Primary administration of biphosphonates is less deleterious than expected, but remains to be monitored, particularly in DMD

British clinicians have studied the side effects of the first venous administration of biphosphonates to combat osteoporosis:

• the records of 107 children who had received biphosphonates for inflammatory or genetic diseases (including Duchenne muscular dystrophy or DMD) were analysed retrospectively,
• the frequency of immediate complications and the length of hospitalisation were taken into account,
• in most cases, these adverse events were minor and no longer warranted a 24-hour admission for observation,
• however, certain groups remain at risk (such as DMD with severe cortico-induced osteoporosis) and require increased vigilance.

Severity of acute phase reaction in children receiving the first dose of zoledronic acid and the impact of the underlying condition: a cross-sectional study. Nayak S, Rayner L, Mughal Z et al. Arch Dis Child. 2024 May 31:archdischild-2023-326287.