Over a period of 3 years, zoledronic acid 5-mg intravenous when used annually provides no effect on the growth or development of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in postmenopausal females with osteoporosis. Also, there are no significant correlations regarding the changes in BMD and variation in AAC scores, as concluded from post hoc analysis of the HORIZON Pivotal Fracture Trial published in ‘Osteoporosis International’.

The use of bisphosphonate is linked with decreased risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events which may be due to effects on vascular calcification. G Cai et al. investigated upon the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) on AAC in postmenopausal females with osteoporosis.

A total of 502 women with age of 72.5 years who had osteoporosis were considered. Out of these women, 234 received ZA and 268 received placebo. At baseline and after 3 years, the AAC scores (range, 0-8) were evaluated from paired spine X-rays. An increase in the AAC score portrayed the progression of AAC. The relationship between variation in hip and femoral neck BMI and in AAC score was also evaluated.

As found, 292 women had AAC (i.e., AAC score > 0), with AAC scores similar in the two intervention groups at the baseline. In the same manner, AAC progressed in both groups (ZA 29% and placebo 31%; p = 0.64) over a period of 3 years.