Diphosphonates in Paget's disease.

Journal article

The diphosphonate, sodium etidronate (disodium ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate) (E.H.D.P.), which inhibits the growth and dissolution of calcium phosphate crystals in vitro, was given at doses of 0, 1, 5, 10, or 20 mg. per kg. per day for up to 6 months to forty-seven patients with Paget's disease of bone. There was a dose-related suppression of the raised alkaline phosphatase in plasma and total hydroxyproline in urine, and at 20 mg. per kg. per day nearly half of the patients had normal values at the end of treatment. A single course of E.H.D.P. could maintain biochemical remission for at least 2 years after stopping treatment. Bone biopsy specimens confirmed the suppression of the Paget's disease. Increases in unmineralised osteoid were only seen in biopsy specimens taken after the higher doses of E.H.D.P. and were usually small. There was also a reversible rise in plasma-phosphate at 20 mg. per kg. per day. It is suggested that E.H.D.P. given for short periods could provide a simple and reliable oral therapy in those cases of Paget's disease in which treatment is regarded as desirable. © 1974.

Authors: Russell, R; Smith, R; Preston, C; Walton, R; Woods, C

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Lancet
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 7863
• Pages: 894-898
• Publication date: 1974-05-01
• DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(74)90347-X
• EISSN: 1474-547X
• ISSN: 0140-6736
• Language: English
• Keywords: Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Organophosphorus Compounds; Calcium; Biopsy; Etidronic Acid; Clinical Trials as Topic; Bone Resorption; Hydroxyproline; Osteitis Deformans; Administration, Oral; Alkaline Phosphatase; Phosphates; Humans; Bone and Bones