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Normal bone mineral density in cystic fibrosis
D S Hardin1, R Arumugam, D K Seilheimer
1Department of Pediatrics, The Feigen Center, Suite 410, 6621 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030, USA. dana.hardin@hsc.utah.edu
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|March 22, 2001
Summary
Bone density is lower in adults and children with cystic fibrosis (CF) compared to controls matched only for age and gender. Malnutrition and corticosteroid use, not an inherent CF defect, likely cause osteopenia and osteoporosis in CF patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Bone Metabolism
- Cystic Fibrosis Research
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a known complication of cystic fibrosis (CF).
- Understanding bone health in CF is crucial for patient management.
- Previous studies suggest a link between CF and reduced bone mineral density.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify bone mineral density (BMD) in adults with CF.
- To measure bone mineral content (BMC) in children with CF.
- To compare bone health in CF patients to appropriate control groups.
Main Methods:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) used for BMD in adults and BMC in children.
- Subjects included 28 adults and 13 children with CF.
- Control groups were matched for lean tissue mass, height, age, and gender, or age and gender only.
Main Results:
- Adult CF patients showed significantly lower BMD compared to controls matched only for age and gender.
- Children with CF had significantly lower total body BMC than age and gender-matched controls.
- BMD in adults correlated with body mass index, lean tissue mass, and body fat percentage.
Conclusions:
- Osteopenia and osteoporosis in CF may stem from malnutrition and corticosteroid use.
- An inherent defect in bone mineral density is less likely the primary cause.
- Careful selection of "normal" reference data is essential for diagnosing osteoporosis in CF patients.