A systematic review 1 including 14 RCTs with a total of 2 452 subjects was abstracted in DARE. Fewer vertebral and non-vertebral fractures were reported in the group receiving calcitonin: Pooled number of fractures RR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.50). Fracture burden adjusted for duration of follow-up was reduced in calcitonin group (6.94 vs 16.56 fractures per 100 patient years).
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study limitations (inadequate intention-to-treat adherence) and limitations in review methodology (no details were given of methods used to select studies or extract data).
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