Osteoporosis. ACR novelties within the framework of the rheumatology school

On December 2, 2020, under the auspices of the All-Ukrainian Association of Rheumatologists of Ukraine, another rheumatological school was held with the theme “Diagnostics and treatment of inflammatory diseases of the joints”. Opening remarks were given to the academician of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, prof. Kovalenko Vladimir Nikolaevich. He emphasized the versatility and multidisciplinarity of rheumatologists work, the high responsibility and difficulties that rheumatologists face during COVID-19 pandemic.

Within the framework of the school, prof. Grigorieva Natalya Viktorovna, leading researcher of the State Institution “D.F. Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine", provided in her report “Osteoporosis" an overview of the materials of the last congress of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), which was held from 5 to 9 November in an online format. Natalia Viktorovna emphasized several important points that are especially important during the pandemic. This is the possibility of having a “vacation” during bisphosphonate therapy and the possibility of delaying the administration of the drug.

So, for example, on the basis of 9-year studies of the use of zoledronic acid, it has been proven that the drug can be canceled after 3 years of constant administration, while the positive effect persists for the next 3 years after the withdrawal of zoledronic acid. The positive effect as the increased bone mineral density and the prevention of osteoporosis from a single zoledronic acid injection at a dose of 5 mg IV persists for more than one year. This allows the patient to delay the subsequent administration of the drug for several months if necessary, because such need arises more and more in a pandemic. Also, prof. Grigorieva spoke about Zoleum which is currently being tested at the Institute of Gerontology. She emphasized that now we can confidently talk about the comparable tolerability of Zoleum with the brand of zoledronic acid Aklasta. Also she added that healthcare professionals can introduce Zoleum into their practice due to its availability.  The company "Ananta Medicare" supported the holding of the rheumatology school and took part in it. More than 1,500 doctors have got acquainted with the materials of the school remotely.