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[Low bone mineral density in children with Crohn's disease]

O Bourges1, S Dorgeret, C Alberti

  • 1Service de gastroentérologie et de nutrition pédiatrique, hôpital Robert-Debré, AP-HP, 48, boulevard Serrurier, 75019 Paris, France.

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|July 6, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Children with Crohn's disease frequently experience low bone mineral density, particularly during puberty. Daily corticosteroid use is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis in pediatric Crohn's disease patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Bone Metabolism

Context:

  • Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Low bone mineral density (BMD) is a recognized complication in adult CD patients.
  • Limited data exists on BMD in pediatric CD populations.

Purpose:

  • To determine the prevalence of low BMD in children with CD.
  • To identify risk factors associated with low BMD in this cohort.

Summary:

  • A retrospective study analyzed BMD in 29 children with CD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
  • Osteoporosis was diagnosed in 38% and osteopenia in 38% of participants.
  • Low BMD correlated with age, suggesting pubertal onset, and was significantly associated with daily corticosteroid exposure.

Impact:

  • This study highlights the high incidence of low BMD in pediatric CD, emphasizing the need for early screening and intervention.
  • Findings underscore the critical role of corticosteroid management in preventing bone loss.
  • Results suggest a need for revised treatment strategies to mitigate this common complication in pediatric CD.
Abstract

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