Measurement of bone density in the pediatric population.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive synopsis of pediatric bone density. Osteoporosis of the adult is a well established clinical problem, and algorithms to diagnose and treat this disease are recognized throughout the medical community. Osteoporosis or 'low bone mass' in pediatrics, on the other hand, is a rather new and evolving area, with certain unique diagnostic and clinical challenges.


RESULTS
Recent findings in the literature include benefits and limitations of pediatric bone densitometry techniques, proper interpretation of the results of these various techniques, efforts to establish standards and guidelines for diagnosing low bone mass in children and adolescents, optimization of bone growth and mineral accrual for life, pediatric bone mineral density and fracture risk prediction, as well as a clearer awareness of bone fragility in children.


CONCLUSIONS
Throughout the last decade, great strides have been made in our understanding of pediatric metabolic bone disease. These will be the focus of this review.
Bogunovic
Ljiljana
L
Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.
Doyle
Shevaun M
SM
Vogiatzi
Maria G
MG
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D000367:Age Factors; D015519:Bone Density; D015984:Causality; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D003720:Densitometry / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012015:Reference Standards; D012307:Risk Factors