Bone mineralization disorders in patients with cystic fibrosis in Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

Deterioration of mineral bone density (BMD) is common in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). It is a result of several reasons such as poor nutritional status, chronic inflammation, use of glucocorticoid therapy and others. The aim of the study was to determinate the prevalence of deterioration of mineral bone density in patients with CF by the method of absorption of X-ray dual-wavelenght (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-DXA) and the impact of clinical factors age, nutritional status and severity lung disease on its appearance. The study included 80 patients with CF aged 5 to 36 years who are treated at the University Children's Hospital in Skopje. Patients with CF were devided into 3 age groups: pre-puberty, from 5-11 years, puberty and adolescence 12-18 years and adults 19-36 years. All patients underwent examination of bone mineral density by DXA of the lumbal spine and some clinical parameters (body weight and height) and functional lung tests (forced expiratory volume in the first second-FEV1 and forced vital capacity-FVC). Most CF patients (68,75%) had normal mineral density (BMD); 21.25% were with osteopenia and 10% had osteoporosis. Patients with CF who have osteoporosis and osteopenia had statistically significant worse clinical parameters compared to these with normal BMD. Early detection of bone disease and prompt treatment is important in order to prevent fractures and other complications.