Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2025
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Changes in lean mass and fat mass in children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Holly Wright1, Sze Choong Wong2, Misha Gilani1
1School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Background:
Deficits in skeletal muscle and function, with resultant abnormal body composition, is a recognised feature of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). Less is known about longitudinal change in body composition in OI. Our objective was to perform a retrospective analysis of longitudinal change in body composition (lean mass and fat mass) in children with OI.
Methodology:
Data was collected from 29 children, with a diagnosis of OI, who had at least two dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans performed between 2015 and 2022. Assessed variables of height, body mass index (BMI), lean mass index (LMI) and fat mass index (FMI), were converted to z scores. Results were reported as median (range).
Results:
Median age at baseline and follow-up were 10.7 and 14.2 years, respectively. Median height z-score at baseline was -1.10, which was significantly lower than a control population (p<0.001). Median height z-score at latest follow-up was -0.80, which was not significantly different from baseline (p=0.870). Median BMI z-score at baseline was 0.15, which was not significantly different than a control population (p=0.804). Median BMI z-score at latest follow-up was 0.02, which was not significantly different from baseline (p=0.730). At baseline, median LMI z-score was -2.43, which was significantly lower than a control population (p<0.001). Median LMI z-score at follow-up was -1.78, which was not significantly different from baseline (p=0.080). At baseline, median FMI z-score was 0.57 which was significantly higher than a control population (p=0.001). Median FMI z-score at follow-up was 0.62, which was not significantly different from baseline (p=0.540).
Conclusion:
Children with OI have abnormal body composition throughout childhood typically with low lean mass and relatively high fat mass. These abnormalities in body composition do not change with follow-up. Strategies to improve lean mass, including physical or medical therapies, should be explored in OI given the close relationship between muscle and bone.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:40Bone Remodeling
01:27Signs of Puberty
01:20Introduction to the Skeletal System
Components of the Skeletal System
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.
Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as...
01:27Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue