[EHDP (ethylidene-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate) in the treatment of polyosseous Paget disease]

13 patients with polyosseous Paget's disease were treated for a mean period of 7 months with disodium etidronate (EHDP, ethylidene-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate); the average daily dosage was 5 mg/kg body weight. Subjectively, all patients reported a considerable improvement, in particular with regard to pain. Objectively, a significant decrease in plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and in urinary hydroxyproline excretion was observed. Bone scintigraphy showed a decreased activity of bone lesions after therapy, but no clear-cut regression was found radiologically. No serious side-effects were observed during treatment with EHDP and oral administration of the drug proved to be advantageous.