ABSTRACT
Burosumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), has been approved for the treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). We conducted a systematic review to compare the efficacy and safety of burosumab versus conventional therapy (phosphorus and calcitriol) on XLH treatment. After a comprehensive literature search on MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase, we found nine studies for inclusion in the analysis. Risk of bias was assessed, and a random-effects model was used to determine the effect size. Clinical, biochemical, and radiological parameters of disease severity before and after treatment were analyzed and expressed in standardized mean difference (SMD). Burosumab resulted in normalization of phosphate homeostasis with an increase in renal tubular phosphate reabsorption and significant resolution of skeletal lesions (change in Thacher's total rickets severity score SMD: -1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.76 to -1.17, p < 0.001, improvement in deformities, and decline in serum alkaline phosphatase levels [SMD: 130.68, 95% CI: 125.26-136.1, p < 0.001)]. Conventional therapy led to similar improvements in all these parameters but to a lower degree. In adults, burosumab normalized phosphorus levels (SMD: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.98-1.47, p < 0.001) with resultant clinical improvement. Burosumab treatment was well tolerated, with only mild treatment-related adverse effects. The present review indicates a potential role for burosumab in improving rickets, deformities, and growth in children with XLH. Given its superior efficacy and safety profile, burosumab could be an effective therapeutic option in children. We suggest further studies comparing burosumab versus conventional therapy in children and adults with XLH.
