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Calcium balance in children treated with diphosphonates
Insights
Ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP) therapy reduced calcium balance in children with ectopic calcification. This effect, driven by increased fecal calcium excretion, was more pronounced with longer treatment durations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ectopic calcification presents a challenge in pediatric medicine.
- Ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP) is used for treating conditions with ectopic calcification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of EHDP on mineral balance in children.
- To investigate EHDP's impact on calcium excretion and absorption.
Main Methods:
- Serial mineral balance studies were conducted in three pediatric patients.
- Calcium balance was monitored during EHDP therapy.
Main Results:
- All patients showed a reduction in overall calcium balance.
- Increased fecal calcium excretion was the primary mechanism for reduced calcium balance.
- The effect on calcium balance was more significant with prolonged EHDP therapy.
Conclusions:
- EHDP therapy can lead to a negative calcium balance in children with ectopic calcification.
- Findings in children contrast with adult studies but align with animal models.
- EHDP may influence calcium absorption, warranting further investigation in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Serial mineral balances have been obtained in 3 children undergoing therapy with EHDP (ethane-1-hydroxy-1, 1-diphosphonate) for diseases involving ectopic calcification. Although clinical outcome was not uniformly satisfactory, all cases showed an overall reduction in calcium balance. This was due to increased faecal excretion of calcium and was most marked after a long duration of therapy. Although these results conflict with reported experience in adults, they are in agreement with published observations of the effects of EHDP on calcium absorption in experimental animals.