Use of weekly alendronate to treat osteoporosis in boys with muscular dystrophy

Three boys with muscular dystrophy with known osteoporosis were each treated for 1 yr with weekly alendronate and daily calcium and vitamin D. Measurements of lumbar spine and proximal femur using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were obtained at the initiation of the alendronate, at 6 mos, and at 1 yr. All three boys demonstrated increases in bone mineral density, with z scores improving from baseline to 1-yr follow-up. Improvements were observed at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and greater trochanter. In this small case series, weekly oral alendronate for 1 yr plus daily vitamin D and calcium was effective in improving bone mineral density.