Bone Abstracts

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) tea is a refreshing and caffeine-free tea indigenous to the Western Cape regions of South Africa. This tea, which is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, has shown many beneficial effects in health, however, its anti-osteoclastogenic potential remains unexplored. In this study, the in vitro effects of an aqueous extract of fermented rooibos tea were examined on osteoclast formation and bone resorption in RAW264.7 murine macropha...

Background: Acquired hypophosphataemic rickets is an unusual presentation in children and usually consequent on renal tubular damage. One of the factors important in phosphate homeostasis is FGF23. Healthy individuals maintain normal phosphate homeostasis by coupling FGF23 production with proteolytic cleavage. Iron deficiency stimulates FGF23 transcription and is a novel mechanism of FGF23 elevation. We present two children who presented with iron deficiency anaemia and hypoph...

Objectives: To assess lumbar spine (LS) BMD Z-scores and the prevalence of vertebral fractures using DXA lateral vertebral (VFA) assessment in children and adolescents with chronic illnesses on GCs.Methods: All children between the ages of 5 and 17 years with chronic non-malignant illnesses who were on GCs (intravenous or oral) for greater than 3 months duration were evaluated. Study participants were children attending the paediatric sub-specia...