The Effect of Zoledronic Acid on Bone Density in Liver Transplant Patients

Following liver transplantation, rapid bone loss occurs, particularly within the first 6 months post-transplant. This may be associated with fractures, most notable vertebral. The ability to assess osteoporosis therapies in this system may provide useful information for osteoporosis management in general.

Hypotheses:

1. That treatment with the bisphosphonate, zoledronate, at the time of liver transplantation and at 1 month post-transplantation will prevent the early transplant-related bone loss (measured by bone densitometry and biochemical bone markers at 3 months) seen in patients who are not treated with a bisphosphonate
2. That continuing treatment with zoledronate at 3 monthly intervals for a total duration of 12 months will result in further improvements in bone density beyond that seen at 3 months
3. That calcium and vitamin D (vit D) supplementation of liver transplant patients does not prevent marked bone loss following transplantation.