Cardiac Arrhythmia and Heart Failure Shortly After Starting Romosozumab for Osteoporosis: A Case-Based Review

Cureus. 2023 Dec 11;15(12):e50303. doi: 10.7759/cureus.50303. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Romosozumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the sclerostin protein, which regulates bone formation and resorption. It is a novel therapy in the treatment of post-menopausal women with osteoporosis. The evidence regarding romosozumab's cardiovascular safety is conflicting. We report the first post-marketing case demonstrating cardiac events (i.e., atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure) in a female patient with osteoporosis likely triggered by romosozumab. A literature review on romosozumab and cardiovascular disease is discussed extensively. For osteoporotic patients with cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke), the benefits of fracture prevention should be weighed against potential cardiovascular risks before prescribing romosozumab. Real-world data on post-marketing surveillance will shed light on the potential safety signals of romosozumab.

Keywords: adverse cardiac events; adverse drug events; anti-osteoporosis drugs; atrial fibrillation (af); biologic treatment; congestive heart failure; major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (macce); osteoporosis; romosozumab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports