Changes of the lower limb deformity in children with FGF23-related hypophosphatemic rickets treated with Burosumab: a

Kenta Sawamura1,2, Takashi Hamajima3, Masako Izawa3

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Aichi Children's Health and Medical Center, Obu.

Insights

Burosumab treatment improved lower limb deformities in children with Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23)-related hypophosphatemic rickets (HPR). Younger patients with severe deformities showed the most significant improvement after 12 months.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Skeletal Dysplasias
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23)-related hypophosphatemic rickets (HPR) presents with excess FGF23, low serum phosphorus, and skeletal deformities, particularly in children's lower limbs.
  • Current management strategies for HPR aim to address the underlying biochemical abnormalities and their skeletal consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively evaluate the impact of burosumab, an FGF23-neutralizing antibody, on lower limb deformities in pediatric patients with HPR.
  • To assess changes in radiological parameters of lower limb alignment over a 12-month treatment period with burosumab.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study including 5 pediatric patients (15 years or younger) with diagnosed HPR receiving burosumab.
  • Radiological assessment of lower limb alignment using anteroposterior and lateral radiographs at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment.
  • Classification of outcome as 'improvement', 'no change', or 'deterioration' after 12 months.

Main Results:

  • Overall, 6 out of 10 limbs showed improvement, and 4 showed no change; no limbs demonstrated deterioration after 12 months of burosumab treatment.
  • Significant improvement in lower limb malalignment was observed in younger patients with initially severe deformities.
  • Older patients with milder deformities exhibited less pronounced improvement.

Conclusions:

  • Burosumab therapy demonstrates a favorable effect on lower limb malalignment in children with FGF23-related HPR.
  • Treatment efficacy appears to be influenced by patient age and the severity of initial lower limb deformities.