Intravenous zoledronic Acid given every 6 months in childhood osteoporosis.

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 12 months of zoledronic acid (ZA) administered every 6 months to children with osteoporosis.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 27 patients (16 male, 11 female) treated with ZA (0.05 mg/kg/dose) every 6 months for 1 year. 20 were immobile, 4 steroid-induced osteoporosis, 2 idiopathic osteoporosis and 1 neurofibromatosis type 1. 16 had long bone fractures and 12 had vertebral wedging at baseline. Mineral homeostasis, bone mineral density (BMD) and vertebral morphometry were evaluated at baseline and 12 months. Results were compared to published data on 3-monthly ZA treatment.

RESULTS

Median age at ZA start was 10.5 years (range 6.2-13.3). Following the first infusion, 2 developed asymptomatic hypocalcemic, 14 developed temperature > 38°C, 13 aches/pain and 6 nausea. At 12 months, there was reduction in bone turnover and improvement in BMD and vertebral shape. No patient fractured after starting ZA. Growth was normal. Outcomes were similar to 3-monthly ZA.

CONCLUSION

ZA administered 6-monthly was associated with acute phase reaction to the first dose and improvement in BMD, reduction in bone turnover and improved vertebral shape at 12 months.