Evaluation of osteopenia in children with cystic fibrosis

Osteopenia has been found to be more prevalant in patients with cystic fibrosis. A pilot study was conducted to determine: (1) whether there was bone deficit at the prepubertal stage and (2) whether it was due to lack of accumulation versus accelerated bone resorption. This descriptive study involved a sample of 11 patients between the ages of 8 and 12 and weight- and gender-matched controls. Bone density and markers of bone formation and resorption were measured. There was no significant difference between patients and controls in bone density, nor markers of bone formation and resorption. The difference in bone density found between patients and controls appears to take place after onset of puberty and may be due to multiple factors, including delay in puberty and severity of disease. A longitudinal study of this same patient population may help to better understand the process of bone loss in these patients.