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Bone mineral density in children with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Tulay Guran1, Serap Turan, Bulent Karadag

  • 1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey. tulayguran@yahoo.com

Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases
|July 12, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Children with non-CF bronchiectasis show higher rates of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Bone mineral density deficits increase with age in these pediatric patients, highlighting a critical need for monitoring bone health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Pediatric Radiology

Background:

  • Bronchiectasis is a common complication of chronic lung diseases.
  • Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) often exhibit reduced bone mineral density (BMD).
  • Limited data exist on BMD in children with non-CF bronchiectasis, despite shared risk factors for osteopenia/osteoporosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess bone mineral density (BMD) in children diagnosed with non-CF bronchiectasis.
  • To compare BMD in children with non-CF bronchiectasis to healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative ultrasound (speed of sound) was used to evaluate BMD at the radius and tibia in 32 children with non-CF bronchiectasis and 23 healthy controls.
  • Data on daily calcium intake, pulmonary function, and steroid use were collected.
  • Participants were matched for age, sex, and pubertal stage.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in mean BMD z-scores was found between the bronchiectasis and control groups.
  • However, a significantly higher prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis was observed in children with non-CF bronchiectasis (62% vs. 30%).
  • A negative correlation between age and radius BMD z-scores was noted, suggesting increased risk with age.

Conclusions:

  • Osteopenia and osteoporosis are more prevalent in children with non-CF bronchiectasis compared to healthy peers.
  • The risk of developing osteopenia and osteoporosis in these children increases with age.
  • Age, rather than lung disease severity or steroid use, appears to be a significant factor in bone density reduction.
Abstract

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