Diphosphonate Therapy in a Patient with Myositis Ossificans Progressiva

Abstract

A young man with severe debility from myositis ossificans progressiva was treated with sodium etidronate, a diphosphonate known to reduce the rates of hydroxyapatite formation and dissolution. He showed progressive improvement while receiving therapy. Radiocalcium kinetics and metabolic balance studies documented the reduction of bone mineral accretion and resorption rates. A lack of change in body calcium balance during diphosphonate administration suggests that sodium etidronate can initiate the desired clinical effect without demineralizing skeletal bone.