Use of Zoledronic Acid in Thalassemia-Induced Osteoporosis: Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature

The life span of thalassemia major patients has been extended with early diagnosis and treatment modalities. This condition has resulted in an increase in osteoporosis-related problems. Even with optimal transfusions, the bone marrow of these patients remains hyperactive. For this reason, despite blood transfusion, iron chelation, and sex hormone replacement therapy, generalized osteoporosis and osteopenia are still frequent in thalassemia patients. In thalassemia-induced osteoporosis, bone resorption increases. This condition makes biphosphonates, which are potent inhibitors of osteoclast function, the drug of choice. In this article, two sisters with thalassemia major and secondary osteoporosis are discussed and the results of treatment with intermittent zoledronic acid (iv. 4 mg ) for 6 years are presented. We also performed a review of the literature on the etiopathogenesis of thalasemia-induced osteoporosis and the treatment modalities. Turk J Phys Med Re-hab 2012;58:154-8.