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Bone mineral density in children with myelomeningocele

Susan D Apkon1, Laura Fenton, Joseph R Coll

  • 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine and The Children's Hospital, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. apkon.susan@tchden.org

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|September 25, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Children with myelomeningocele often have reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Wheelchair dependence is linked to lower BMD, with a trend seen in higher neurological impairments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Orthopedics
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Myelomeningocele, a complex birth defect, can impact bone health.
  • Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is a recognized complication in affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess bone mineral density (BMD) in children with myelomeningocele.
  • To identify factors associated with decreased BMD in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure BMD at the femoral neck and whole body in 24 children.
  • Dietary calcium intake and serum bone metabolism markers were assessed.
  • BMD was analyzed against neurological impairment level and ambulatory status.

Main Results:

  • The mean femoral neck BMD z-score was -2.41, indicating significantly lower bone density.
  • Wheelchair-dependent children exhibited significantly lower femoral neck z-scores (p=0.03).
  • A trend towards lower BMD was observed with higher neurological lesion levels.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced BMD is a significant complication in children with myelomeningocele.
  • Ambulatory status, particularly wheelchair dependence, is strongly associated with lower BMD.
  • Higher levels of neurological impairment show a trend toward reduced BMD.

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