[PREPARATIONS OF PAMIDRONOVIC ACID IN COMPLEX TREATMENT ON OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA]

Modern view of drug therapy in the complex treatment of orthopedic manifestations of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) was submitted. Developed and tested system of drug correction of structural and functional state of bone tissue (BT) using drugs pamidronovic acid, depending on osteoporosis severity and type of disease. Such therapy is appropriate to apply both independently and in conjunction with surgery to correct deformations of long bones of the lower extremities. Effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed methods of drug therapy was proved, most patients resume features walking and support.

Genetic analysis of Lrp5 function in osteoblast progenitors

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (Lrp)-5 regulates osteoblast proliferation and bone formation through its expression in duodenum by modifying the gut serotonin-bone endocrine axis. However, its direct role, if any, in osteoblast progenitor cells has not been studied thus far. Here, we show that mice with a Dermo1-Cre-mediated disruption of Lrp5 in osteoblast progenitor cells have normal embryonic skeletogenesis and normal skeletal growth and development postnatally. Histomorphometric analysis of 3-month-old adult mice revealed normal osteoblast numbers, bone formation rate, and bone mass in Lrp5(Dermo)(-/-) mice. In addition, analysis of two osteoporosis pseudoglioma (OPPG) patients revealed a three- to fivefold increase in their serum serotonin levels compared to age-matched controls. These results rule out a direct function of Lrp5 in osteoblast progenitor cells and add further support to the notion that dysregulation of serotonin synthesis is involved in bone mass abnormalities observed in OPPG patients.

Hypoechogenicity of fetal long bones: a new ultrasound marker for arthrogryposis

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate osteopenia associated with arthrogryposis.

METHODS & RESULTS

We describe 3 cases of fetal arthrogryposis seen prenatally with the sonographic feature of severe hypoechogenicity of the long bones. This manifestation of presumed osteopenia is thought to represent osteoporosis secondary with absent fetal movement.

CONCLUSION

We describe hypoechogenicity of the fetal bones as a new sonographic feature of arthrogryposis.

[Osteoporosis in congenital disorders]

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is the most prevalent osteoporosis syndrome in childhood and is characterized by fractures and skeletal deformities. In almost all individuals, OI results from mutations in one of the two genes (COL1A1 and COL1A2) that encode the chains of type I collagen. OI can be divided into four major groups, type I, II, III, and IV, that differ in clinical presentation, mode of inheritance, radiographic picture, and, for the most part, the biochemical basis of the connective disorder. The molecular basis of OI is mainly discussed.

Osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome

Two patients with osteoporosis pseudoglioma syndrome are described. Both are single children, born to nonconsanguineous, healthy parents. The first patient, a 17-year-old girl, had serious visual impairment since birth. She is severely dwarfed and has major skeletal deformities resulting in inability to walk since age 2 years. The second patient is an 18-year-old girl with unilateral neonatal blindness, short stature and deformities, mainly of pelvis and lower limbs. She has been able to walk with support up to now. The clinical and radiological findings in these 2 patients reflect the clinical variability of the condition. Results of collagen studies in both patients are normal and differentiate this condition clearly from severe osteogenesis imperfecta, which it resembles.

Osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome with congenital heart disease: a new association

We report a sibship of two brothers and one sister with the osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome and congenital heart disease. They presented in infancy with visual impairment and psychomotor retardation. Major features included bilateral cataracts, generalised osteopenia, severe platyspondyly, borderline mental retardation, muscular hypotonia, joint laxity, and ventricular septal defect. Parental consanguinity and affected sibs of both sexes strongly suggested autosomal recessive inheritance. Analysis of the present and previously reported cases showed a wide range of interfamilial variability which may point to the existence of multiple allelism or genetic heterogeneity in this syndrome.

Abnormalities of the skull in children

This article reviews the abnormalities of the skull that occur in children. The disorders are listed in tables to organize a logical complete classification useful for differential diagnosis. Normal skull development and anatomy, including benign variations, are discussed as a frame of reference so that the reader will better understand the various disorders. Representative disorders are discussed in detail.

Autosomal recessive syndrome of pseudogliomantous blindness, osteoporosis and mild mental retardation

We report a sibship of three sisters and two brothers who showed osteoporosis of variable severity; the propositus has incapacitating deformities following numerous fractures. Four of the sibs, including three with frequent fractures, were blind from infancy ("pseudogliomatous blindness"). In addition, two were mentally retarded. The osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait; similar reports from the literature support this assumption.