Effects of alternating phosphorus and calcium infusions on osteoporosis.

The osteoblastic effect of inorganic phosphorus and the inhibitory action of calcium on parathyroid hormone secretion formed the basis for a therapeutic trial in which both elements were given intravenously in an alternating sequence for one year to five patients with severe osteoporosis. During treatment, calcium and phosphorus balances were positive, and serum phosphorus concentrations decreased. Iliac crest bone biopsy specimens obtained one year after beginning treatment demonstrated an increase in the thickness of cortical bone. All patients experienced lasting relief of bone pain, and the rate of spontaneous fractures decreased from at least one fracture per year to none following the beginning of treatment. These findings suggest that long-term treatment with alternating phosphorus and calcium infusions may result in lasting relief of symptomatic osteoporosis. It is proposed that the observed improvement reflects an increase in bone mass resulting from enhanced bone formation.