children s health issues
Osteopetroses
Treatment of Osteopetroses
Corticosteroids Sometimes stem cell transplantation Sometimes surgery There is no definitive cure for osteopetrosis. Corticosteroids, such asprednisone, decrease the formation of new bone cells and may increase the rate of removal of old bone cells, strengthening bones. Corticosteroids may also help relieve bone pain and improve muscle strength. Stem Cell Transplantation seems to have cured some infants with early-onset disease. However, the long-term prognosis after transplantation is unknown. Fractures, anemia, bleeding, and infection require treatment. If nerves going through the skull are compressed, surgery may be required to take pressure off the nerves. Surgery may also be needed to relieve increased pressure in the skull. Plastic surgery may be done to correct severe deformities of the face and jaw. Orthodontic treatment may be needed to correct distorted teeth. 