Severe spontaneous vertebral fractures after denosumab discontinuation: three case reports

Osteoporos Int. 2016 May;27(5):1923-5. doi: 10.1007/s00198-015-3380-y. Epub 2015 Oct 28.

Abstract

Osteoporosis treatments are usually given for a limited period of time in order to balance benefits and risks. We report three cases of postmenopausal women without any previous fragility fracture who presented severe spontaneous vertebral fractures after denosumab discontinuation. We think that the occurrence of these fractures could be explained by the severe rebound effect observed after denosumab discontinuation and that a consensus regarding the end of treatment with denosumab has to be defined.

Keywords: Denosumab discontinuation; Osteoporotic fracture; Osteoporotic treatment duration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use
  • Denosumab / administration & dosage*
  • Denosumab / therapeutic use
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / etiology*
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / complications
  • Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / drug therapy
  • Osteoporotic Fractures / etiology*
  • Osteoporotic Fractures / prevention & control
  • Spinal Fractures / etiology*
  • Spinal Fractures / prevention & control
  • Withholding Treatment

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Denosumab