The effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use on bone loss in elderly Chinese.

In this study we analyzed the independent effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor use on bone loss in elderly Chinese. The subjects were from two cohort studies which investigated the risk factors of osteoporotic fractures in Hong Kong-dwelling elderly Chinese. A total of 2161 subjects (1280 male, 881 female) were selected for this analysis. The results showed that unadjusted annualized percentage bone loss of male ACE inhibitor users was not different from non-users; however, female ACE inhibitor users had significantly greater bone loss both in total hip and femoral neck than non-users. After adjusting for significant confounders, female continuous ACE inhibitor users had significantly greater bone loss at total hip and femoral neck. In conclusion, continuous use of ACE inhibitors over 4 years was associated with increased bone loss in total hip and femoral neck in older Chinese women.