Osteoporosis in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Immobilization, poor feeding skills and inadequate calcium intake, limited sun light exposure and anticonvulsant medication in children with cerebral palsy (CP) predisposes these children to osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to determine the bone mimeral density (BMD) in our group of children with CP, compare it with the control group and investigate the relationship of BMD with probable risk factors of osteoporosis. Twenty-three children with CP (mean age 9,15 ± 4,13 years, range 5-17 years) and 15 healthy children ( mean age 8,13 ± 2,82) were included in the study. The patient group was especially investigated for anticonvulsant medication, dietary habits, sunlight exposure and daily duration of ambulation. In physical examination clinical type of CP, muscle tonus and type of ambulation were recorded. The BMD of the children was measured with dual x- ray absorptiometry (DEXA Lunar) in lumbar region and total body. Lomber and total BMD in children with CP were lower than that of controls, but this result was not statistically significant. In the patient group BMD in the arms was higher (p< 0.05). Lomber and total BMD were lower in children with inadequate dietary calcium intake (p< 0.05). We concluded that osteoporosis and related risk of fractures should be taken into consideration when dealing with CP and more studies with larger groups of children should be planned.

Keywords

• Cerebral palsy
• osteoporosis
• risk factors