[Osteoporosis in children and adolescents].
There is currently no consensus definition of osteopenia and osteoporosis in children according to bone mineral density (BMD) values measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA); interpretation of BMD measures must take into account the child's weight and pubertal status. In children, primary forms of osteoporosis--juvenile idiopathic osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta--are rare; on the other hand, the frequency of secondary osteoporosis is increasing. Fractures, especially of the forearm, are frequent in children. During the peak growth period, bone growth and mineralization are dissociated; in consequence temporary bone fragility promotes fractures. Several recent studies show that children with fractures have reduced BMD and that the occurrence of fractures in children may constitute a risk factor for osteoporosis and fracture during adulthood. In cases of secondary osteoporosis, close monitoring of the causal disease is the key element of treatment; there are very few controlled studies of the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis in children.
Marcelli
Christian
C
Service de rhumatologie, CHU, Caen. marcelli-c@chu-caen.fr
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001835:Body Weight; D015519:Bone Density; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005543:Forearm Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology; D014943:Global Health; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010013:Osteogenesis Imperfecta / Q000150:complications; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D011627:Puberty; D035583:Rare Diseases; D012307:Risk Factors; D013971:Thyrotoxicosis / Q000150:complications