Lack of effects of human calcitonin in osteogenesis imperfecta

The effects of human calcitonin on bone mineral content and certain biochemical markers of bone metabolism were evaluated in a 2-12 month treatment period in seven patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. S-calcium, S-alkaline phosphatase, S-immuno-reactive parathyroid hormone and the urinary excretion of calcium were found to be within the normal range before and during the treatment period. After 4-5 months of therapy, a slight increase in the urinary excretion of hydroxyproline was observed, but the values were still within the normal range. The bone mineral content, measured in the forearm, remained unchanged during the treatment period. Side effects were common, in two cases resulting in discontinuation of the treatment. We concluded that, with the dose of human calcitonin used, it was impossible to detect any beneficial effect in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta.