Quantitative phalangeal bone ultrasound is normal after long-term gluten-free diet in young coeliac patients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine bone mass using quantitative phalangeal bone ultrasound in young coeliac patients after a long-term gluten-free diet.


METHODS
A total of 99 patients with coeliac disease (CD) (52 girls, mean age 15.5 +/- 9.7 years; 47 boys, mean age 14.4 +/- 8.4 years) and 44 healthy subjects matched for age, weight and height (26 girls, mean age 18.4 +/- 9.9 years; 18 boys, mean age 16.3 +/- 11.2 years) were included in the study.


METHODS
Bone status was assessed using an ultrasound device that measures amplitude-dependent speed of sound (Ad-SoS) in metres per second. Measurements were made on the phalanges (II-V) of the non-dominant hand, and an average value was computed. Nutrient intake was assessed using a 7-day record.


RESULTS
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the unpaired t-test showed that the intake of phosphates (P < 0.05), proteins, fat and carbohydrates (P < 0.005 in all) was higher in patients than in controls. No significant difference in Ad-SoS was found between patients and controls (95% CI -10.9 to 60.6) in the overall group, in girls or boys, or in patients following a gluten-free diet strictly or partially. In the patients, only age (beta 4.01, 95% CI 1.84-6.16, P < 0.0005) and weight (beta 2.62, 95% CI 1.53-3.70, P < 0.0001) showed a significant positive relation with Ad-SoS.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with CD, gluten-free diet and increased nutritional intake were accompanied by normal bone mass values as determined by ultrasound on phalanges.
Pedrera
J D
JD
Department of Nursing, University of Extremadura, Spain.
López
M J
MJ
Canal
M L
ML
Costa
C
C
Mañas
P
P
Hernández
E R
ER
Rico
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001133:Bones of Upper Extremity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000178:diet therapy*; D002648:Child; D018753:Diet, Protein-Restricted; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005983:Glutens / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography
D005983:Glutens