[Digital computerized absorptiometry in the diagnosis of osteoporosis in a group of the severely mentally retarded].
BACKGROUND
The loss of bone mass after a certain age is a physiological fact that, in certain circumstances, is capable of inducing osteoporosis. In the diagnostic strategies for this condition, densitometry is a well-accepted technique now widely used. On patients with severe mental retardation, a number of circumstances come into play and may foster a greater frequency of osteoporosis. GOAL AND SCOPE OF STUDY: The goal of the study is to identify the bone mineral density values in a group of severe mentally retarded individuals using a digital densitometry technique in order to compare these with the general population and investigate the possible influence on these values of certain clinical variables and therapeutic regimens.


METHODS
One hundred and ninety-two patients of both sexes and treated at an institution devoted to the study and care of severely mentally retarded individuals.


CONCLUSIONS
In all cases, the bone mineral density value has been obtained by means of digital densitometry using a compact desktop system using dual X-ray absorption measurement technology The data obtained have been contrasted with sex, age, degree of mobility and anti-epilepsy or sedative medication.


RESULTS
In the population under study, the bone mineral density is significantly lower than that of the general population: 25% present osteopenia and 22% osteoporosis. These results are associated with the fact that they move little and are regularly taking phenobarbital medication. The population with Down's syndrome is also seen to be a group at risk.


CONCLUSIONS
Osteoporosis is frequent among severe mentally retarded patients. The greatest risk is associated with insufficient mobility, Down's syndrome and regular medication with phenobarbital. Digital densitometry is a simple procedure that may be useful to identify the true dimension of this problem and the efficacy of the various preventive or curative procedures put forward.
Múgica
I
I
Fundación Uliazpi, P.o Zarategui, 99, Txara 2, 20015 San Sebastián. inigomu@terra.es
Ansa
J
J
Sistiaga
F
F
Zabalza
R
R
Zubillaga
P
P
Merino
A
A
Mojedano
B
B
Vidal
C
C
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects; D015519:Bone Density; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects; D007326:Institutionalization; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000009:adverse effects; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010634:Phenobarbital