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Low bone mineral density in young children with cystic fibrosis

Isabelle Sermet-Gaudelus1, Jean Claude Souberbielle, Jean Charles Ruiz

  • 1Service de Pédiatrie Générale, 149 rue de Sévres, Paris, France. isabelle.sermet@nck.aphp.fr

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|February 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) under six years old have low bone mineral density (BMD). This bone disease may start early and be unrelated to nutrition or disease severity in young CF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Bone Metabolism
  • Cystic Fibrosis Research

Background:

  • Low bone mineral density (BMD) is a common issue in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF).
  • Limited data exists regarding BMD in very young CF patients.
  • Early assessment of bone health in pediatric CF is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) under the age of six.
  • To compare BMD in this young cohort with older pediatric CF groups.
  • To identify potential factors influencing BMD in pediatric CF.

Main Methods:

  • Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine (LS) in 25 children with CF younger than 6 years.
  • BMD was also assessed in 53 prepubertal children (6-10 years) and 36 adolescents (11-18 years).
  • Nutritional status, body composition, disease severity, corticosteroid use, and nutrient intake were evaluated as potential correlates.

Main Results:

  • The mean LS z score in children under six was significantly lower than normal (-0.96).
  • LS z scores did not significantly differ between the youngest group and older pediatric CF groups.
  • LS z score positively correlated with fat-free mass; 34% of patients with mild disease and normal nutrition had LS z scores below -1.

Conclusions:

  • Bone disease in early childhood cystic fibrosis (CF) may originate independently of nutritional status or disease severity.
  • Early detection and intervention for bone health in pediatric CF are warranted.
  • Further research into the early pathogenesis of CF bone disease is needed.
Abstract

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