Pyrophosphate levels and magnesium oxide therapy in osteogenesis imperfecta.

Serum pyrophosphate levels were determined in 52 patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. In 19 patients the levels were increased, in 14 normal and in 19 fluctuated. No correlation with disease severity was evident. By a double blind study it was shown that neither the administration of oral magnesium oxide, nor placebo, affected the serum pyrophosphate level or the clinical course.