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Clinical review 1: Bisphosphonate use in childhood osteoporosis

Laura K Bachrach1, Leanne M Ward

  • 1Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA. lkbach@stanford.edu

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 27, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Bisphosphonate therapy for pediatric osteoporosis is controversial due to limited long-term efficacy and safety data. Experts suggest use for severe fractures or vertebral collapse, not bone density alone.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Bone Metabolism
  • Pharmacological Therapies

Background:

  • Childhood osteoporosis awareness is rising, increasing pressure to use adult bisphosphonate drugs.
  • This review evaluates existing research on bisphosphonate therapy's efficacy and safety in pediatric osteoporosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the available research on bisphosphonate therapy for pediatric osteoporosis.

Main Methods:

  • A review of medical literature, key articles, and consensus statements regarding bisphosphonate use in children up to June 2008.
  • Comparison of studies with varying bisphosphonate agents, doses, and treatment durations.

Main Results:

  • Bisphosphonate therapy for pediatric osteoporosis remains controversial.
  • Inadequate long-term efficacy and safety data exist.
  • Expert consensus suggests limiting use to children with recurrent fractures, symptomatic vertebral collapse, and low bone mass.

Conclusions:

  • Current data do not support bisphosphonate use solely for reduced bone mass/density in children.
  • Further research is essential to establish appropriate indications, optimal agents, dosages, and treatment durations for bisphosphonate therapy in pediatric patients.
Abstract

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