Significance of bone biomarkers determination in the assessment of fracture risk and response to therapy in patients with osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is characterised by reduced bone mineral density (BMD), increased bone fragility and risk of fractures. We investigated clinical significance of bone turnover biomarkers determination for the prediction of fracture risk and response to therapy. We performed three months follow-up study in 48 women with osteoporosis. During the follow-up period 32 patients were on antiresorptive and 16 patients received anabolic therapy. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I and vitamin D were measured before and 3 months after initiation of the therapy. Higher osteocalcin and ALP levels were significantly associated with increased risk of BMD loss. Following antiresorptive therapy levels of C-terminal telopeptide (P