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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
PubMed

Insights

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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