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Bone density study at the distal radius, using pQCT analysis, in Greek thalassemic patients
Vassilis A Ladis1, Nicos Gandaifis, Elias C Papadopoulos
1First Department of Pediatrics, Thalassemia Unit, University of Athens, Greece. thalas@paidon-agiasofia.gr
Background:
Expansion of marrow spaces in thalassemia patients contributes to reduced bone density and increased risk of fractures. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) measures the volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) independently in different compartments.
Objective And Methods:
To study the regional bone structure in thalassemia, we performed pQCT (XCT-2000 Scanner, Stratec Inc.) in 57 young adult patients with beta-thalassemia major, aged 21-44 years (32 females). The vBMDs (total, trabecular, cortical + subcortical), Stress-Strain Index (SSI) and the cross-sectional area (CSA) were determined at the "4% site" of the distal radius; data were compared to reference values.
Results:
Total vBMD, trabecular, cortical plus subcortical vBMD in thalassemics were significantly lower than in healthy adults (p<0.005). Thalassemic males had significant higher values of vBMD, SSI and CSA than females (p<0.005).
Conclusions:
In Greek thalassemic patients a significant reduction in bone density, associated with increased morbidity and risk of fractures, has been detected on pQCT examination.
