A BLINDED CONTROLLED STUDY OF ALENDRONATE IN CHRONIC SPINAL CORD INJURY

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Bone, Density is known to be compromised in the Spinal Cord Injured Population. This double-blind, placebo-comtrolled, single center trial will ascertain the ability of a medication called alendronate to increase or maintain the bone density of individuals with spinal cord injury who are at least 18 months past their injury. Participants should be between age 18 and 60 and must rely on a wheelchair for mobility. Participants will be asked over a one-year period to take calcium and Vitamin D supplements each day and to take alendronate (or placebo) once each week. Bone density measurements using an x-ray like device will be done at enrollment and repeated at 6 months and one year. Laboratory measurements will be made every three months over that year, and each measurement will require a visit to the GCRC lab at UMMS. Participants will receive a small stipend to cover their travel and other costs of participation.