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Bone mineral content measurement in small infants by single-photon absorptiometry: current methodologic issues.
J J Steichen1, P A Asch, R C Tsang
1University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, OH 45267-0541.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Single-photon absorptiometry (SPA) accurately measures infant bone mineralization, particularly in the radius. This method is valuable for research on fetal and infant bone health, despite limited direct clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Biophysics
- Radiology
Background:
- Single-photon absorptiometry (SPA) has been used since 1963 to assess bone mineralization.
- Adapted for infants in 1976, SPA is crucial for studying fetal and postnatal bone development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of SPA for quantifying bone mineral content (BMC) in infants.
- To identify the optimal bone site for BMC measurement in infants using SPA.
Main Methods:
- Utilized single-photon absorptiometry (SPA) to measure bone mineral content (BMC).
- Focused on peripheral bones, primarily the radius, ulna, and humerus.
- Assessed the accessibility, accuracy, and precision of BMC measurement at different sites.
Main Results:
- The radius is identified as the preferred site for infant BMC measurement due to accessibility and measurement consistency.
- SPA demonstrated high precision and accuracy for radial BMC quantitation in infants.
- The technique is suitable for longitudinal studies and investigating conditions like rickets and osteopenia.
Conclusions:
- Single-photon absorptiometry (SPA) is a precise and accurate method for measuring infant bone mineral content, especially at the radius.
- SPA is a valuable research tool for understanding infant bone health and disease, though clinical diagnostic applications are limited.