combined estrogen plus bisphosphonate

Introduction

Study:

• randomized trial
• 373 women age 65-90 years
• 3 years duration
• 4 groups
  • alendronate
  • HRT
  • alendronate plus HRT
  • double placebo

Results: (after 3 years)

• increased bone mineral density at hip & spine in 3 treatment groups relative to placebo
• combination therapy best for increasing bone mineral density at both hip & spine
• alendronate better than HRT for increasing bone mineral density at hip but not in spine
• effects not additive
• only adverse effects related to HRT

More general terms

• clinical trial