Prognostic factors for mobility in children with osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by bone fragility. Although the disease severity is known to influence the ability to walk, little is known about how children with severe OI can achieve practical ambulation (PA). This study aimed to determine the early predictors of future mobility in children with OI. Thirty OI patients with an average age of 12.1 years were classified into the PA group (22 patients) and nonambulator group (NA group: 8 patients) on the basis of the Hoffer classification. Various clinical parameters related to mobility were compared between the PA and NA groups. Therapeutic interventions were also compared between the 2 groups. The mean age at diagnosis and initial fracture were significantly lower in the NA group than in the PA group. The height was significantly smaller in the NA group than in the PA group at all ages examined (at birth, 3 years, and 6 years). The number of patients with respiratory failure was significantly higher in the NA group than in the PA group. The age at initial corrective osteotomy of the lower extremities in the PA group was significantly lower than that in the NA group, although there was no significant difference in the disease severity in infancy between the groups. Height during infancy, age at initial fracture, and neonatal respiratory status could be prognostic factors for mobility in OI. Surgical interventions at an early age may influence walking ability in children with moderate OI.