Radiographic features of bisphosphonate therapy in pediatric patients

• Published in: Pediatric radiology Vol. 33; no. 4; pp. 226 - 229
• Main Authors: GRISSOM, Leslie E, HARCKE, H. Theodore
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01-04-2003; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adolescent; Biological and medical sciences; Bone and Bones - diagnostic imaging; Bone and Bones - drug effects; Bone Density - drug effects; Bone Development; Bone Diseases, Metabolic - complications; Bone Diseases, Metabolic - diagnostic imaging; Bone Diseases, Metabolic - drug therapy; Bones, joints and connective tissue. Antiinflammatory agents; Cerebral Palsy - complications; Cerebral Palsy - diagnostic imaging; Child; Child, Preschool; Diphosphonates - administration & dosage; Diphosphonates - adverse effects; Diphosphonates - therapeutic use; Female; Humans; Infant; Injections, Intravenous; Male; Medical sciences; Osteogenesis Imperfecta - complications; Osteogenesis Imperfecta - diagnostic imaging; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Radiography; Retrospective Studies; Human; Cerebral palsy; Nervous system diseases; Radiodiagnosis; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Diphosphonic acid derivatives; Bisphosphonates; Pamidronic acid; Cerebral disorder; Genetic disease; Radiography; Image analysis; Chemotherapy; Treatment; Surveillance; Central nervous system disease; Osteogenesis imperfecta; Osteochondrodysplasia; Child
• ISSN: 0301-0449; 1432-1998
• DOI: 10.1007/s00247-003-0865-1

Pediatric patients are being treated with bisphosphonates for low bone mineral density. Skeletal radiographic findings have been described with bisphosphonates given orally and intravenously.
To determine and describe the radiographic findings of cyclic intravenous bisphosphonate therapy in the growing skeleton.
Retrospective review of radiographs of 32 patients with osteogenesis imperfecta or cerebral palsy treated with intravenous bisphosphonates on a quarterly schedule.
Principal observations were metaphyseal bands and increased bone mineral density. The bands varied in spacing according to the age of the patient, rate of growth, and the location of the metaphysis. Fractures continued to be seen in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta.
Cyclic bisphosphonate therapy results in distinctive radiographic findings in the growing skeleton.