Biphosphonates in children: present and future

Biphosphonates are synthetic analogs of the natural pyrophosphate molecule, introduced primarily for the treatment of Paget disease of bone. Their main mechanism of action consisting in an inhibition of osteoclastic activity is critical for treatment of disorders including an increased bone resorption. In childhood osteoporosis (especially osteogenesis imperfecta), hypercalcemia and heterotopic calcifications are the three main situations in which they have been successfully used, with however few follow-up and no controlled studies. The evolution of these compounds generating more potent products, given orally, with limited effect on bone mineralization should allow an extension of their use in pediatric patients. Multicentric studies are now necessary to specify their efficacy and guidelines for use in children.