Effect of Vitamin D and calcium on bone mineral density in children with CP and epilepsy in full-time care

Atraumatic fractures are often seen in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and epilepsy in full-time care. Increased bone fragility was postulated to be due to osteopenia resulting from a combination of factors including immobilization and antiepileptic treatment. The aim of this study...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Developmental medicine and child neurology 2000-06, Vol.42 (6), p.403-405, Article S0012162200000736
Main Authors: Jekovec-Vrhovsek, M, Kocijancic, A, Prezelj, J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Absorptiometry, Photon
Adolescent
Adolescent, Institutionalized
Alkaline Phosphatase - blood
Anticonvulsants - therapeutic use
Bone Density - drug effects
Bone Diseases, Metabolic - blood
Bone Diseases, Metabolic - complications
Bone Diseases, Metabolic - drug therapy
Calcitriol - administration & dosage
Calcium - administration & dosage
Calcium - blood
Cerebral Palsy - blood
Cerebral Palsy - complications
Child
Child, Institutionalized
Epilepsy - blood
Epilepsy - complications
Epilepsy - drug therapy
Female
Humans
Male
Original Articles
Phosphates - blood
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Atraumatic fractures are often seen in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and epilepsy in full-time care. Increased bone fragility was postulated to be due to osteopenia resulting from a combination of factors including immobilization and antiepileptic treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin D and calcium substitution on bone mineral density (BMD) in a group of children with CP in full-time care. Twenty children with the most severe form of CP (spastic quadriplegia) who had been treated with antiepileptic drugs for a relatively long period of time were included in the study. Physical examination and laboratory analyses excluded other possible causes of osteopenia. BMD was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Thirteen patients were treated for 9 months with 1,25-dihydroxy-cholecalciferol vitamin D (0.25 mcg daily) and with calcium (500 mg daily). Seven control children were used for observation only. BMD greatly increased in the treated group, while children with CP in full-time care who did not receive vitamin D and calcium substitution continued to lose their bone mass. It can be concluded that the addition of vitamin D and calcium increases BMD in children with the most severe form of CP, who are receiving antiepileptic drugs.
ISSN:0012-1622
1469-8749
DOI:10.1017/S0012162200000736