Bone densitometry in pediatric patients treated with pamidronate

Background: Increasing numbers of children are being treated with the bisphosphonate pamidronate for low bone mineral density, particularly children with increased risk of fractures caused by bone disorders or low/non-weight bearing. Objective: To determine the effect of intravenous pamidronate on the bone mineral density of children with osteogenesis imperfecta and spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Materials and methods: Charts of 38 children with osteogenesis imperfecta (n=20) and spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (n=18) treated with pamidronate were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were selected for treatment because of prior fracture and/or abnormally low bone mineral density. All received intravenous pamidronate at two-month to eight-month intervals and were periodically examined using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: All patients had abnormally low bone mineral density prior to treatment. Lumbar spine bone mineral density and z-scores showed serial improvement in 31 of 32 patients. Spine bone mineral density increased 78±38.1% in OI and 47.4±39.0% in children with cerebral palsy. The area of greatest lateral distal femur bone mineral density improvement was in the metaphysis adjacent to the growth plate, with a 96±87.8% improvement in the osteogenesis imperfecta group and 65.7±55.2% improvement in the cerebral palsy group. Increases in bone mineral density exceeded that expected for age-specific growth. This was demonstrated by improvement in both spine and femur z-scores for both groups. No children with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy experienced fractures after the first week of treatment, whereas patients with osteogenesis imperfecta continued to have fractures but at a decreased rate. Conclusions: Intravenous pamidronate given at 3- to 4-month intervals proved to be effective in increasing bone mineral density in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta and spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. The greatest gains in bone mineral density were observed in the children with osteogenesis imperfecta, but they did continue to fracture, albeit at a decreased rate. Children with cerebral palsy gained bone mineral density and did not continue to fracture.     

Bone mineral density in children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the severity of and factors related to osteopenia in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Bone mineral density (BMD), calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25OHD3) concentrations were determined in 24 children with CP (15 ambulant, nine non-ambulant), aged between 10 months and 12 years (mean (+/-SD) 4.1+/-2.9 years). These vaules were compared with data obtained from a control group. RESULTS: Adjusted mean BMD values were lower in the patient group than in controls (P<0.05). However, there was no difference between BMD values of ambulant and non-ambulant patients. The Ca and P levels of the patient group were significantly higher than those of controls (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that BMD was decreased in all children with CP, but to a greater extent in non-ambulant children with CP, and immobilization is the major effective factor on bone mineralization.     

The effect of a weight-bearing physical activity program on bone mineral content and estimated volumetric density in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

After an 8-month physical activity intervention in children with cerebral palsy, increases in femoral neck bone mineral content (BMC) (9.6%), volumetric bone mineral density (v BMD) (5.6%), and total proximal femur BMC (11.5%) were observed in the intervention group (n = 9) compared with control subjects (n = 9; femoral neck BMC, -5. 8%; v BMD, -6.3%; total proximal femur BMC, 3.5%).     

Bone mineral density and metabolism in children with congenital hypothyroidism after prolonged l-thyroxine therapy

Abstract The effect of long-term l -thyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy on bone mineral density and on biochemical markers of bone turnover were studied in children with congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Forty-four children and adolescents (mean age 8.5 ± 3.5 years) with primary CH who began LT4 replacement therapy within the first month of life were studied. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebrae and the upper femoral bone was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum osteocalcin (OC) and bone alkaline phosphatase were measured as markers of bone formation and urinary deoxypyridinoline was taken as a marker of bone resorption. Bone mineral densities of CH children were not different from those in age-matched controls. The biochemical markers of bone turnover were normal except for the serum OC levels which were found to be higher than in controls and positively correlated with the free thyroid hormone levels (for FT4 r = 0.42, p = 0.02). Eight CH children demonstrated low BMD values (below -1 SDS) at - 2 ± 0.7 SDS for the lumbar spine and - 1.6 ± 0.5 SDS for the femoral site. These eight children showed lower mean weight ( p < 0.05) and their dietary calcium intake tended to be less ( p < 0.06) than that seen in the normal BMD group. In conclusion, our results show that LT4 replacement therapy for 8 years is not detrimental to the skeletal mineralization of CH children. As in a healthy population, weight and current intake of calcium seem to be major determinants of bone density. Dietary recommendations, especially when calcium intake is below the recommended dietary allowance, may have to be reconsidered.     

