Bone Abstracts

Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) is a bone derived phosphate-regulating hormone which is elevated in hypophosphataemic rickets. Recent findings demonstrate iron deficiency as a potential mediator of FGF23 expression and murine studies have shown in utero effects of maternal iron deficiency leading to increased FGF23 concentration and disordered bone development (Clinkenbeard. JBMR 2013). Children with rickets in rural Gambia, West Africa, have high prevalences of i...

Bone accrual and the attainment of peak bone mass influence an individual’s predisposition to fracture or osteoporosis later in life. The developmental tempo and the movement of the periosteal and endosteal surfaces of the appendicular skeleton during growth result in variations in bone mineral content and density. During puberty the differential in peak height and peak bone mass accretion negatively influence bone strength. A surrogate measure of bone strength is the met...

Objectives: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) – is a chronic inflammatory disease of joints which can affect optimal linear growth, risk of fractures and bone quality during the childhood and adult life. The aim of our study was to detect the simple clinical and laboratorial markers which can predict the realization of low bone mineral density (LBMD <−2 S.D.) in children with JIA.Methods: 198 children (82 boys and 116 girl...

Objective: Our earlier study using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry had shown that longer duration of type 1 diabetes (T1DM) in children was associated with small and slender bones. The objective of this study was to assess bone geometry in children and adolescents with T1DM using a pQCT.Methods: We studied 69 children (8.3 to 18.7 years of age, 29 boys) with T1DM. Anthropometry and biochemical assessments (glycosylated Hb (HbA1c), Vitamin D and PTH) wer...

Background: X linked hypophosphataemic rickets is the commonest cause of renal phosphate wasting, however sporadic cases may warrant additional investigations to exclude less common causes, as exemplified by our case.Presenting problem: A 3 year 7 month boy was referred for assessment and ongoing management of rickets and short stature (height less than 1st %.) He originally presented with leg bowing and waddling gait from the age of 12 months...

Objectives: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of vitamin D to reduce the incidence of infections among children have yielded variable results (Holland, 2012; Camargo, 2012). We performed a RCT of supplementation with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) along with calcium or supplementation with zinc in order to assess their effect on the incidence of infections in rural Indian school children.Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT was conducted on 46...

Objectives: Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) are at high risk of reduced bone mass. The aim of this intervention study was to investigate the long-term effects on bone and body composition three years after intense weight gain therapy.Methods: Twenty-five female AN patients, mean age 20.1 years, mean BMI of 15.5 kg/m2, were included. Twenty-two patients fulfilled the treatment for 12 weeks with a high-energy diet. Body composition and bone ...

Objectives: Bisphosphonate infusions are associated with numerous adverse effects including acute systemic inflammatory reactions and electrolyte abnormalities. The aims of this study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 3-day course of prednisone on children receiving their first dose of pamidronate or zoledronic acid.Methods: A retrospective cohort of 166 patients (85 males) were commenced on pamidronate (16%) or zoledronic acid (84%) for trea...

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) of prematurity is a well-recognized complication of preterm birth. Yet there is limited evidence for the optimal assessment, monitoring, and subsequent bone health management.Retrospective audit of 171 infants born <32 weeks’ gestation between November 2012 and January 2014 at three Monash Health neonatal units (Melbourne, Australia) was undertaken. Infants had mean gestational age (GA) 28.6±2.1 weeks and birth ...

Background: We have previously shown that MLO-Y4 osteocytes express a number of P2 receptors, respond to a broad range of nucleotides (e.g. UTP) by increasing intracellular calcium concentration and release ATP upon both mechanical and UTP stimulation. The aim of this study therefore is to investigate how the osteocytes release ATP and whether there is a difference in release pathway depending on the type of stimulus.Methods: ATP release was investigated...