Effectiveness of Pamidronate Infusion in the Treatment of Charcot Arthropathy

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this case series is to investigate the efficacy and safety of intravenous infusion of Pamidronate, a second generation bisphosphonate, in the treatment of active Charcot arthropathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with active Charcot arthropathy treated at the medical centre from 1 January 2013 to 30 June 2020 were included in the study. Efficacy outcome was evaluated based on time to consolidate findings observed through radiographic examination, while safety outcome was evaluated based on the incidence of adverse event (AE) occurrence.

RESULTS: A total of 81 patients (37 male, 44 female) diagnosed with active Charcot arthropathy were included. 64.2% of patients were at stage 1 of Charcot arthropathy whereas 35.8% were at stage 2. The mean time to consolidate for stage 1 and stage 2 was 6.50 ± 4.21 months and 3.63 ± 2.92 months respectively (p-value = 0.139). No significant association was observed between gender, ethnicity and disease stage with the consolidation time (p-value >0.05). The rate of AE incidence was 2.5%, observed in 2 patients who developed a fever during the treatment. No other serious AE was observed in the study.

CONCLUSION: Intravenous Pamidronate infusion is a safe and effective treatment option for Charcot arthropathy.