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Vitamin D and vitamin D analogues for preventing fractures associated with involutional and post-menopausal osteoporosis

Gillespie WJ, Avenell A, Henry DA, O'Connell DL, Robertson J

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2000

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Due to their known effects on bone metabolism, vitamin D and related compounds have been proposed for the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of supplementation with Vitamin D or a Vitamin D analogue in the prevention of fractures of the axial and appendicular skeleton in elderly men or women with involutional or post-menopausal osteoporosis.

SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, CABNAR, BIOSIS, HEALTHSTAR, Current Contents, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group trials register, and bibliographies of identified trials and reviews. Date of the most recent search: September 2000.

SELECTION CRITERIA: Any randomised or quasi-randomised trial which compared vitamin D or a vitamin D analogue, either alone or in combination with calcium supplementation, with a placebo, no intervention, or the administration of calcium supplements, with eligible fracture outcomes, in elderly men or women with involutional or post-menopausal osteoporosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality, by use of a nine item scale, and extracted data. Additional information was sought from trialists. Where possible the data were pooled. Pooling of data, where it was admissible, used pooled relative risk and fixed effects model.

MAIN RESULTS: Almost all estimates of treatment effects are based on single studies. Administration of vitamin D3…

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