Altered bone mass in children at diagnosis of Crohn disease: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have indicated that bone mineral density is reduced in children with inflammatory bowel disease. The exact cause of this reduction is unclear, but it is often attributed to corticosteroid use. This study examined the prevalence of reduced bone mass in otherwise healthy children newly diagnosed with Crohn disease without previous corticosteroid exposure. METHODS: Eighteen steroid-naive children newly diagnosed with Crohn disease underwent dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Disease activity, growth and pubertal development, nutritional assessment and bone mass measurements were recorded. z scores were adjusted for bone age. RESULTS: Five of the 18 patients (28%) had a total bone mineral density z score less than -1 (one had a z score less than -2). Ten (56%) subjects had lumbar spine bone mineral density z scores less than -1 (two had z score less than -2). The subjects had significantly reduced mean lumbar spine bone mineral density z scores (P = 0.002). Delayed pubertal development correlated with whole body bone mineral density z scores (r = 0.64; P = 0.004). Most subjects were not meeting United States recommended dietary allowances for daily intake of calcium, vitamin D and total calories. The majority of subjects were not participating in weight-bearing physical activity. CONCLUSION: Decreased bone mass is common in steroid naive children newly diagnosed with Crohn disease. Crohn disease appears to contribute to impaired bone mass independent of corticosteroid therapy.     

Osteopenia in cerebral palsy.

The bone mineral density of the lumbar spine was assessed in nine non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy combined with measurements of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and urinary calcium excretion. Three children with recurrent fractures received treatment with bisphosphonates for periods ranging from 12-18 months. All the children demonstrated a severe reduction in bone mineral density even when allowance was made for their body weight. There were no consistent abnormalities of vitamin D or parathyroid hormone status. Three children had gross hypercalciuria. Each of the children treated with bisphosphonates demonstrated an increment in bone density ranging from 20-40% with no apparent adverse effects.     

Osteopenia in cerebral palsy

The bone mineral density of the lumbar spine was assessed in nine non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy combined with measurements of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and urinary calcium excretion. Three children with recurrent fractures received treatment with bisphosphonates for periods ranging from 12-18 months. All the children demonstrated a severe reduction in bone mineral density even when allowance was made for their body weight. There were no consistent abnormalities of vitamin D or parathyroid hormone status. Three children had gross hypercalciuria. Each of the children treated with bisphosphonates demonstrated an increment in bone density ranging from 20-40% with no apparent adverse effects.     

Bone mass accretion rates in pre- and early-pubertal South African black and white children in relation to habitual physical activity and dietary calcium intakes

AIM: To examine bone mass changes in 321 black and white South African children in relation to habitual physical activity (PA) levels and calcium intakes. METHODS: Children underwent two bone mass scans at ages nine and 10 years using dual X-Ray absorptiometry. PA levels and calcium intakes were assessed using questionnaires. Data were analyzed by regressing change in bone mineral content (BMC) and bone area (BA) from age nine to 10, against BA (for BMC), height and body weight. The residuals were saved and called residualized BMCGAIN and BAGAIN. Residualized values provide good indication of weight, height and BA-matched accumulation rates. RESULTS: White children had significantly higher PA levels and calcium intakes than black children. Most active white males had significantly higher residualized BMCGAIN and BAGAIN at the whole body, hip and spine but not at the radius, than those who were less active. Most active white females had significantly higher residualized BAGAIN at all sites except the radius than less-active girls. No such effects were seen in black children. There was no interactive effect on residualized BMCGAIN for calcium intake and PA (except at the spine in white girls). CONCLUSION: Bone mass and area gain is accentuated in pre- and early-pubertal children with highest levels of habitual physical activity. Limited evidence of an effect of dietary calcium intakes on BMC was found.     

