All about Paget's disease of the bone  causes of Paget's disease of the bone risk factors for Paget's disease of the bone complications of Paget's disease of the bone symptoms of Paget's disease of the bone diagnosis of Paget's disease treatment for Paget's disease of the bone |
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What causes Paget's disease of the bone?
The exact cause of Paget's disease of the bone is unknown, but it is suggested to be due to a slow viral infection of bone
and may include a heredity factor. The appearance of a fingerprint pattern in pagetic osteoclastic nuclei on electron microscopy of involved bone suggests a viral infection. Paget's disease sometimes is familial, but a specific genetic pattern is unclear. There are theories about early viral infection and genetic causes. The disease occurs worldwide, but is more common in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand -- where it is seen in up to 5% of the elderly population. Research suggests a slow-growing virus may trigger the disease; some cells in the bone of people with Paget's disease look like they are infected with a virus. However, no virus has been identified. Because of the racial and geographical pattern we have just mentioned, some doctors have concluded that the disease may be inherited. It is certainly true that in some families several people are affected, but this is quite rare. However, it has been suggested that Paget's may be caused by a 'slow virus' infection of bone cells. It is called 'slow' because the virus may settle in the bone cells early in life and only cause the disease many years later. |
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More information on Paget's disease of the bone
What is Paget's disease of the bone? - Paget's disease of the bone is a chronic bone disorder in which bones become enlarged and deformed. Paget's disease causes abnormal bone growth.
What causes Paget's disease of the bone? - The exact cause of Paget's disease of the bone is unknown, but it is suggested to be due to a slow viral infection of bone and may include a heredity factor.
Risk factors for Paget's disease of the bone - Age and heredity are the only known risk factors for Paget's disease. Men and women are affected at similar rates.
Complications of Paget's disease of the bone - Complications of Paget's disease of the bone include osteoarthritis, fractures, nerve compression, heart failure, bone cancer (osteogenic sarcoma).
Symptoms of Paget's disease of the bone - Paget's disease usually produces no symptoms, although bone pain, bone enlargement, or bone deformity may occur.
How is Paget's disease of the bone diagnosed? - A diagnosis of Paget's disease can be made when higher than normal levels of a chemical called alkaline phosphatase are found in the blood.
What is the treatment for Paget's disease? - Paget's disease is most often treated with bisphosphonate drugs combined with additional drugs to lessen bone pain. |
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