The use of pamidronate in hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPOA)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPOA) secondary to bronchogenic carcinoma can be associated with severe, disabling pain which is not always responsive to conventional treatment. AIM: To report on the use of pamidronate to control resistant pain in HPOA in three cases. METHODS: A retrospective review of reported pain, chest X-ray and radionuclide bone scans was made. RESULTS: Pain relief was achieved in all three cases together with reduced radiolabel uptake in two cases. CONCLUSIONS: Pamidronate appears to be an effective therapy for HPOA. Further investigation is warranted.