Decrease in outpatient department visits and operative interventions due to bisphosphonates in children with osteogenesis imperfecta

F De Graaff,W Verra,R J B Sakkers,J E H Pruijs

doi:10.1007/s11832-010-0305-3

F De Graaff, W Verra + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11832-010-0305-3

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Abstract

IntroductionBisphosphonates are currently the medical treatment most often used in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). The purpose of this retrospective pre–post study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with bisphosphonates. We measured the effect by evaluating the number of outpatient department consultations and operative interventions before and after treatment with bisphosphonates in children with OI.Methods and materialsOutpatient department consultation and operative intervention frequencies before and after treatment with bisphosphonates were registered. Children who had at least 2 years of medical records before treatment and at least 2 years after treatment were used in this study.ResultsOf 118 children who were treated with bisphosphonates, 51 (23 boys and 28 girls) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Statistical analysis revealed a significant decrease in outpatient department consultations (P < 0.000) and operative intervention (P < 0.003) before and after bisphosphonate treatment.ConclusionThe pre-post design of our study shows a significant reduction of the number of outpatient department consultations and operative interventions in patients with OI after treatment with bisphosphonates.

Highlights

Bisphosphonates are currently the medical treatment most often used in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI)
The pre-post design of our study shows a significant reduction of the number of outpatient department consultations and operative interventions in patients with OI after treatment with bisphosphonates
Between February 1988 and December 2009, 201 patients were diagnosed with OI, among whom 118 were treated with bisphosphonates, starting in 1998

Summary

Introduction

Bisphosphonates are currently the medical treatment most often used in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). The purpose of this retrospective pre–post study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with bisphosphonates. We measured the effect by evaluating the number of outpatient department consultations and operative interventions before and after treatment with bisphosphonates in children with OI. Type I collagen provides structure and strength in bone, skin and other connective tissues [2]. One of the outcomes of the changes in bones of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta is the presence of osteopenia, that in itself is a factor in the increased fracture risk. The aims of treatment for patients with OI are to reduce pathologic fracture rates, minimize chronic pain, prevent long bone deformities and scoliosis, and maximize mobility. Surgical placement of intramedullary rods may be an essential contribution to prevent or correct long bone deformities [3,4,5]

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