Characterising and treating osteogenesis imperfecta.
Osteogenesis imperfecta is characterised by bone fragility leading to fracture and bone deformity, chronic bone pain and reduced mobility. Presentation in infancy may be anticipated through shortened or bowed femurs on antenatal ultrasound scanning, or because of family history. Other conditions can present in the neonatal period with osteoporosis and fractures, but clinical features should allow differentiation. Management is multidisciplinary, with the mainstay of medical intervention being the use of bisphosphonates. Intervention with these medications, in association with specialised nursing, physio- and occupational therapy input, has reduced fracture frequency by up to 50% in published series, and has shown significant effects on vertebral morphometry when started early (around 6 weeks age). Outcomes in older children are encouraging with a reduction in fracture frequency of up to 50%; however, the longer term effects of early intervention remain to be determined. In particular the effects on life-limiting structural outcomes such as scoliosis and basilar invagination remain unclear.
Bishop
Nick
N
Department of Human Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Western Bank, UK. n.j.bishop@shef.ac.uk
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010013:Osteogenesis Imperfecta / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D058866:Osteoporotic Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D000077268:Pamidronate
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D024042:Collagen Type I; D004164:Diphosphonates; D000077268:Pamidronate