Therapy with pamidronate in children with osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disease characterized by excessive bone fragility with fractures consecutive to minor trauma. Considering lack of standardization of therapy with pamidronate in children, it was our aim to present our experience over a period of 10 years regarding evolution and treatment in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis and OI. Nine patients diagnosed with OI were admitted to the First Pediatric Clinic, Timisoara. They were investigated (clinical, biomarkers of bone metabolism and imaging studies), and a quality-of-life questionnaire was used to evaluate the impact of OI. Treatment was performed with pamidronate 1 mg/kg/cycle, every 3 months. The patients were evaluated every 3 months. The most frequent was type III (three patients), and two patients were diagnosed with type II, while the other patients were diagnosed with other forms such as types IV, V, VI and VIII. The clinical expression was polymorphic, and the number of fractures was variable. Bone pain ameliorated just after the first cycle of pamidronate, while the activity and mobility increased quickly. Osteodensitometry in children over 12 years showed a decreased bone mineral density (BMD) with a significant improvement after treatment. The values of the bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin changed after the antiresorptive treatment, and the quality of life of the children and their family improved. Treatment with pamidronate is beneficial for the patient, family and society, increases mobility and bone density, improves quality of life and reduces family dependence in children with OI.