Extensive reference data sets of pediatric bone density measurements are now available, together with equations to translate BMD into relevant Z-scores and correct for abnormal stature. So now is the right time to ask: are you thinking about bone density in children correctly?
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 12 print issues and online access
$209.00 per year
only $17.42 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
References
Zemel, B. S. et al. Revised reference curves for bone mineral content and areal bone mineral density according to age and sex for black and non-black children: results of the Bone Mineral Density in Childhood Study. J. Clin. Endocrin. Metab. 96, 3160–3169 (2011).
Gafni, R. I. & Baron, J. Overdiagnosis of osteoporosis in children due to misinterpretation of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). J. Pediatr. 144, 253–257 (2004).
Leonard, M. B., Propert, K. J., Zemel, B. S., Stallings, V. A & Feldman, H. I. Discrepancies in pediatric bone mineral density reference data: Potential for misdiagnosis of osteopenia. J. Pediatr. 135, 182–188 (1999).
Gordon, C. M. et al. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry interpretation and reporting in children and adolescents: the 2007 ISCD Pediatric Official Positions. J. Clin. Densitom. 11, 43–58 (2008).
Breukhoven, P. E., Leunissen, R. W, de Kort, S. W., Willemsen, R. H. & Hokken-Koelega, A. C. Preterm birth does not affect bone mineral density in young adults. Eur. J. Endocrinol. 164, 133–138 (2011).
Kanis, J. A. et al. Interpretation and use of FRAX in clinical practice. Osteoporos. Int. 22, 2395–2411 (2011).
Bachrach, L. K., Sills, I. N & Section on Endocrinology. Clinical report—bone densitometry in children and adolescents. Pediatrics 127, 189–194 (2011).
Lewiecki, E. M., Baim, S., Langman, C. B. & Bilezikian, J. P. The official positions of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry: perceptions and commentary. J. Clin. Densitom. 12, 267–271 (2009).
Leonard, M. B. et al. Effects of sex, race, and puberty on cortical bone and the functional muscle bone unit in children, adolescents, and young adults. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 95, 1681–1689 (2010).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Ethics declarations
Competing interests
The author declares no competing financial interests.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Langman, C. Measuring pediatric BMD—the bar raised but the glass half full. Nat Rev Endocrinol 8, 8–9 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2011.205
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2011.205
