Lasofoxifene in osteoporosis and its place in therapy.

Selective estrogen-receptor modulators (SERMs), which have estrogen-like effects on bone and "antiestrogen effects" on other tissues, have been in development for osteoporosis prevention and treatment in postmenopausal women as a safer alternative to long-term estrogen. We conducted a literature review of the skeletal and extraskeletal effects of lasofoxifene, a new generation SERM approved by the European Commission for osteoporosis treatment. Published data on the effects of lasofoxifene are based on 23 clinical pharmacology studies with over 10,000 participants from 17 phase 2 and 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Effects of calcium on cardiovascular events in patients with kidney disease and in a healthy population.

Background And Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the largest contributor to all-cause mortality in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Accelerated vascular calcification is a key risk factor for CVD in these patients. The etiology of vascular calcification and the specific role calcium supplementation may play in accelerating calcification have not been fully elucidated.

Kidney function and rate of bone loss at the hip and spine: the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study.

Background: The relationship between kidney function and bone loss is unclear.

Study Design: A prospective observational study.

Setting & Participants: 191 men and 444 women aged > or = 50 years participating in a population-based observational study designed to determine risk factors for bone loss and fractures.