骨密度测定在特发性血小板减少性紫癜激素治疗患儿中的应用及临床意义

为探讨糖皮质激素治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜 (ITP)时 ,对骨密度 (BMD)的影响及预防措施 ,将44例ITP患儿分3组 ,分别为初发病组、单纯激素治疗6周组及激素加钙和维生素D治疗6周组 (混合治疗组 ) ,以30例单纯呼吸道感染、无内分泌疾患小儿为对照组 ,采用双能X线骨密度测量仪测量骨密度 ,同时进行血清、钙、磷、碱性磷酸酶、肝肾功能及脊椎X线平片检查。单纯激素治疗6周以上的ITP患儿骨密度下降 ,与初发病组、混合治疗6周组及对照组比较 ,差异均有显著意义 (P<0.01,<0.01,<0.05) ;而初发病组、混合治疗组、对照组之间比较 ,差异均无显著意义。表明单纯应用激素治疗ITP6周以上 ,对小儿骨代谢即可产生十分明显的影响 ;在激素治疗同时并用钙、维生素D治疗 ,能预防骨病的发生     

New approach to osteopenia in phenylketonuric patients

AIM: To study bone mineralization in a group of phenylketonuric patients and to search for a possible relationship between bone mineral density, dietary control, serum minerals and nutrition intake. The response to treatment with low-dose 1.25-(OH)2 vitamin D in patients with osteopenia was evaluated. METHODS: Twenty-eight phenylketonuric patients (age range: 10-33 y) on dietary treatment were investigated. Bone density at the lumbar spine (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), bone formation markers (osteocalcin and bone alkaline phosphatase), serum minerals, index of dietary control and protein, vitamin D and mineral intakes were determined. RESULTS: Of the patients studied, 78.6% had good dietary compliance (462 +/- 89 micromol/L). Mean protein, vitamin D and mineral intakes met the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs). Nevertheless, 8 patients had calcium intakes lower than 1000 g/d, and a positive correlation between Z-score and calcium (r = 0.585; p = 0.002) or phosphorus intake (r = 0.546; p = 0.005) was observed. Osteopenia was detected in 14 patients (50%). Moreover, bone alkaline phosphatase in phenylketonuric patients older than 18 y of age was significantly lower than that in controls (p < 0.0001). No correlation was found between bone mineral density, age, serum minerals, bone formation markers or index of dietary control. Treatment with 0.25 microg/d calcitriol significantly increased bone density in 6 patients. CONCLUSION: A defect in bone mineralization was detected in 50% of patients in our series. The correct amount of formula intake seems to be necessary for bone mineralization in phenylketonuric patients. Calcitriol can be a useful treatment for these patients, although more studies are needed to confirm these results. Hypercalcaemia and hypercalciuria need to be carefully monitored.     

虚拟现实训练对痉挛型双瘫脑瘫患儿肢体运动功能的影响

目的 观察虚拟现实（VR）训练对痉挛型双瘫脑瘫患儿上肢精细运动和下肢粗大运动的影响。方法 选取痉挛型双瘫脑瘫患儿35 例,随机分为VR 训练组（n=19）和常规训练组（n=16）,常规训练组给予3 个月的常规运动疗法和作业疗法训练;VR 训练组给予3 个月的VR 训练和作业疗法训练。采用Peabody 运动发育量表的抓握、视觉-运动整合分测试对患儿治疗前后精细运动进行评价,采用88 项粗大运动功能量表（GMFM-88）的D 区及E 区、改良Ashworth 量表（MAS）、Berg 平衡量表（BBS）对患儿治疗前后粗大运动进行评价。结果 治疗前两组患儿抓握、视觉-运动整合、精细运动发育商、GMFM-88 之D 区、E 区评分、MAS评分、BBS 评分无明显差异（P > 0.05）;治疗后,VR 训练组抓握、视觉-运动整合、精细运动发育商、GMFM-88D 区评分、E 区评分、BBS 评分、MAS 评分较常规训练组明显改善（P 结论 VR 训练可有效提高痉挛型双瘫脑瘫患儿上肢精细运动功能和下肢粗大运动功能。     

