Current medical research and opinion
-
Review
A review of Paget's disease of bone with a focus on the efficacy and safety of zoledronic acid 5 mg.
Paget's disease of bone, the second most common metabolic bone disease in the United States, is characterized by localized areas of excessive bone resorption coupled with accelerated bone formation, resulting in new bone that is less structurally organized and is weaker than normal bone. Complications of Paget's disease can include bone pain, osteoarthritis, skeletal deformity, hearing loss, and fractures. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of current standards of treatment in Paget's disease. ⋯ The etiology of Paget's disease is unclear, but some evidence suggests genetic and viral components. Bisphosphonates restore normal bone turnover and relieve bone pain, but oral formulations may be limited by complicated dosing regimens and poor gastrointestinal absorption. The bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid is administered as a single intravenous infusion and offers antiresorptive efficacy and longer-lasting remission.