Bone Abstracts

Children with chronic gastroduodenitis (CGD) have decreased absorption of nutrients, minerals particularly, which can influence on bone strength and linear growth.

Objectives: We evaluated bone mineral density (BMD) in children with CGD and compared with healthy individuals.

Methods: BMD was measured in 97 children aged 5–13 years by lumbar spine DXA (DPX MD+, Lunar) with pediatric reference database. BMD was evaluated according official positions of International Society of Clinical Densitometry (2007). Calcium supplementation was estimated by urine calcium\creatinine relation. The main group consists of 42 CGD children, the control group – 55 healthy children.

Results: BMD and calcium supplementation was related to age, height and weight (r=0.25; r=0.5 r=0.3 relatively, P<0.05). BMD, BMC, BA and calcium\creatinine relation in CGD children were lower (P<0.04) then in healthy controls. Decreased BMD had 36% CGD children and 26% healthy controls when children’s BMD was compared with densitometer reference database. After adjustment of BMD with height the number of children with decreased BMD reduced more than three times in both groups, so low BMD for chronologic age (<−2 S.D.) in CGD children was detected in 12% compare to healthy controls – 7%, P<0.05). False-positive decreased BMD was detected predominantly in children with growth delay (height was lower 10th percentile for chronological age). Applying ISCD recommendations allowed reduce more than three times the overdiagnosis of decreased BMD which prevent them from inappropriate treatment.

Conclusion: Children with CGD had insufficient calcium supplementation. Near 10% of CGD children had growth delay. Clinically significant BMD declining was detected more often in CGD children.