Management of osteoporosis in children

• Published in: European journal of endocrinology Vol. 159; no. suppl_1; pp. S33 - S39
• Main Author: Shaw, Nicholas J
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol BioScientifica 01.12.2008
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Bone and Bones - abnormalities; Bone Density Conservation Agents - adverse effects; Bone Density Conservation Agents - therapeutic use; Child; Cytokines - metabolism; Diphosphonates - adverse effects; Diphosphonates - therapeutic use; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Endocrinopathies; Fractures, Bone - etiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Glucocorticoids - adverse effects; Humans; Inflammation Mediators - metabolism; Medical sciences; Mobility Limitation; Osteoporosis - complications; Osteoporosis - diagnosis; Osteoporosis - etiology; Osteoporosis - therapy; Osteoporosis. Osteomalacia. Paget disease; Primary Prevention - methods; Puberty, Delayed - complications; Terminology as Topic; Thinness - complications; Vertebrates: endocrinology; Human; Osteoporosis; Clinical management; Treatment; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Child; Endocrinology
• ISSN: 0804-4643; 1479-683X
• DOI: 10.1530/EJE-08-0282

Osteoporosis is being increasingly recognised in paediatric practice as a consequence of several factors. These include the increasing complexity of chronic conditions and the associated treatments managed by paediatricians. In addition, the improved care provided to children with chronic illness has led to many of them living long enough to develop osteoporosis. The availability of methods to assess bone density in children as a surrogate marker of bone strength and the possibility of medical treatment to increase bone density have also resulted in an increased awareness of groups of children who may be at risk of osteoporosis. This article reviews the current definition of osteoporosis in children, aetiological factors and the evidence for effective treatment.