OsteopetrosisPathogenesis and Rationale for the Use of Interferon-γ-1b

Congenital osteopetrosis is a group of disorders resulting in decreased osteoclastic function and hence decreased bone resorption. Various medical treatments have been attempted to ameliorate the osteopetrotic condition. A calcium-deficient diet has limited further sclerosis in some patients. Prednisone therapy has improved haematological function in some patients, but has not resulted in a reduction in bone mass. Calcitrophic hormones, such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) infusions and oral calcitriol, stimulate osteoclastic activity, and calcitriol in particular has stimulated osteoclastic bone resorption in some patients with osteopetrosis. Bone marrow transplantation, although curative, is limited by paucity of donors, risk of graft-versus-host disease and relapse of the disease.