Cyclic administration of pamidronate to treat osteoporosis in children with cerebral palsy or a neuromuscular disorder: a clinical study

Eighteen osteoporotic (Z-score at or below 2.5) nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy or a neuromuscular disorder received cyclic intravenous administration of pamidronate. One year after treatment, bone densitometry showed an improvement in all patients: a mean increase of 13% +/- 15% standard deviation (SD) (p < 10(-5)) on the global data, and a mean increase of 27% +/- 15% (p < 10(-5)) on the most significant area for each individual patient. Clinical improvement was found in all patients, with a decrease in pain on manipulation, and no new fractures. No major adverse effects were reported. Cyclic intravenous administration of pamidronate is a useful tool in the treatment of osteoporosis in these children.