[Postmenopausal osteoporosis affects 7-10% of the population of developed countries. During the past decade, a number of new therapeutical modalities have been made available. Among these, bisphosphonates mean the mainstay of medical treatment. Ibandronate belongs to the amino-bisphosphonate group of these drugs. Amino-bisphosphonates act via the mevalonate metabolic pathway, thus, inhibiting protein prenylation. Several clinical studies have shown a significant reduction in the fracture risk of osteoporotic patients treated with ibandronate. This compound can be administered orally once a month or intravenously once in every 3 months. Longer dosing intervals stimulate patient compliance, and consequently increase efficacy and cost effectiveness.]

[Bone remodeling is a lifelong process, in which the balanced functions of osteoclasts and osteoblasts have a key role. In certain conditions, for example during the dramatical hormonal changes in the postmenopausal period, the upset of this balance leads to a pathologically increased bone loss. Such conditions lead to an increased bone loss, which results in an increased risk of fractures. Bone resorption is primarily regulated by a member of the tumor necrosis factor family, receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand, which plays a central role in the development, function and survival of osteoclasts. Catabolic effects of this ligand is inhibited by another member of the tumor necrosis factor family, osteoprotegerin, which binds to the ligand and prevents its interaction with its receptor, the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB. Osteoclast activity is at least partly dependent on the relative balance of the ligand and osteoprotegerin. It has been shown in a number of animal models that inhibition of the ligand markedly decreases bone resorption and increases cortical and cancellous bone volume, density and strength, without having any significant effect on other organs. On the basis of these findings, inhibition of receptor activator of nuclear κB ligand is a promising therapy of conditions characterised by increased bone loss. In phase 3 clinical trials, denosumab therapy significantly increased bone mineral density at various regions of the skeleton and significantly decreased the levels of bone turnover markers compared with placebo and alendronate therapy, and significantly decreased the incidence of new vertebral, total hip and nonvertebral fractures compared with placebo. On the basis of these findings, denosumab therapy offers a novel, revolutionary solution for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.]

[INTRODUCTION - After a brief introduction to the definition of quality of life and the importance of its measurement, two questionnaires, the EQ-5D and the Nottingham Health Profile are presented. PATIENTS AND METHODS - Fifty postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were included in the two-year prospective study to assess quality of life by the two generic questionnaires. Correlations were sought between the results of the EQ-5D and the Nottingham Health Profile, as well as between bone fractures and changes in quality of life.The validated Hungarian version of the Nottingham Health Profile was applied for the first time in postmenopausal osteoporosis. RESULTS - With the treatments applied, quality of life dimensions did not change significantly during the follow-up period and no significant correlation was found between the incidence of bone fractures and changes in quality of life.The pain, physical mobility, emotional reactions and energy dimensions of the validated Hungarian Nottingham Health Profile and its derivated index showed significant correlations with those of the EQ-5D. CONCLUSION -The validated Hungarian version of the Nottingham Health Profile quality of life questionnaire is a useful and applicable measurement tool in postmenopausal osteoporosis which correlates with the EQ-5D health state measure.]