What is Paget’s disease (osteitis deformans) ?
Paget’s disease is a disease of the bone. The cause of this disease is not known. This disease affects the bones of pelvis, skull, leg bones. The bones lose density, become brittle and osteoporosis may also be present. Pain and stiffness on the knee joints, arthritis are common. Paget’s disease of the Breast is a type of Breast Cancer.

What are the tests done to diagnose Paget’s ?
Blood test to determine the level of Serum Alkaline Phosphatase (SAP). In this disease alkaline phosphatase level will be raised.
X-Ray of Skull, Pelvic bone shows the degeneration of bones.
Bone Scan helps to know the extent of damage to the bones.
MRI and CT Scan are also taken to diagnose this condition.

What are the drugs / treatment available for this disease ?
Biophosphonates (Alendronate, Risedronate, etc), Calcitonin are usually prescribed to reduce pain and stop the progress of Paget’s. Biophosphonates usually cause severe irritation of Stomach. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are also given to reduce pain on bones. Surgery may be indicated if nerves are involved or in case of fracture of bones.

As a patient of Paget’s disease what am I supposed to do ?
Take a diet rich in Calcium and Vitamin D. Maintain weight and do exercises regularly to reduce pain. Walking will also help a lot.

Author: Umashankar