Paediatric Rheumatology
Effectiveness and safety of bisphosphonates in inflammatory bone disorders: a systematic review
S.M. Al-Mayouf1, F. Alenzi2, Y. Khamaj3, S. Aljazaeri4, L. Fouda5, A. Alsaleem6, R. Alhuthil7
- Paediatric Rheumatology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh; and College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. mayouf@kfshrc.edu.sa
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Paediatric Rheumatology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Paediatric Rheumatology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
CER18306
Paediatric Rheumatology
PMID: 40153323 [PubMed]
Received: 05/11/2024
Accepted : 06/03/2025
In Press: 20/03/2025
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
We aimed to evaluate the available evidence on the use of bisphosphonates, with a focus on pamidronate, in the treatment of inflammatory bone disorders (IBDs).
METHODS:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) for articles published between January 2000 and July 2024. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this review focused on studies of childhood IBDs treated with bisphosphonates, assessing clinical and radiological remission and safety based on predefined criteria. Study quality was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health’s quality assessment tools for observational studies.
RESULTS:
The review included 26 articles comprising 895 patients (603 females and 292 males) with a mean age of 10.1 years. Pamidronate was the primary treatment for 393 patients (43.9%), demonstrating significant improvements in remission rates, symptom reduction, and radiological outcomes. Bisphosphonates were well tolerated and provided substantial clinical benefits.
CONCLUSIONS:
Bisphosphonate therapy, particularly pamidronate, is effective and well tolerated in children with IBDs, particularly when combined with other treatments. Further research is needed to establish standardised treatment protocols and long-term safety profiles.
