Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis leads to an increase in bone fragility with a decrease in bone mass. Literature data reports a decreased risk of fracture and a higher bone mineral density in subjects on beta blockers. However, few literature studies reported no effect of non-selective or selective beta blockers on fracture risk in osteoporosis subjects.
Aim: The present study aimed to assess the effect of non-selective and selective beta-blockers on fracture risk in Indian subjects with osteoporosis.
Methods: 120 subjects with osteoporosis from both genders were divided into 3 groups using cardio-selective beta-blocker (CSBB), NSBB (non-selective beta-blocker) group, and a control group. In all the subjects, bone turnover markers, BMD (bone mineral density), FR (fracture risk), and T-scores were assessed and results were formulated.
Results:  After 6 months of assessment, it was seen that mean T-scores had a significant difference between the three groups. Bone mineral density was significantly higher in NSBB (non-selective beta-blockers) receiving group compared to the control group. Fracture risk was statistically lesser in CSBB and NSBB groups. Also, in comparison to the control group, lesser bone turnover markers were seen in both NSBB and CSBB groups.
Conclusion: CSBB and NSBB can help in improving bone mineral density with decrease bone turnover markers and fracture risk in subjects with osteoporosis. NSBB has a more pronounced effect on reducing fracture risk at all three studied locations. Also, a significant reduction in bone turnover markers was seen particularly in s-CTX compared to the CSBB group.