24307845
OBJECTIVE	This study was performed to compare the mucosal findings after esophagogastroduodenoscopy in two groups before and after the use of alendronate only and following administration of the enteric-coated alendronate ( 5 mg ) and calcitriol ( 0.5 g ) combined drug ( Maxmarvil , Yuyu Co. ) .
METHODS	The study population consisted of 33 postmenopausal healthy female volunteers , aged 50 to 70 years ( mean age , 58 5 ) without gastrointestinal symptoms and with normal baseline endoscopic findings .
METHODS	Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed at baseline and was repeated 2 weeks later after daily intake of Maxmarvil ( n = 17 subjects ) or alendronate only ( n = 16 subjects ) .
METHODS	Mucosal injury scores were reported by an endoscopist after 2 weeks of treatment with each medication schedule .
RESULTS	Esophageal mucosal injuries developed in two of 16 subjects in the alendronate only group and 0 of 17 in the Maxmarvil group .
RESULTS	Gastric mucosal injuries developed in eight subjects in the alendronate group and four subjects in the Maxmarvil group ; this difference was statistically significant .
CONCLUSIONS	The mucosal damage scores for the alendronate group ( total score 24 ) were significantly higher than those for the Maxmarvil group ( total score 9 ) in the esophagus and stomach .
CONCLUSIONS	Therefore , this study suggested that enteric-coated Maxmarvil is less harmful to gastrointestinal mucosa than alendronate , and may improve the tolerability of osteoporosis medication in clinical practice .

