Pamidronate treatment of children with moderate-to-severe osteogenesis imperfecta: a note of caution.

Background/aims: Bisphosphonates have been reported to decrease fractures related to osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). We assessed the efficacy and long-term safety of pamidronate therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe OI.

Methods: We conducted an open-label uncontrolled study in 14 boys and 13 girls whose mean age was 6.8 years at baseline. Intravenous pamidronate, 1 mg/kg/day, was given for 3 consecutive days every 4 months for 2-6 years, with physical therapy and orthopedic surgery as appropriate. Mobility score, fracture rate, height, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone healing were evaluated throughout follow-up.

Results: In 24 (89%) patients, the fracture rate decreased to 6 months) occurred in 8 (29.6%) patients; their BMD gains, baseline age and treatment duration were not significantly different from those in the other patients. Tolerance was good.

Conclusion: Pamidronate with physiotherapy and orthopedic management improved outcomes without delaying fracture healing in 19 (70%) of 27 patients. Delayed fracture healing occurred in 8/27 patients. Pamidronate should be reserved for severe OI with multiple fractures and/or flattened vertebras.