Evaluation of chronic low back pain in osteoporotic patients in treatment with teriparatide

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the improvement of chronic low back pain in osteoporotic patients treated with teriparatide (TPTD). METHODS: This was an observational study with a convenience sample of 21 patients with osteoporosis using TPTD, 20 mcg/day, between 2006 and 2010, with chronic low back pain (more than three months). Dorsolumbar radiographs and bone densitometry (DXA) were performed before and after treatment. For pain measurement the VAS pain scale was used. Data were entered in Excel and processed in STATA/SE 8.0 with Chi2 square or Fisher (p < 0.05). RESULTS: twenty-one patients aged 40-90 (mean 70 years), eight (40%) had senile osteoporosis and thirteen (60%) had osteoporosis secondary to medications. Seventeen (80%) had previous dorsolumbar fractures. Ten (47.5%) used TPTD for 24 months, six (27.5 %) used the medication for 18 months, four (20%) for 12 months and one (5%) for six months. Eight patients (40%) received previous anti-reabsortive therapy. Thirteen patients (60%) exhibited bone mass gain between 0% and 9% while eight (40%), between 10% and 15%. The final average VAS was 2.6 representing an improvement of 4.7 (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a significant reduction in the severity of low back pain with the use of TPTD (initial mean VAS: 7.3, final VAS: 2.6, improvement: 4.7).