Spectrum of renal osteodystrophy in children on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of different types of bone disease in chronic renal failure (CRF) has changed significantly during the last decade. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the spectrum of bone disease in children with CRF undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). METHODS: Seventeen children with CRF on CAPD aged 7-20 years were evaluated. All patients had received regular vitamin D and calcium carbonate therapy during the 6 months preceding the bone biopsy. Serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were measured and hand X-rays were performed. Transiliac bone biopsies were analyzed for histologic diagnosis. RESULTS: High turnover renal osteodystrophy (ROD) was the most common bone disease, present in eight patients (47%). Five patients (29%) had low turnover bone disease, and four (24%) had mixed ROD. The mean age of the high turnover ROD group was higher than that of the low turnover group (14 +/- 3 vs. 11 +/- 3 years, P < 0.05). Seven of the nine patients who had tubulo-interstitial nephritis were found to have high turnover bone disease. In contrast, none of the patients with glomerulonephritis exhibited high turnover bone lesions. Mean serum calcium levels were found to be significantly higher in the low turnover group compared with the patients with high turnover bone disease (P < 0.001). A serum iPTH level > 200 pg/mL was 100% sensitive and 66% specific in identifying patients with high turnover ROD. CONCLUSION: The spectrum of bone disease of the children with CRF undergoing CAPD seems to depend on the rate of CRF and primary disease. The risk of developing overt hyperparathyroid bone disease is high in children with slowly progressing forms of renal pathology and especially in those with tubulo-interstitial disease. In contrast, children with glomerular diseases who had a more rapidly progressive course may have a lesser risk of developing high turnover bone disease. The results of the present study indicate that even routinely prescribed regular vitamin D therapy early in the course of disease may lead to low turnover bone lesion in small children who have CRF due to rapidly progressive forms of renal pathology.     

Bone mineral acquisition in low calcium intake children following the withdrawal of calcium supplement

Our recent 18-month calcium supplementation trial demonstrated a significant increase in radial bone mineral mass in 7-year-old children with calcium intake ∼ 300 mg/day (Am J Clin Nutr 1994; 60: 744-50). The persistence of higher bone mass after cessation of calcium supplementation is unknown. This is a follow-up study to investigate the lasting effect of calcium supplementation on bone acquisition. Subjects were 159 Chinese children aged 8.7 years. Distal one-third radial bone mineral content (BMC) and bone width (BW) were measured by single-photon absorptiometry. After 12 months, the significant difference in mean ± SD percentage radial BMC disappeared between the study and control groups (7.34 ± 6.77% vs 8.67 ± 6.46%. p > 0.05). Dietary calcium intakes were similar between the groups. During the supplementation phase, the study group had 17.9% greater BMC gain than that of controls. In the follow-up phase, however, the study group had 16.1% less BMC gain than that of controls. It appears that an increased acquisition rate during the supplementation phase was almost balanced by a reduced acquisition rate during follow-up phase. Moreover, throughout the entire 30-month period, the overall BMC acquisition rates of the study and control groups were 25% and 23.8%, respectively. Hence, the overall acquisition rate of the study group was only 5% higher than that of controls. Therefore, the effect of calcium supplementation on bone mineral gain appears to reflect a transient reduction in bone turnover rate. Longer-term calcium trials are necessary to confirm whether a sustainable higher calcium intake throughout childhood will enhance peak bone mass.     

Axial and peripheral bone mineral acquisition: a 3-year longitudinal study in Chinese adolescents

We performed a 3-year longitudinal study of a group of 179 healthy Chinese adolescents (92 boys and 87 girls) aged from 12 to 16 years to determine the effects of puberty, physical activity, physical fitness, and calcium intake on the acquisition of bone mass. At yearly intervals for 3 consecutive years we recorded nutrition, calcium intake and anthropometric measurements, and assessed pubertal status according to Tanner. Bone mass of the lumbar spine was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and radial bone mass by single-photon absorptiometry. Physical fitness and level of physical activity were assessed and muscle strength and power determined by isokinetic testing. Peripheral bone mass correlated with axial skeleton bone mass. Age, pubertal staging, physical fitness and muscle strength were significantly associated with bone mass increments on cross-sectional univariate and regression analysis. Longitudinal regression analysis showed that the most important factor affecting bone mass accretion in adolescents in both sexes was their pubertal stage. In boys, bone mass increment throughout the study was greater in children who were already in the advanced pubertal stages on entering the study than in those who started puberty in year 2 or 3 of the study. The percentage change in bone mineral content of the forearm and in bone mineral density of the lumbar spine was greater than 25% in the advanced pubertal group as compared to around 20% in the less mature group. For girls, the reverse was true. The increment of bone mass during the study period was significantly greater in those who presented in the earlier pubertal stages than in those who were at the more advanced stage of puberty on entry into the study. There was no significant effect of calcium intake and physical activities on the bone mass accretion. Conclusion In Chinese adolescents, bone mineral accretion at adolescence is not influenced by exercise, level of physical fitness and calcium intake. In both sexes, and especially in girls, to optimally increase bone mass, regular physical exercise programmes should be instituted well before the onset of puberty rather than at or after it. Once puberty starts, these interventions may have no or only limited effect. Received: 23 September 1998 / Accepted in revised form: 11 January 1999     

