Bone and body composition analyzed by Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in clinical and nutritional evaluation of young patients with Cystic Fibrosis: a cross-sectional study.
BACKGROUND
the improved general therapy has led to reduced morbidity and mortality from Cystic Fibrosis (CF), and bone status may have a potentially greater clinical impact.We investigated the correlation between the severity of the clinical condition, bone status and body composition parameters, in a group of children and young adults with CF.


METHODS
we measured lumbar spine bone density and total body composition by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 82 consecutive CF patients (42 males; median age: 13 years - range: 5-30). Eighty-two healthy subjects, matched for age, gender, height and pubertal stage were recruited as a control group.


RESULTS
37 patients (45.1%) had a normal bone mineral density (BMD). A BMD reduction were observed in 45 (54.8%) patients. Lumbar spine Z score was positively related to Body Mass Index (BMI) and a higher Shwachman-Kulczycki score, and negatively related to Crispin-Norman score. A positive and significant correlation was also observed between lumbar spine Z score and total body composition.


CONCLUSIONS
a significant BMD reduction can be present early in CF children and adolescents. A careful follow up of bone status is required starting in childhood.
Unit of Cystic Fibrosis, Department of Pediatric Medicine - Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy. lucidi@opbg.net
Vincenzina
V
Lucidi
Carla
C
Bizzarri
Federico
F
Alghisi
Sergio
S
Bella
Beatrice
B
Russo
Graziamaria
G
Ubertini
Marco
M
Cappa
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000379:methods*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status / Q000502:physiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult