Summary about Disease
Osteitis deformans, more commonly known as Paget's disease of bone, is a chronic disorder that disrupts the normal bone remodeling process. This process, where old bone tissue is broken down and replaced with new bone, becomes accelerated and disorganized. As a result, bones can become enlarged, deformed, and weakened. It most commonly affects the pelvis, skull, spine, and legs.
Symptoms
Many people with Paget's disease have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
Bone pain (most common)
Joint pain and stiffness
Bone deformities (bowing of legs, enlarged skull)
Fractures
Hearing loss (if the skull is affected)
Headaches
Nerve compression (leading to pain, numbness, or tingling)
Increased head size
Warm skin over the affected bone
Causes
The exact cause of Paget's disease is unknown, but several factors are believed to play a role:
Genetic factors: A family history of Paget's disease increases the risk. Several genes have been linked to the condition.
Viral infection: Some researchers believe a viral infection (possibly paramyxovirus, like measles) early in life might trigger the disease in people who are genetically predisposed. However, this remains unproven.
Medicine Used
The primary medications used to treat Paget's disease are bisphosphonates. These drugs help to slow down the excessive bone breakdown and promote normal bone formation. Examples include:
Oral bisphosphonates: Alendronate (Fosamax), Risedronate (Actonel), Ibandronate (Boniva)
Intravenous bisphosphonates: Zoledronic acid (Reclast), Pamidronate (Aredia) Calcitonin is an alternative medication, but is used less frequently. Pain relievers, such as NSAIDs, are also used to manage pain associated with Paget's disease. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to correct bone deformities or to relieve nerve compression.
Is Communicable
No, Paget's disease is not communicable. It is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
While there's no specific way to prevent Paget's disease, certain measures can help manage the condition and reduce complications:
Maintain a healthy diet: Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to support bone health.
Regular exercise: Weight-bearing exercises can help strengthen bones and improve mobility. Consult with a physical therapist for appropriate exercises.
Fall prevention: Take steps to prevent falls, as fractures are a common complication of Paget's disease. This includes removing hazards in the home, using assistive devices (canes, walkers), and maintaining good vision.
Monitor for complications: Regular check-ups with your doctor are important to monitor the disease and manage any complications that may arise.
How long does an outbreak last?
7. How Long Does An Outbreak Last? Paget's disease is a chronic condition, not an acute "outbreak." It persists over a long period. The activity of the disease (the rate of bone turnover) can fluctuate. Treatment with bisphosphonates can induce remission (reduced disease activity), which can last for months or even years. Without treatment, the disease will continue to progress.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
X-rays: X-rays can reveal characteristic bone changes, such as enlargement, thickening, and deformities.
Bone scan: A bone scan can identify areas of increased bone turnover and show the extent of the disease.
Blood tests: Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase in the blood can indicate increased bone activity, which is common in Paget's disease.
Medical history and physical exam: A doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset and progression of symptoms can vary widely.
Early stages: Many people are asymptomatic and the disease is discovered incidentally during testing for other conditions.
Gradual onset: Symptoms like bone pain, joint pain, or stiffness may develop slowly over months or years.
Progression: Without treatment, bone deformities can worsen, leading to complications like fractures, nerve compression, and hearing loss.
Variable course: The disease may be active in one area of the body while remaining stable in others.
Important Considerations
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications.
Treatment aims to control the disease and alleviate symptoms, but it may not cure the condition.
Long-term monitoring is necessary to track disease activity and manage any complications.
Paget's disease can increase the risk of osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer), although this is rare.
Consult with a rheumatologist, endocrinologist, or orthopedic surgeon experienced in treating Paget's disease for optimal management.