Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
Correlation of Bone Mineral Density with Pulmonary Function in Advanced Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Jang Woo Lee1,2, Han Eol Cho1,3,4, Seong-Woong Kang1,3,4
1Department of Medicine, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
Background:
A relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and physical function has been revealed in the general population and various diseases. However, there is a lack of research investigating the correlation between BMD and respiratory function, one of few measurable physical parameters in patients with advanced Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
Objective:
To determine whether pulmonary function parameters, including respiratory muscle strength, are related to BMD.
Design:
Retrospective observational study.
Setting:
A tertiary university hospital.
Patients:
DMD patients who were over 20 years of age, nonambulatory, and supported by mechanical ventilators.
Methods:
The patients' age, weight, and pulmonary function as well as the BMD of the first and the fourth lumbar vertebra were assessed. Pulmonary function includes forced vital capacity (FVC), unassisted and assisted peak cough flow (UPCF and APCF), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP).
Main Outcome Measures:
A bivariate correlation for BMD and other pulmonary parameters was calculated, and hierarchical regression analysis was used to determine predictors of spine Z-score.
Results:
It was observed that the decrease in the spine BMD was not significantly correlated with age. However, the body mass index (BMI) and all parameters of pulmonary function were correlated with BMD. Partial correlation analysis adjusted by BMI showed that UPCF and APCF were powerful predictors of spine BMD.
Conclusions:
The BMD of the lumbar spine correlated with BMI and PCF in patients with DMD at an advanced stage.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
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...
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...