Null hypotheses: zoledronic acid does not improve bone density in cystic fibrosis.
Low bone mineral density (osteoporosis) is prevalent in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF);
they have an increased rate of bone fractures in comparison to the general population. CF
patients start to lose bone density in adolescence/early adulthood due to an imbalance in
bone breakdown and formation. Predicted survival for patients with CF has increased from 16
years in 1970 to 36.5 years in 2009 which has resulted in an increase in comorbidities
associated with increased longevity in CF e.g. decreased bone density. Oral and intravenous
bisphophosphonates are known to increase bone density in CF; the current licensed oral
preparations require daily or weekly dosing which are difficult to maintain. Zoledronate,
which is licensed for use, is administered intravenously once a year which should be easier
to administer. The current evidence relates to its use in other disease groups e.g.
glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis and oncology. The purpose of this study is to ascertain
its efficacy in cystic fibrosis.