Low bone mineral density and decreased bone turnover in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
This cross-sectional study examined bone mineral density, bone turnover, body composition and calciotropic hormones in 24 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) (2.3-19.7 years), most of whom were being treated with prednisolone, and 24 age-matched healthy boys. Our study demonstrated lower bone mineral density in the DMD group for total body, spine, hip, heel and forearm measurements. These differences between DMD patients and controls increased with increasing age. Biochemical markers of both bone formation and resorption revealed reduced bone turnover in DMD patients. The fracture rate was not higher in DMD patients. The DMD group had low vitamin D levels but high leptin levels in comparison with the control group. Muscle strength correlated with bone mineral density assessed at the hip and heel in the DMD group. Interventions that increase bone formation should be considered, as DMD patients have reduced bone turnover in addition to their low bone mineral density.
Söderpalm
Ann-Charlott
AC
Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Ostra, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, SE-416 85 Göteborg, Sweden. ann-charlott.soderpalm@vgregion.se
Magnusson
Per
P
Ahlander
Anne-Christine
AC
Karlsson
Jón
J
Kroksmark
Anna-Karin
AK
Tulinius
Már
M
Swolin-Eide
Diana
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000235:genetics; D020388:Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology
D015415:Biomarkers; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D020738:Leptin; D011239:Prednisolone; D002118:Calcium