Thursday, May 03, 2007

What is Osteogenesis Imperfecta?

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)-- commonly known as the "brittle bone" disorder-- is a genetic disorder characterized by bones that break easily, often from little or no apparent cause. A person with OI may break a rib while coughing or a leg by rolling over in their sleep. OI has been documented in all ethnic groups, and affects a person throughout their lifetime ref: www.oif.org

Many of you may not be aware as to my sons condition. He has been diagnosed with OI Type I. This is indeed a very rare genetic disorder. He is prone to fractures. He has already has 3 major fractures.

He was first diagnosed when he cried out in pain when he was 7 months old. The diagnosis was very difficult and took a very long time. After a lot of tests at Manipal Hospital, Manipal, it was finally concluded that he suffers from Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 1. This was in the month of Nov 2005 when he was also diagnosed with having Septic Arthritis in the right hip joint. He was admitted and medicines cured that.

Doctors from the Department of Pediatrics at Manipal Hospital, Manipal advised various options to help my son. Department of Pediatrics, strongly suggested to go in for Bisphosphonate treatment. This would be a regular dose of Pamidronate every 4 months. We took the advice and guidance of many other doctors in Mangalore and Bangalore. We finally decided to go in for a Bisphosphonate (Pamidronate) in April ’06. This is now continuing with injections already given in the months of April ’06. Aug ’06, Dec ’06 and April '07. The next one is due in August ’07. For the injections he is admitted in the hospital for at least 3 days as it does have some side effects.

Other than this he has had major fractures. These fractures were not due to a fall. This just happened when he either exerted or hit himself. One was to the left hand (Left Humerus Dec ’06), Right Thigh (Right Femur Dec ’06), Right Leg close to hip joint ( Left Femur March ’07). For each of these fractures he was placed in a cast. For the last 2 fractures he has been in a cast from chest to toe.

He is otherwise a very smart child and just celebrated his 2nd birthday. He was all excited on his birthday (but in a cast). He has grown normally with no other known deformities. He is also much active in his other activities with good intellect, good speech. He is presently trying to walk on his own.

We have been a very careful with him and not exerting him physically. Doctors advise that he would learn to take care of himself after the age of 4 years.

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