Risk factors associated with low bone mineral density and childhood osteoporosis in a population undergoing skeletal growth: a cross-sectional analytic study

Background Early identification of risk factors for low bone mass for chronological age (LBMca) and childhood osteoporosis (cOP) in patients undergoing skeletal growth is essential to mitigate long-term skeletal complications. cOP is diagnosed when LBMca (BMD Z-score <= 2) is accompanied by a cli...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Magallares, B, Cerdá, D, Betancourt, J, Fraga, G, Park, H, Codes-Méndez, H, Quesada-Masachs, E, López-Corbeto, M, Torrent, M, Marín, A, Herrera, S, Gich, I, Boronat, S, Casademont, J, Corominas, H, Malouf, J
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau)
Repositorio:r-IIB SANT PAU. Repositorio Institucional de Producción Científica del Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau
OAI Identifier:oai:iibsantpau.fundanetsuite.com:p19796
Acceso en línea:https://iibsantpau.fundanetsuite.com/Publicaciones/ProdCientif/PublicacionFrw.aspx?id=19796
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:low bone mass for chronological age
childhood osteoporosis
bone fragility
bone mineral density
DXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry)
Descripción
Sumario:Background Early identification of risk factors for low bone mass for chronological age (LBMca) and childhood osteoporosis (cOP) in patients undergoing skeletal growth is essential to mitigate long-term skeletal complications. cOP is diagnosed when LBMca (BMD Z-score <= 2) is accompanied by a clinically significant fracture history, or when vertebral fragility fractures are present.Methods Patients under 21 years of age with at least one risk factor for LBMca (malabsorption syndrome, chronic inflammatory diseases, hematological diseases, endocrinopathies, drugs that affect bone metabolism, or insufficient calcium intake) were included. Data on fractures history and physical activity levels were collected. Spine and whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and vertebral morphometry were performed. Age-adjusted linear regression analysis evaluated associations between bone mineral density (BMD) and risk factors.Results A total of 103 patients were included (mean age 9.8 years; 52.4% female), and 96.1% had more than two risk factors. The prevalence of LBMca was 10.5% and the prevalence of cOP was 4.8%. Vertebral BMD was positively associated with male sex. Whole body BMD was negatively associated with sedentary lifestyle and fracture history. Total body less head BMD showed negative associations with current steroid treatment, sedentary lifestyle, and history of fractures.Conclusions Pediatric populations at risk of LBMca or cOP often have multiple risk factors, notably modifying ones such as physical inactivity. Up to 10.5% of children with risk factors present LBMca and 4.8% have an undiagnosed or unknown cOP. Longitudinal studies are warranted to understand the long-term impact of the identified risk factors, including age, sex, sedentary lifestyle, ethnicity and vitamin D status, on bone health.