Bisphosphonate therapy for spinal osteoporosis in Hajdu-Cheney syndrome – new data and literature review

James F. H. PittawayEmail author,
Christopher Harrison,
Yumie Rhee,
Muriel Holder-Espinasse,
Alan E. Fryer,
Tim Cundy,
William M. Drake and
Melita D. Irving

Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases201813:47

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-018-0795-5

Received: 24 January 2018

Accepted: 27 March 2018

Published: 4 April 2018

Abstract

Background

Hajdu-Cheney syndrome (HCS) (#OMIM 102500) is a rare, autosomal dominant condition that presents in early childhood. It is caused by mutations in the terminal exon of NOTCH2, which encodes the transmembrane NOTCH2 receptor. This pathway is involved in the coupled processes of bone formation and resorption. The skeletal features of HCS include acro-osteolysis of the digits and osteoporosis commonly affecting vertebrae and long bones. Fractures are a prominent feature and are associated with significant morbidity. There is no specific treatment, but with both acro-osteolysis and generalized osteoporosis, it is possible that anti-resorptive treatment might be of benefit. However, to date only a few case reports have evaluated the effectiveness of bisphosphonate treatment.

Methods

We describe the clinical features, treatment regimens and response to bisphosphonate treatment in 7 newly described patients aged 6–39 with HCS, and pooled the data with that from 8 previously published cases (a total of 17 courses of treatment in 15 individuals).

Results

The mean lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) z-score before treatment was − 2.9 (SD 1.2). In 14 courses of treatment (82%), there was an increase in BMD with bisphosphonate treatment, but the impact (in terms of change in spinal BMD z-score) appeared to be less with advancing age (p = 0.01). There was no evidence that acro-osteolysis was prevented.

Conclusions

Although individual response is variable and age-related, the data support a role for bisphosphonates in preventing or treating spinal osteoporosis in HCS, but bone loss from the lumbar spine may be rapid after cessation.