Low bone mineral density is associated with fatty liver disease and respiratory illness in a pediatric mortality sample
Authors' conclusion
The mechanisms of low BMD in individuals with fatty liver disease and respiratory illness are likely multifactorial and involve vitamin D deficiency (malnutrition, malabsorption), systemic inflammation, and sedentary lifestyles. However, better awareness of this relationship can provide clinicians with the ability to introduce nutritional and behavioral interventions early to mitigate deleterious effects on bone. Harris lines, on the other hand, mark temporary growth cessation due to physiological stress followed by a rapid resumption of growth. Low BMD in these individuals may be due to bone mineralization lagging behind relatively rapid linear growth.
Study context
- Population
- Pediatric mortality sample (aged 0.5 to 20.9 years) from New Mexico
- Outcome
- Associations of z-standardized HU (proxy for trabecular bone mineral density (BMD)) at L4 and femoral neck with age, sex, medical conditions, Harris lines and growth stunting
Methodological detailspostmortem CT, linear regression
- Postmortem CT
- Linear regression
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Lumbar hounsfield units (HU) significantly lower with fatty liver disease and respiratory illness
- Femoral HU significantly lower with Harris lines
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
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