TREATMENT OF OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA WITH THE BISPHOSPHONATE OLPADRONATE (DIMETHYLAMINOHYDROXYPROPYLIDENE BISPHOSPHONATE)

Osteoporosis is an important feature of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). So far, no effective medical treatment is available. We treated three boys with severe OI type III and vertebral deformities for 5-7 years w ith continuous oral administration of the bisphosphonate, olpadronate. Treatment resulted in a decreased number of bone fractures, an increa sed calcification of the long bones and an amelioration of vertebral s hape. No side-effects were encountered. Conclusion These preliminary b ut long-term observations suggest that the bisphosphonate olpadronate may be a useful treatment for patients with OI and vertebral fractures . Bisphosphonates may be promising drugs for children with OI.