[Paget's disease: the prospects with ipriflavone]

Paget's disease is a bone disorder characterized by high rates of bone remodelling. We have evaluated the efficacy of the new drug, ipriflavone, which has a double effect on the inhibition of bone reabsorption and on the activation of bone neodeposition. We studied 20 patients with active Paget's disease: 10 have been treated with 600 mg/die and 10 with 1200 mg/die of ipriflavone, for six months. In pharmacological wash-out, we have measured alkaline phosphatase, plasmatic BGP, the urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio and the urinary calcium (Nordin Test). These valuations have been repeated after three and six months from the beginning of the administration of the drug. We have verified a propitious and speedy effect on pain, independent of dosage, and efficacy of treatment in function of bone turn-over parameter changes, by using no parametric statistical tests. In all subjects favourable effects have been found after three months treatment with 1200 mg/die. These have shown a greater efficacy than the lower dosage. After six months treatment we have not found significant differences as regards the efficacy of both dosages. These results may suggest to start therapy with higher initial doses and to carry-on with lower supporting doses. It's necessary to investigate further confirmation regarding the consolidation and perseverance of obtained favourable results, even after interruption of the treatment.