The evaluation and treatment of Paget's disease of bone.
Publication Title
Best practice & research. Clinical rheumatology
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-11-2020
Abstract
Paget's disease of bone is a localized skeletal disorder, which is more common in England and in countries to which the English migrated. In recent decades, the prevalence in most countries has decreased. A family history of the disorder is present in approximately 15% of patients. Patients may be asymptomatic and may be diagnosed accidently as a consequence of an elevated serum alkaline phosphatase level or a finding on an x-ray or nuclear bone scan. The diagnosis is made by x-ray but nuclear bone scans define the extent of the disease. Salmon calcitonin and bisphosphonate drugs have proven effective, but by far, the most effective therapy is a single 5 mg intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid. This can normalize alkaline phosphatase levels for up to 6.5 years. A variety of gene mutations may predispose individuals to develop the disease but environmental factors such as measles virus likely play an important role.
Area of Special Interest
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Specialty/Research Institute
Orthopedics
Specialty/Research Institute
Endocrinology
Specialty/Research Institute
Surgery
