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Lumbar spine bone density in Argentine children
H Plotkin1, M Núñez, M L Alvarez Filgueira
1Metabolic Research Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Calcified Tissue International
|March 1, 1996
Summary
A new formula, BMDcorr, adjusts bone mineral density (BMD) for height in children and adolescents. This adjusted analysis provides more reliable BMD assessments during growth and development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Osteology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) in pediatric populations is influenced by individual height.
- Accurate BMD assessment in children and adolescents is crucial for monitoring skeletal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel formula (BMDcorr) for incorporating height into BMD analysis.
- To evaluate the reliability of height-adjusted BMD in Caucasian females aged 2-20 years.
Main Methods:
- Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure lumbar BMD (PA L2-L4, lateral L2-L3) in 433 and 393 girls, respectively.
- Medical examinations included weight, height, and Tanner pubertal stage. Bone age was assessed using the TW2 method.
- Bone mineral density adjusted for height (BMDcorr = BMC/projected area x height) was calculated for each participant.
Main Results:
- Both PA and lateral BMD increased up to Tanner stage 3, with no significant differences in stages 3-5.
- BMDcorr variations indicated a potential height-related increase in lateral BMD before puberty.
- PA BMDcorr also increased up to Tanner stage 3, showing no significant differences in later stages.
Conclusions:
- The BMDcorr approach offers a more reliable method for analyzing BMD in pediatric and adolescent populations.
- Height adjustment is essential for accurate interpretation of BMD measurements during skeletal maturation.
- This method can improve the understanding of bone health trajectories in growing individuals.