The use of intravenous bisphosphonates has been linked to hypocalcemia both in children and adults with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). The aims of this study were: (1) to investigate the incidence of hypocalcemia in the first 48 hours (T48) after neridronate infusion in a pediatric population with OI and (2) to assess any correlation between the baseline values of calcium, vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) and bone turnover markers, and the postinfusion calcium values. We conducted a prospective observational study on 37 pediatric patients. All patients were treated with a single infusion of neridronate at a dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg. The study provided two postinfusion reassessments: 24 hours (T24) and T48 after neridronate administration. Hypocalcemia was observed in 11% of patients at T24 and in 50% of patients at T48 from neridronate infusion. We observed a positive linear correlation between the baseline vitamin D values and postinfusion calcium values, both at baseline and at T24 and T48. Hypocalcemia was mild and asymptomatic in all cases. Postinfusion calcium levels were related to baseline vitamin D levels. Consequently, low vitamin D levels should be considered a significant risk factor for hypocalcemia and should be carefully investigated and treated before neridronate infusion.
Keywords: children; hypocalcemia; neridronate; osteogenesis imperfecta; vitamin D deficiency.
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