Low-dose intravenous pamidronate reduces fractures in childhood osteoporosis.
Despite the proven efficacy of low-dose pamidronate in adults with osteoporosis, the efficacy of the low-dose regimen in children has not been studied. Pamidronate (1 mg/kg) was administered intravenously once every 3 months to 11 children with osteoporosis. Treatment was associated with reduced fracture rates and increased areal (BMD) and volumetric (BMAD) bone mineral density measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The mean annualized percent gain was 20.1 +/- 16.9 (4.7 to 59.1, n = 9) for spinal BMD and 15.1 +/- 18.1 (-11.0 to 40.2, n = 9) for spinal BMAD. Common adverse effects including fever, muscle aches, nausea and fatigue were self-limited and generally occurred only after the first infusion. Clinically significant hypocalcemia did not occur. Low-dose pamidronate appears promising in the treatment of childhood osteoporosis.
Gandrud
Laura M
LM
Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5208, USA. lgandrud@stanford.edu
Cheung
Jennifer C
JC
Daniels
Mark W
MW
Bachrach
Laura K
LK
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006128:Growth / Q000187:drug effects; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000077268:Pamidronate; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D006728:Hormones; D000077268:Pamidronate; D002118:Calcium