Can Alendronate Suppress Calcification and Improve Bone Density in Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis Patients?

Alendronate is a safe and effective drug for treating osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. However, its safety and efficacy in increasing bone mineral density in chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients have not been investigated. Etidronate, another bisphosphonate, can suppress the extent of coronary artery calcification in chronic hemodialysis patients. The hypothesis of this study is that alendronate can increase bone mineral density and suppress aortic and coronary artery calcification in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients.