Low bone mineral density and decreased bone turnover in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

• Published in: Neuromuscular disorders : NMD 2007-12, Vol.17 (11), p.919-928
• Main Authors: Söderpalm, Ann-Charlott, Magnusson, Per, Åhlander, Anne-Christine, Karlsson, Jón, Kroksmark, Anna-Karin, Tulinius, Már, Swolin-Eide, Diana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Biomarkers - analysis; Biomarkers - metabolism; Bone and Bones - drug effects; Bone and Bones - metabolism; Bone and Bones - physiopathology; Bone Density - drug effects; Bone Density - physiology; Bone markers; Bone Resorption - chemically induced; Bone Resorption - metabolism; Bone Resorption - physiopathology; Calciotropic hormones; Calcium - metabolism; Child; Child, Preschool; Children; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; DXA; Glucocorticoids - adverse effects; Humans; Leptin - metabolism; Male; MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES; MEDICIN; MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP; MEDICINE; Muscle Strength - genetics; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne - drug therapy; Neurology; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Osteogenesis - genetics; Osteoporosis - chemically induced; Osteoporosis - metabolism; Osteoporosis - physiopathology; Prednisolone - adverse effects; Skeleton; Steroids; Vitamin D Deficiency - etiology; Vitamin D Deficiency - physiopathology
• ISSN: 0960-8966; 1873-2364; 1873-2364
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2007.05.008

Abstract This cross-sectional study examined bone mineral density, bone turnover, body composition and calciotropic hormones in 24 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) (2.3–19.7 years), most of whom were being treated with prednisolone, and 24 age-matched healthy boys. Our study demonstrated lower bone mineral density in the DMD group for total body, spine, hip, heel and forearm measurements. These differences between DMD patients and controls increased with increasing age. Biochemical markers of both bone formation and resorption revealed reduced bone turnover in DMD patients. The fracture rate was not higher in DMD patients. The DMD group had low vitamin D levels but high leptin levels in comparison with the control group. Muscle strength correlated with bone mineral density assessed at the hip and heel in the DMD group. Interventions that increase bone formation should be considered, as DMD patients have reduced bone turnover in addition to their low bone mineral density.