[Epidemiology of Paget's disease. Peculiarities in the province of Zamora].

BACKGROUND

Some paramyxovirus (measles, respiratory syncytial virus, and dog's distemper virus) are currently considered to be responsible for Paget's disease of the bone. A relevant role is also given to inheritance as predisposing factor. Some authors have found an association between HLA antigens with this disease, but without unanimous agreement. Although this hypothesis of an interaction between a genetic factor and a viral infectious agent is the most accepted universally, there is not yet a definitive cause for the disease. The participation of some other environmental factors has not been ruled out.

METHODS

One hundred and forty patients in the Zamora province were studied. The geographic distribution in the different areas of the province was analyzed and also whether there was family aggregation all cases. HLA-I was determined in 59 patients and HLA-II in cases with aggregation. The mineral composition (calcium, fluorine, magnesium, nitrates, and chlorine) analysis of public running water was carried out in all population centers in the province.

RESULTS

Aggregation was found in four families (four, two, four, and three siblings, respectively). Although HLA-I antigens were determined in 59 patients, no association was found. HLA-II antigens were also determined in the involved patients with family links and no association was found between these antigens and the disease. A much higher aggregation was found in some particular areas in our province and these foci coincided with some characteristics of mineral composition of public running waters.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a genetic factor predisposing to the disease, as family aggregation occurs with a higher frequency than would otherwise be expected. Nevertheless, no association with HLA antigens was found. This disease is more common in some particular geographic areas, thus supporting the hypothesis of an environmental factor as trigger. An association was found between mineral composition of public running waters and patient geographic distribution.