Efficacy of Denosumab for Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis in an Adolescent Patient with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2018 Apr-Jun;8(2):e22. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.17.00190.

Abstract

Case: We report the case of a 13-year-old boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who sustained bilateral femoral neck fractures associated with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Denosumab therapy for 18 months markedly improved the lumbar bone mineral density and the bone turnover markers. No fractures or complications were recorded during the treatment period.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of denosumab treatment for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in a patient with DMD. The drug merits additional testing as an effective therapy for osteoporosis in patients with DMD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / blood
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Denosumab / therapeutic use*
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects*
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / complications*
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / drug therapy
  • Osteoporosis* / chemically induced
  • Osteoporosis* / complications
  • Osteoporosis* / drug therapy
  • Parathyroid Hormone / blood

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Denosumab
  • Alkaline Phosphatase