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Hypercalcaemia in osteogenesis imperfecta treated with pamidronate
C J Williams1, R A Smith, R J Ball
1Department of Paediatrics, York District Hospital.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Pamidronate and clodronate, types of bisphosphonates, effectively treated hypercalcemia in a child with osteogenesis imperfecta. These medications may also reduce bone turnover in this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Bone Disease
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder characterized by brittle bones.
- Hypercalcemia, particularly after immobilization, is a serious complication in OI patients.
- Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs known to inhibit bone resorption.
Observation:
- A child with osteogenesis imperfecta experienced recurrent symptomatic hypercalcemia following immobilization after fractures.
- The patient's response to intravenous pamidronate was observed.
- The efficacy of oral clodronate in preventing subsequent episodes was evaluated.
Findings:
- Pamidronate demonstrated a response in managing hypercalcemia in this pediatric OI case.
- Oral clodronate proved effective in preventing immobilization-induced hypercalcemia in the same child.
- These findings suggest bisphosphonates' potential role in managing OI complications.
Implications:
- Bisphosphonates may be a valuable therapeutic option for managing hypercalcemia in osteogenesis imperfecta.
- Further research into bisphosphonates could elucidate their broader role in decreasing bone turnover in OI.
- This case highlights the potential utility of bisphosphonates in improving outcomes for children with OI.
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