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Advances in Diagnosis and Management of Childhood Osteoporosis
David B. N. Lim1, Rebecca J. Moon1,2, Justin H. Davies1,3
1University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton Children’s Hospital, Paediatric Endocrinology, Hampshire, England
Insights
Childhood osteoporosis increases fracture risk and healthcare needs. Early diagnosis and specialist care are crucial for managing this condition in children, especially secondary osteoporosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Bone Metabolism
- Genetics
Background:
- Childhood osteoporosis causes significant morbidity, pain, and healthcare utilization due to increased fracture propensity.
- It can stem from primary bone defects or secondary to medical conditions and treatments.
- Secondary osteoporosis risk factors are increasing in pediatric populations.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of childhood osteoporosis requires prompt diagnosis and specialist intervention.
- Molecular diagnostics are enhancing the understanding and treatment of primary bone disorders.
- Ongoing research into novel therapies promises better fracture reduction and improved quality of life.
Abstract:
Childhood osteoporosis leads to increased propensity to fracture, and thus is an important cause of morbidity, pain and healthcare utilisation. Osteoporosis in children may be caused by a primary bone defect or secondary to an underlying medical condition and/or its treatment. Primary osteoporosis is rare, but there is an increasing number of children with risk factors for secondary osteoporosis. Therefore it is imperative that all paediatricians are aware of the diagnostic criteria and baseline investigations for childhood osteoporosis to enable timely referral to a specialist in paediatric bone health. This review will discuss the approach to diagnosis, investigation and management of childhood osteoporosis, with particular consideration to advances in molecular diagnosis of primary bone disorders, and current and emerging therapies for fracture reduction.
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