ReeCure

Causes

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a congenital disease, meaning it is present at birth. It is frequently caused by defect in the gene that produces type 1 collagen, an important building block of bone. There are many different defects that can affect this gene. The severity of OI depends on the specific gene defect.

OI is an autosomal dominant disease. This means if you have one copy of the gene, you will have the disease. Most cases of OI are inherited from a parent, although some cases are a result of new genetic mutations.

A person with OI has a 50% chance of passing on the gene and the disease to their children.

Symptoms

All people with OI have weak bones, which makes them susceptible to fractures. Persons with OI are usually below average height (short stature). However, the severity of the disease varies greatly.

The classic symptoms include:

• Blue tint to the whites of their eyes (blue sclera)
• Multiple bone fractures
• Early hearing loss (deafness)

Because type I collagen is also found in ligaments, persons with OI often have loose joints (hypermobility) and flat feet. Some types of OI also lead to the development of poor teeth.

Symptoms of more severe forms of OI may include:

• Bowed legs and arms
• Kyphosis
• Scoliosis (S-curve spine)

A definitive diagnosis may be made using a skin punch biopsy. Family members may be given a DNA blood test.

If there is a family history of OI, chorionic villus sampling may be done during pregnancy to determine if the baby has the condition. However, because so many different mutations can cause OI, some forms cannot be diagnosed with a genetic test.

The severe form of type II osteogenesis imperfecta can be seen on ultrasound when the fetus is as young as 16 weeks.

Bisphosphonates are drugs that have been used to treat osteoporosis. They have proven to be very valuable in the treatment of OI symptoms, particularly in children. These drugs can increase the strength and density of bone in persons with OI. They have been shown to greatly reduce bone pain and fracture rate (especially in the bones of the spine).

Low impact exercises such as swimming keep muscles strong and help maintain strong bones. Such exercise can be very beneficial for persons with OI and should be encouraged.

In more severe cases, surgery to place metal rods into the long bones of the legs may be considered to strengthen the bone and reduce the risk of fracture. Bracing can also be helpful for some people.

Reconstructive surgery may be needed to correct any deformities. Such treatment is important because deformities (such as bowed legs or a spinal problem) can significantly affect a person's ability to move or walk.

Regardless of treatment, fractures will occur, but most fractures heal quickly. Time in a cast should be limited since bone loss (disuse osteoporosis) may occur when you do not use a part of your body for a period of time.

Many children with OI develop body image problems as they enter their teenage years. A social worker or psychologist can help them adapt to life with OI.

We, at ReeCure offer you therapy using stem cells using our proprietary technology.

These stem cells could be of various types viz. Hematopoietic (CD 34+), Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are processed and isolated using Good Manufacturing (GMP) and Good Lab Practices (GLP) and in accordance with AABB standards.

After years of extensive research and systematic compilation and collation of relevant data (through its research division), ReeLabs is now supremely confident of not only reversing the disease process of the affected patient but also improving the quality of life manifold. Stem cells produced by ReeLabs are completely safe, non-toxic, easy to administer and totally devoid of side effects with an excellent probability of homing and engraftment with parent cell, tissue or organ. The eminent panel of scientists and researchers at ReeLabs work exhaustively to design accurate treatment protocols that have yielded excellent results in most cases.

These stem cells are procured from various sources including bone marrow, cord blood fat etc. as per the requirement of the patient.

Stem cell therapy has shown good results in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta.

Stem cell therapy has shown new bone formation and strengthening the bone and reduce the frequency of fractures.

This can help these patients lead a normal life.