Although the prevalence of Paget’s disease is declining, it remains an important clinical entity. In people with symptomatic Paget’s disease who are left untreated, there is potential for significant disease-specific morbidity. There are highly successful treatments available for this benign bone disorder, with bisphosphonates the mainstay of treatment.
- Paget’s disease is a benign bone disorder that is characterised by osteoclast activation with increased bone turnover and disorganised bone architecture.
- It is typically asymptomatic, but in some cases it may result in bone pain, deformity, pathological fracture or hearing loss.
- In asymptomatic patients, treatment is not required unless the site of disease increases the risk of future complications.
- Bisphosphonates are highly effective in suppressing bone turnover and are the mainstay of treatment. Zoledronic acid 5 mg given as a single intravenous dose is the preferred drug and usually results in sustained remission and improvement in bone pain.
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