卡马西平、丙戊酸钠、托吡酯对3～12岁癫癎儿童骨代谢的影响

目的探讨抗癫癎(EP)药物(AEDs)卡马西平(CBZ)、丙戊酸钠(VPA)、托吡酯(TPM)对EP患儿骨代谢影响。方法实验组为90例3～12岁原发性EP患儿,根据治疗药物不同随机分为CBZ、VPA、TPM组各30例。除口服上述药物外未予其他任何药物治疗,疗程6～12个月。于治疗前和治疗后3、6个月分别测定骨密度(BMD)、骨碱性磷酸酶(BAP)、血钙、磷、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)。对照组为30例未治疗原发性EP患儿,同期检测上述指标。对上述骨代谢指标进行评价。结果实验组治疗前后BMD、BAP、钙、磷、ALP与对照组比较无显著性差异(Pa>0.05)。实验组CBZ、VPA、TPM治疗前后5种骨代谢指标比较亦无显著性差异(Pa>0.05)。结论短期服用CBZ、VPA、TPM对3～12岁EP患儿骨代谢无影响。     

Osteopenia, physical activity and health-related quality of life in survivors of brain tumors treated in childhood

BACKGROUND: Osteopenia has been reported in children surviving acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumors, apparently as a consequence of therapy. It has been suggested that cranial irradiation may play a role in the development of this complication. In order to explore that possibility, we examined survivors of brain tumors treated with and without radiation in childhood to investigate associations between radiation, osteopenia, physical activity, health status and overall health-related quality of life (HRQL). PROCEDURE: Subjects were survivors of posterior fossa tumors (astrocytoma or medulloblastoma) or optic glioma, < 18 years of age at diagnosis and > 1 year off treatment. Measurements of growth velocity, body composition, bone densitometry, physical activity and HRQL were undertaken. RESULTS: Twenty-five (62.5%) of the 40 eligible patients participated in the study. Of the 25 patients, 12 (48%) received radiation therapy (R group) while 13 received no radiation (NR group). Growth hormone (GH) deficiency had been detected in three subjects, one had completed GH therapy while two were still on hormone replacement. The prevalence of osteopenia was 44% in the entire group, and 67% versus 27% in the R and NR groups. Florid osteoporosis was present in 20% of the entire group, more than 40% of the R group but none of the NR group. A significant correlation (P < 0.01) was observed between overall HRQL and Z scores of bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine. Pain and ambulation/mobility utility scores correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with BMD, while levels of physical activity correlated (P < 0.05) with overall HRQL utility scores. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates that in survivors of brain tumors treated in childhood, radiation therapy is associated with significant loss of bone mineral. Among these survivors, HRQL is less, pain is more severe and ambulation is more restricted in those with low BMD scores. The reduction in HRQL is reflected in diminished physical activity. A larger multi-center study is needed to confirm these results.     

A randomised controlled trial of standing programme on bone mineral density in non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Severely disabled children with cerebral palsy (CP) are prone to low trauma fractures, which are associated with reduced bone mineral density. AIMS: To determine whether participation in 50% longer periods of standing (in either upright or semi-prone standing frames) would lead to an increase in the vertebral and proximal tibial volumetric trabecular bone mineral density (vTBMD) of non-ambulant children with CP. METHODS: A heterogeneous group of 26 pre-pubertal children with CP (14 boys, 12 girls; age 4.3-10.8 years) participated in this randomised controlled trial. Subjects were matched into pairs using baseline vertebral vTBMD standard deviation scores. Children within the pairs were randomly allocated to either intervention (50% increase in the regular standing duration) or control (no increase in the regular standing duration) groups. Pre- and post-trial vertebral and proximal tibial vTBMD was measured by quantitative computed tomography (QCT). RESULTS: The median standing duration was 80.5% (9.5-102%) and 140.6% (108.7-152.2%) of the baseline standing duration in the control group and intervention group respectively. The mean vertebral vTBMD in the intervention group showed an increase of 8.16 mg/cm3 representing a 6% mean increase in vertebral vTBMD. No change was observed in the mean proximal tibial vTBMD. CONCLUSION: A longer period of standing in non-ambulant children with CP improves vertebral but not proximal tibial vTBMD. Such an intervention might reduce the risk of vertebral fractures but is unlikely to reduce the risk of lower limb fractures in children with CP.     

