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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Bone mineral density is reduced in brain tumour patients treated in childhood
Sari Pietilä1, Harri Sievänen, Marja Ala-Houhala
1Department of Paediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland. sari.pietila@sci.fi
Insights
One third of childhood brain tumor survivors have low bone density. Craniospinal irradiation is a significant factor linked to impaired bone health in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Radiology
Background:
- Childhood brain tumors are a significant health concern.
- Survivors may face long-term health complications.
- Bone health is a critical aspect of long-term well-being in survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of low bone mineral density in pediatric brain tumor survivors.
- To identify factors contributing to poor bone health in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 46 brain tumor patients.
- Bone mineral density (BMD), fat mass, and lean body mass measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
- Low BMD defined as a total body BMD z-score less than -2.0.
Main Results:
- A 33% prevalence of low bone mineral density was observed (15 out of 46 patients).
- The mean TBBMD z-score was -1.7, with a range from -5.7 to 0.6.
- Combined craniospinal irradiation was significantly associated with lower BMD (p=0.034).
Conclusions:
- Approximately one-third of childhood brain tumor survivors exhibit reduced bone mineral density.
- Craniospinal irradiation is a key factor contributing to impaired bone health.
- The multifactorial nature of bone health issues in survivors warrants further investigation.
Aim:
To determine the prevalence of low bone mineral density among children surviving brain tumours and to identify possible factors underlying impaired bone health.
Methods:
Cross-sectional study; total body bone mineral density (TBBMD), fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 46 brain tumour patients aged from 3.8 to 28.7 y (mean 14.9 y) treated in childhood 1.4-14.8 y (mean 6.4 y) after end of treatment for brain tumour. Low bone mineral density was defined as TBBMD z score < - 2.0.
Results:
Fifteen patients had TBBMD z scores < - 2.0, indicating a 33% prevalence of low bone density. The TBBMD z score ranged from -5.7 to 0.6 (mean -1.7). Out of several potential factors, only combined craniospinal irradiation was significantly associated with low z score (p=0.034, according to multiple regression analysis), while exclusive cranial irradiation showed a borderline statistical association (p=0.100, according to multiple regression analysis).
Conclusion:
One third of brain tumour patients treated in childhood had reduced bone mineral density. The reasons for this condition are apparently multifactorial, including craniospinal irradiation.
