Effectiveness of teriparatide treatment on back pain-related functional limitations in individuals affected by severe osteoporosis: a prospective pilot study

Introduction: Vertebral fractures have been associated with back pain, functional limitations and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Teriparatide is the first effective anabolic agent that demonstrated to significantly reduce the risk of vertebral fracture by 65%, as compared to placebo. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of teriparatide treatment on back pain-related functional limitations and to investigate on patients HRQoL.

Materials and methods: In this prospective observational pilot study osteoporotic patients, who were prescribed teriparatide therapy and a supplementation of calcium and vitamin D, were asked to answer to two self-administered questionnaires: the Spine Pain Index (SPI) and the SF-12 (at the recruitment, after 6, 12, and 18 months).

Results: Fifty-two women were evaluated (mean age of 70.58 yrs). The mean SPI score passed from 50.01 at baseline to 32.20 at 18 months. The mean SF-12 PCS score passed from 30.00 at baseline to 36.79 at 18 months, while the mean SF-12 MCS score was already within the normality range at baseline, constantly improving during the 18 months.

Conclusion: In conclusion, 18 months of treatment with teriparatide has to be considered an effective therapeutic option for women with severe osteoporosis and vertebral fractures, in a real-life clinical setting, to improve both back pain related disability and quality of life.