A randomised controlled trial of standing programme on bone mineral density in non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy

Background: Severely disabled children with cerebral palsy (CP) are prone to low trauma fractures, which are associated with reduced bone mineral density. Aims: To determine whether participation in 50% longer periods of standing (in either upright or semi-prone standing frames) would lead to an increase in the vertebral and proximal tibial volumetric trabecular bone mineral density (vTBMD) of non-ambulant children with CP. Methods: A heterogeneous group of 26 pre-pubertal children with CP (14 boys, 12 girls; age 4.3–10.8 years) participated in this randomised controlled trial. Subjects were matched into pairs using baseline vertebral vTBMD standard deviation scores. Children within the pairs were randomly allocated to either intervention (50% increase in the regular standing duration) or control (no increase in the regular standing duration) groups. Pre- and post-trial vertebral and proximal tibial vTBMD was measured by quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Results: The median standing duration was 80.5% (9.5–102%) and 140.6% (108.7–152.2%) of the baseline standing duration in the control group and intervention group respectively. The mean vertebral vTBMD in the intervention group showed an increase of 8.16 mg/cm³ representing a 6% mean increase in vertebral vTBMD. No change was observed in the mean proximal tibial vTBMD. Conclusion: A longer period of standing in non-ambulant children with CP improves vertebral but not proximal tibial vTBMD. Such an intervention might reduce the risk of vertebral fractures but is unlikely to reduce the risk of lower limb fractures in children with CP.     

Attempted randomized controlled trial of pamidronate versus calcium and calcitriol supplements for management of steroid-induced osteoporosis in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES: To describe an attempted interventional trial for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in children and adolescents and to discuss the reasons for trial failure to inform future interventional studies in this important group of patients. METHODS: Prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the effect of bisphosphonate therapy with calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral accrual is described. For non-trial patients, retrospective analysis of the effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation combined with bisphosphonate treatment on bone mineral accrual. RESULTS: Only 12 patients were enrolled in the trial over 4 years. Bisphosphonate recipients (n = 5) had a mean annual percentage increase in lumbar spine bone mineral density of 8.76 +/- 5.2% compared to 6.6 +/- 4.0% in the calcium/vitamin-treated group (difference not significant). Mean annual change in lumbar spine areal bone mineral density in non-trial patients (n = 11) was 3.72 +/- 2.5%. CONCLUSION: Conducting a randomized controlled trial in this group of corticosteroid users is difficult, given the unpredictable nature of the underlying disease and intermittent need for steroid treatment. The trial failed through inadequate recruitment combined with discontinued interventions.     

Evaluation of bone mineral metabolism in children receiving carbamazepine and valproic acid

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to assess lumbar spine (L2-4) and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) in 36 children taking either carbamazepine or valproic acid for longer than one year, for generalized idiopathic epilepsy. Patients were matched with controls. Biochemical parameters of bone mineral metabolism were also measured. BMD values at both the femur neck and lumbar spine in both the carbamazepine and valproic acid groups were not significantly different from that of the control group. Serum levels of calcium were subnormal and alkaline phosphatase levels were high in the carbamazepine group. Urinary calcium levels were significantly lower in both groups than in the control group (p< or =0.05) and also significantly lower in the valproic acid group than in the carbamazepine group (p< or = 0.05). There were no other significant biochemical changes in either group. In conclusion, the results suggest that valproic acid and carbamazepine monotherapies have minimal effects on bone mineral metabolism, but routine monitoring of risk and consideration of prophylactic vitamin D supplementation is important.