Bone Abstracts

Low bone mass is common in thalassemia (Thal) and sickle cell disease (SCD). Bone pain is also reported, though its relationship to low bone mass has not been explored. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of vertebral height abnormalities (VHA) and evaluate the relationship between VHA, low bone mass and patient assessed pain in Thal and SCD. Data were collected from the Thalassemia Clinical Research Network Pain Survey study and CHRCO Clinical Bone Density...

Thalassemia (Thal) is a genetic disorder of hemoglobin synthesis. In its most severe form patients require chronic blood transfusions to sustain life leading to iron overload unless excess iron is removed by chelators. Deferasirox (DFX) and deferoxamine (DFO) are the two most common chelators. DFX has recently been shown to reduce osteoclast activity in vitro.Objective: To explore the association between chelation therapy, bone density and verte...

Poor bone mineralization remains a major health problem in patients with Thal and has been linked to functional zinc deficiency despite adequate dietary intake. The global etiology of poor bone mineralization includes inadequate dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, endocrinopathies leading to disturbed calcium homeostasis, dysregulation of the GH–IGF1 axis, and delayed puberty, all resulting in limited growth, decreased bone formation and increased bone resorption. Th...