Chronic pediatric inflammatory diseases Effects o

Authors: Anuradha Viswanathan Francisco A Sylvester

Publish Date: 2007/12/29

Volume: 9, Issue: 2, Pages: 107-122

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Abstract

In children chronic inflammatory diseases present a significant challenge to longterm skeletal health These conditions are often associated with poor appetite and suboptimal overall nutrition altered nutrient utilization delayed puberty inactivity and reduced muscle mass all of which can alter bone metabolism In addition bone cell activity is susceptible to the effects of the immune response that characterizes these diseases Moreover drugs used to treat these maladies notably glucocorticoids may have negative effects on bone formation and on linear growth in developing children As a result predicted peak bone mass may not be achieved and fracture risk may be increased in the short term or in the future Studies using primarily dual energy Xray absorptiometry have documented that deficits in bone mass are common in these diseases However there are wide variations in the prevalence of low bone mass largely due to differences in the characteristics of each study population Recent studies provide insight into the pathogenesis of decreased bone mass in these conditions In this paper we will provide an overview of the effects of chronic inflammatory conditions on bone mass in children We will also present relevant data from adult patients when pediatric data are scant or not available

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