Multiple prevalent fractures in relation to macroscopic bone architecture in patients with cystic fibrosis

J Cyst Fibros. 2018 Jan;17(1):114-120. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2016.06.004. Epub 2016 Jun 18.

Abstract

Background: The relative risk for bone fractures in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and its relationship to macroscopic bone architecture assessed by pQCT and DXA are incompletely defined.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 43 CF patients (age, 17.8±6.2years), rate and location of fractures, bone mass, density, geometry, and strength of the radius as well as forearm muscle size were investigated.

Results: The fracture rate in CF was 9.2-fold higher compared to an age-matched German control population. The probability of remaining free of any fracture in CF patients at 25years was reduced to 39.8% compared to 84.6% in controls (P<0.001). Assessment of macroscopic bone architecture by DXA and pQCT allowed the differentiation of patients with multiple prevalent fractures with a high sensitivity (up to 100%) and specificity (up to 94.3%).

Conclusions: Bone densitometry is a useful tool for noninvasive assessment of fracture risk in CF patients.

Keywords: Bone densitometry; Bone disease; Cystic fibrosis; Fracture rate; Macroscopic bone architecture; Noninvasive monitoring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon / methods
  • Adolescent
  • Bone Density*
  • Child
  • Correlation of Data
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Cystic Fibrosis* / complications
  • Cystic Fibrosis* / epidemiology
  • Cystic Fibrosis* / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone* / epidemiology
  • Fractures, Bone* / etiology
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Radius* / diagnostic imaging
  • Radius* / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Young Adult