Article Text
Abstract
Background: Diminished bone mineral density (BMD) is a well known complication in women with classic galactosaemia caused by premature ovarian failure. Diminished BMD in prepubertal patients of either sex has, however, only been reported once.
Aim: To assess BMD in children with classic galactosaemia.
Methods: Eleven treated patients (five males, six females, aged 2–18 years) had BMD determined by dual energy x ray absorptiometry. Two measurements were performed, an areal measurement of the total body and a volumetric measurement of the femoral neck. Results were expressed as Z scores. Dietary calcium intake, blood calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, parathormone, and markers of bone formation (bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin) and bone resorption (NTX) were determined.
Results: All patients had a significantly diminished BMD. Mean Z score of the volumetric BMD was −1.76 (range −0.7 to −3.3), and of the areal BMD −0.99 (range −0.5 to −1.4). Dietary calcium intake and calcium, phosphate, parathormone, bone alkaline phosphatase, vitamin D metabolites, and osteocalcin (free and carboxylated) were normal in all patients. NTX levels in blood were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in control subjects.
Conclusion: BMD in this group of children of both sexes with classic galactosaemia under dietary treatment was decreased. Lower NTX levels in galactosaemics point to an apparent decreased bone resorption.
- galactosaemia
- bone mineral density
- DXA
- NTX
- BAP, bone alkaline phosphatase
- BMD, bone mineral density
- cOC, carboxylated osteocalcin
- DXA, dual energy x ray absorptiometry
- NTX, type I collagen aminotelopeptide
- QCT, quantitated computed tomography
- ucOC, uncarboxylated osteocalcin