[Fragile from an early age: osteoporosis in a child with multiple severe disabilities]
Sandra Mergler1, Stella A de Man
1Erasmus MC, afd. Huisartsgeneeskunde en Geneeskunde voor Verstandelijke Gehandicapten, Rotterdam.
Background:
In the general population osteoporosis and low impact fractures occur mainly in the elderly and in people at increased risk due to disorders. In children with severe intellectual impairment and multiple disabilities severe osteoporosis and fractures of the long bones may be present from an early age.
Case Description:
We describe a case of a 14-year-old girl with Dravet syndrome and multiple low impact fractures arising from minimal or unknown trauma.
Conclusion:
In children with severe intellectual impairment and multiple disabilities the optimizing of bone quality and peak bone mass in order to prevent osteoporosis and fractures is recommended.
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