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Published on: January 29, 2018
Bone health in children with neuromuscular disorders
1Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, WA, USA.
Insights
Children with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) face significant bone health issues, including fractures and low bone density. This review highlights risk factors and treatment options for improving bone health in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Children with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) exhibit high rates of fractures and reduced bone mineral density.
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a prevalent NMD in childhood, significantly impacting bone health.
- Bone health complications in NMD are multifactorial, influenced by disease-specific factors and immobility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of bone health issues in pediatric NMD populations.
- To emphasize the specific challenges faced by children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
- To outline current and emerging treatment strategies for bone health in NMD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies focusing on bone health in pediatric NMD.
- Analysis of data on fracture incidence, bone mineral density, and associated risk factors.
- Evaluation of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions.
Main Results:
- Children with NMD, particularly DMD, experience a high prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
- Key risk factors include immobility, nutritional deficiencies, and corticosteroid use.
- Both non-pharmacological (e.g., physical therapy, nutrition) and pharmacological (e.g., bisphosphonates) interventions show potential benefits.
Conclusions:
- Bone health management is critical for children with NMD, requiring proactive monitoring and intervention.
- Multidisciplinary care is essential to address the complex bone health challenges in this population.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and long-term outcomes for bone health in pediatric NMD.
Abstract:
This paper provides a broad review of bone health issues in children with neuromuscular diseases (NMD). As Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common neuromuscular disease of childhood, there is a strong emphasis on this. This paper reviews the incidence of fractures, the degree of the reduced bone mineral density, the risk factors associated with this common problem, and the non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options. Recommendations for monitoring and treatment are provided.
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