Bone and joint diseases in children. Bisphosphonates in osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder characterized by fragile bone and reduced bone mineral density. Cyclic intravenous pamidronate is now the most widely used treatment for moderate to severe forms of OI. Oral bisphosphonates provide clinical benefit and convenience to the patients with mild form of OI. Recently, some studies demonstrated that intravenous zolendronate in children with OI is safe in short-term and similarly effective to parmidronate. Optimal dose, duration of treatment and long-term safety of newer bisphosphonates require further investigations.