Low-dose intravenous pamidronate reduces fractures in childhood osteoporosis.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: Laura M Gandrud, Jennifer C Cheung, Mark W Daniels, Laura K Bachrach
• Journal: Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM (J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab) 2003 Jul-Aug Vol. 16 Issue 6 Pg. 887-92 ISSN: 0334-018X [Print] Germany
• PMID: 12948302 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Diphosphonates
• Hormones
• Pamidronate
• Calcium

Topics

• Absorptiometry, Photon
• Adolescent
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Bone Density (drug effects)
• Calcium (blood)
• Child
• Diphosphonates (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Fractures, Bone (epidemiology, prevention & control)
• Growth (drug effects)
• Hormones (blood)
• Humans
• Injections, Intravenous
• Male
• Osteoporosis (complications, drug therapy)
• Pamidronate
• Weight Gain (drug effects)