

The object of this study was to monitor the effect of the bisphosphonate, pamidronate, on bone density and bone resorption, as determined by collagen markers, in patients with multiple myeloma. The urinary excretion of the collagen crosslinks, pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline, expressed as a ratio to urinary creatinine, has been determined using an ELISA method. Bone density was measured at 3 monthly intervals. Paraprotein levels, LFTs, calcium, CBC, U and Es, creatinine and collagen crosslinks were measured monthly. Patients who responded to treatment and remained clinically well showed an improvement in bone density and a fall in collagen crosslinks excretion, suggesting a reduced morbidity.