[A study of bone development and metabolism in childhood].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the regularity of bone development and metabolism in childhood.


METHODS
A survey was made to collect and analyze the data on bone biochemistry, the density of lumbar vertebrae and the X-ray examination of calcaneus in 224 healthy children aged 3-15 years in the urban area of Chengdu.


RESULTS
Comparative analysis of serum and urine calcium and phosphate concentrations showed no significant difference between the age groups. The serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) were found to increase with age and reach their peak values in children aged 7-12 years, and their values were significantly higher than that of adults (P < 0.05). The density of lumbar vertebrae and the trabecular bone of calcanesus also developed with age.


CONCLUSIONS
The measurements of the bone biochemistry, bone density and the trabecular bone of calcaneus which reflect the bone development and metabolism have their special regularity in childhood. The criteria in use for adulthood is not fit for the evaluation in childhood. The data obtained can be used in clinical diagnosis and treatment of the bone metabolic diseases of children.
Liu
M
M
Department of Pediatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, WCUMS, Chengdu 610041, China.
Zheng
H
H
Peng
M
M
Liu
L
L
Peng
Z
Z
Yang
D
D
Shang
J
J
Huang
L
L
Suo
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D015519:Bone Density; D001846:Bone Development; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D012016:Reference Values
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase