EFFECT OF SODIUM FLUORIDE ON CALCIUM, PHOSPHORUS, AND NITROGEN BALANCE IN PATIENTS WITH PAGET'S DISEASE.

Abstract

Prolonged exposure to increased quantities of fluoride, either in industry or in drinking-water, is likely to cause sclerotic changes in bones (Roholm, 1937). It has been suggested that this action could be of great benefit in the treatment of certain metabolic bone diseases. Accordingly Rich and Ensinck (1961) studied the effects of sodium fluoride 60 mg./day on the calcium balance of seven patients with osteoporosis and one with Paget's disease, and found a more positive balance in every case. A later report from these authors stated that the drug also produced a positive phosphorus balance (Rich and Ensinck, 1962). Purves (1962) treated 14 patients with Paget's disease with sodium fluoride 60 mg./day and reported considerable relief of pain in four to six weeks. Calcium balance studies were made before and during treatment on eight patients, and in six of them the balance became more positive. Bernstein, Guri, Cohen, Collins, and Tamvakopoulos (1963) studied an unspecified number of patients with various types of osteoporosis and Paget's disease before and after fluoride therapy (NaF 50-200 mg./day). They state that fluoride initiates a grossly positive calcium balance mainly through increased gastric * intestinal absorption of calcium.