Radiological manifestations of bisphosphonate treatment with APD in a child suffering from osteogenesis imperfecta

A 12-year-old female suffering from osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) was treated with 3-amino-1-hydroxypropylidene-1,1-bisphosphonate (APD) orally, 250 mg daily, for periods of 2 months, alternating with periods of 2 months of abstinence. Total duration of therapy was 1 year. Radiological and clinical improvement was striking. Furthermore, X-rays of the bones showed large, parallel radio-opaque striae, corresponding exactly to the periods of therapy. These were present in all metaphyses.