Paget's Disease

The bones in our body are continually being reabsorbed and form up again through a natural process called bone remodeling closely balanced. This bone remodeling also occurs in response to stress or injury experienced by the bone. For example, the exercise load leads to an increase in bone formation.

In Paget's disease, bone resorption is greater than usual and the formation of new bone is also higher than normal.

These changes in the bone can lead to an increase of the volume and the appearance of deformities. The new bone growing tends to be softer and more fragile than normal bone and can develop a disorganized pattern. Due to this, the bone may fracture. The long bones, especially of the lower limbs tend to curl up and the skull may enlarge, particularly at the level of the frontal region.

Paget's disease is the second most common bone disease in people over 50 years, then to osteoporosis is rarely diagnosed in young adults.

Although the cause is unknown, genetics may play a role, because, sometimes, there is a familial tendency. Research suggests that a virus slow growth may trigger the disease, some cells with the people bone Paget's disease appear to be infected by a virus. However, so far not identified any viruses.

This disease is rare in certain parts of the world, such as Japan, being more common in the United States and Australia. In about 20% of patients with Paget's disease, only one area of ​​the body? the spine, pelvis, thighs, legs and skull? is affected. The remaining patients have involvement of multiple areas. In serious cases, complications may include deafness, congestive heart failure (caused by excessive blood flow at diseased bone), a rise in blood calcium and bone cancer.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent Paget's disease.

Treatment

The treatment is usually reserved for people with symptoms. In some cases, the physician may recommend treatment even if the patient does not have symptoms X-ray and blood tests to detect location or extensive disease risk (for example, near a joint).

Medications such as aspirin, mild analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications can help treat the pain and inflammation. In advanced cases, the doctor may recommend medications such as alendronate, risedronate, pamidronate or zoledronate to reduce the activity of the cells that remodel bone.

Surgery to correct the deformity is rarely necessary. If Paget's disease cause significant injuries in a hip joint, can weigh up to hold a surgery for placement of prosthetic joint (arthroplasty). The hearing aids can be useful if Paget's disease affects the bones inside the ear.

A person with Paget's disease should be carefully monitored with regard to complications such as heart failure or an elevation in serum calcium and, if necessary, these situations must be handled.