The burden of bone disease in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: age-specific prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone density
Authors' conclusion
Osteoporosis, fractures, and low BMD were highly prevalent from a young age in children and adolescents with DMD and increased progressively with age and GC exposure.
Study context
- Population
- Children and adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) on daily glucocorticoid (GC) therapy, Cincinnati Children's Comprehensive Neuromuscular Center, over 9 yearsmean age 8.0 ± 3.5 years
- Participants
- 408 children
- Outcome
- Age-related prevalence of osteoporosis
Methodological detailssingle-centre
- Single-centre
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Osteoporosis prevalence by age
Age 5 years
4.4%
Age 10 years
20.9%
Age 18 years
58.3%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Prevalence of long bone and/or vertebral fractures by age
- Age 5 years
- 16.5%
- Age 10 years
- 37.4%
- Age 18 years
- 83.3%
Bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores relative to osteoporosis
- Low total body BMD Z-scores preceded clinically detectable osteoporosis, while low lumbar spine values lagged behind
Original publication
The burden of bone disease in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: age-specific prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone density. Osteoporos Int. Published 30 March 2026. doi:10.
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