Attempted randomized controlled trial of pamidronate versus calcium and calcitriol supplements for management of steroid-induced osteoporosis in children and adolescents

Abstract

Objectives: To describe an attempted interventional trial for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in children and adolescents and to discuss the reasons for trial failure to inform future interventional studies in this important group of patients. Methods: Prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the effect of bisphosphonate therapy with calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral accrual is described. For non-trial patients, retrospective analysis of the effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation combined with bisphosphonate treatment on bone mineral accrual. Results: Only 12 patients were enrolled in the trial over 4 years. Bisphosphonate recipients (n = 5) had a me..