A case of Albright's syndrome treated with calcitonin

A 23-year-old woman with Albright's syndrome (polyostotic fibrous dysplasia of bone, precocious puberty and irregular cutaneous pigmentations) had sustained multiple fractures and was grossly disabled. Evaluation disclosed markedly raised serum alkaline phosphatases and a high urinary excretion of hydroxyproline, suggesting an accelerated bone turnover, while calcium metabolism was virtually undisturbed. During 12 months therapy with calcitonin, however, no apparent benefit was recorded and there was no evidence of any significant metabolic effects of the treatment. Initial discomfort with nausea and vomiting disappeared after dose reduction whereas diffuse bone and muscle pain, which gradually increased after a few months treatment, did not subside until after cessation of the therapy.