Bone Abstracts

Pamidronate, used for the treatment of paediatric osteoporosis, reduces the fracture rate and improves ambulatory status. Pamidronate is a potent inhibitor drug of bone resorption. After i.v. administration, the drug is extensively taken up in bone, where it binds with hydroxyapatite crystals in the bone matrix. Matrix-bound pamidronate inhibits osteoclast activity. Pamidronate is well tolerated by most patients.

We report a patient who developed venous thrombophlebitis after pamidronate treatment. Regimen for pamidronate infusion were 1 mg/kg per day for 3 days every 3–4 months. Adverse reaction was observed after second infusion. Evaluation associated with thromboembolitic event was normal. Third infusion was continued via different vein and there was no adverse reaction.

The history of venous thrombophlebitis may not be a formal contraindication to treatment with pamidronate, but the patient should be made aware of this possible complication before embarking on this form of treatment.

Disclosure: The authors declared no competing interests.