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Renal transplantation and osteoporosis
A M Boot1, J Nauta, A C Hokken-Koelega
1Department of Paediatrics, Sophia Children's Hospital, Medical Schools of Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Young adults who received kidney transplants in childhood often have low bone mineral density (BMD). Long-term corticosteroid use, particularly prednisone, is linked to this osteopenia, affecting both bone types.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Renal transplantation in childhood can lead to long-term health complications.
- Osteopenia, a condition of reduced bone mass, is a known complication in transplant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess bone mineral density (BMD) in young adults post-childhood renal transplantation.
- To investigate the relationship between corticosteroid treatment and osteopenia in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 20 young adult renal transplant recipients.
- Measurement of lumbar spine (trabecular bone) and total body (cortical bone) BMD using SD scores.
- Correlation and multiple regression analysis to identify factors affecting BMD.
Main Results:
- 70% of patients showed reduced lumbar spine BMD (below -1 SD), with 25% below -2 SD.
- 75% of patients exhibited reduced total body BMD (below -1 SD), with 30% below -2 SD.
- Cumulative prednisone dose was inversely correlated with BMD and identified as the primary factor influencing osteopenia.
Conclusions:
- Young adults with a history of childhood renal transplantation frequently experience moderate to severe osteopenia.
- Corticosteroid therapy, especially cumulative prednisone exposure, is a significant contributor to bone loss in these patients.