Alendronate reduces pain and improves BMDThe efficacy of alendronate for the treatment of thalassemia-associated osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial.
We explored the effectiveness of alendronate, a common drug for osteoporosis, in treating bone pain and improving bone health in patients with thalassemia. This randomized controlled trial involved men and premenopausal women, who were given either alendronate or a placebo for 12 months.
We found that alendronate significantly improved bone mineral density and reduced back pain. Even better, the treatment was well tolerated with a good safety profile. Overall, our findings suggest that alendronate can be beneficial for those struggling with osteoporosis linked to thalassemia.
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Iron’s limited impact on bone painThe cystine/glutamate antiporter system xc- drives breast tumor cell glutamate release and cancer-induced bone pain.
We explored how cancer in the bones, specifically from breast tumors, leads to severe pain due to increased levels of glutamate. In our research, we found that certain chemicals, including iron-based compounds, can reduce this glutamate release. This reduction helps alleviate pain symptoms in models of cancer-induced bone pain. While our findings suggest that targeting the glutamate pathway may be effective, we did not find that iron treatment alone significantly impacts bone pain management. Overall, this study highlights potential new avenues for treating pain associated with bone metastases.
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Iron treatment mitigated bone pain[A case of iron and aluminum related osteomalacia in a long-term hemodialysis patient].
We examined a case of a 32-year-old woman on long-term hemodialysis who experienced severe bone pain and fractures. Initial tests showed high levels of iron and aluminum. After treating her with deferoxamine—a chelating agent—her bone pain improved, and a follow-up biopsy showed better bone health. However, while her pain was managed, her iron and aluminum levels changed only slightly, highlighting the complexity of treating conditions linked to metal imbalances.
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Luspatercept benefits β-thalassemia patientsLong-term safety and erythroid response with luspatercept treatment in patients with β-thalassemia.
We examined the long-term safety and effectiveness of luspatercept in adult patients with β-thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder that leads to anemia. The study involved a diverse group of 64 patients, analyzing how well luspatercept could help increase hemoglobin levels and reduce blood transfusions over an extended period.
Importantly, while luspatercept showed significant benefits, common side effects included mild headaches and bone pain. However, these symptoms did not emerge as major concerns, and patients reported manageable experiences overall.
Our findings suggest luspatercept can be a valuable treatment for both transfusion-dependent and nontransfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients.
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Iron's impact on bone painTransverse fractures of the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra in RDT patients: an Al related disease?
We explored the connection between bone pain and iron treatment in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. In our observation, two patients suffered from bone pain related to aluminum and iron-related bone disease, which was alleviated by deferoxamine therapy.
However, we also noted that three patients experienced transverse fractures under normal daily activities. This indicates that both aluminum and iron-related diseases can weaken bone, leading to fractures even with minimal stress.
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