Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Overview of pediatric bone problems and related osteoporosis
1Bone Research Laboratory, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Insights
Pediatric osteoporosis, a growing concern, presents unique challenges. This review explores primary causes like genetic mutations and secondary factors, aiding in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Bone Metabolism
- Genetics
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a recognized adult condition, but pediatric osteoporosis is an emerging field with distinct diagnostic and clinical complexities.
- There's growing recognition of childhood osteoporosis, stemming from primary genetic causes or secondary to diseases, medications, and lifestyle factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current knowledge on pediatric bone problems.
- To provide a foundation for discussing optimal detection, treatment, and prevention of pediatric osteoporosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of common forms of primary osteoporosis, including candidate genes and mutations.
- Discussion of pathogenetic mechanisms in secondary bone loss.
- Exploration of diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Identification of candidate genes linked to primary pediatric osteoporosis.
- Elucidation of mechanisms contributing to secondary bone loss in children.
- Overview of current strategies for managing pediatric osteoporosis.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric osteoporosis requires specialized approaches distinct from adult management.
- Understanding genetic and secondary causes is crucial for effective intervention.
- Further research and discussion are needed to refine detection, treatment, and prevention strategies for childhood osteoporosis.
Abstract:
Osteoporosis is a well-established clinical problem in adults. Osteoporosis in pediatrics, on the other hand, is a new and evolving area, with certain unique diagnostic and clinical challenges. Recently, there has been an increased awareness of osteoporosis in children, both as a primary problem due to genetic mutations and enzyme deficiencies, and as secondary to various diseases, medications, and lifestyle issues. In this review we discuss the common forms of osteoporosis, including candidate genes, mutations of which can lead to primary osteoporosis, the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of secondary bone loss, and possible ways of diagnosing, preventing, or treating these conditions. The purpose of the article is to provide a summary of our current knowledge of pediatric bone problems and to provide a basis for discussion of the most appropriate ways to detect, treat, or prevent such problems.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:40Bone Remodeling
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:22The Functions of the Skeletal System
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution