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Non-invasive measurement of bone: a review of clinical and research applications in the horse.

The current methods for non-invasive measurement of bone quality are reviewed. In the horse this has traditionally involved the use of radiography, but there are now two other modalities available for the critical evaluation of cortical bone quality and strength. These utilise single photon absorptiometry and ultrasound velocity. Photon absorptiometry gives a direct measurement of bone mineral content, by using a monoenergetic radionuclide source, and transverse ultrasound velocity in bone gives a measure of bone stiffness or elasticity. They can both be used conveniently on the metacarpus of the conscious horse. Both ultrasound velocity and bone mineral content can be used as accurate indicators of skeletal maturity. In addition, the effects of disuse on bone and certain types of lameness can be monitored accurately. Preliminary data show an association with exercise in young and mature horses. There also appears to be considerable scope for in vivo research of bone changes in horses produced by immobilisation, weightlessness, exercise and nutrition.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Effects of hormonal status on bone density in adolescent girls.

Few data are available on bone density in late adolescence. We studied factors affecting peak bone density in females. Forty-three white girls, aged 13-20 yr, were studied. Integrated estrogen exposure over the pubertal years was obtained by a score based on physiological events known to reflect circulation estrogen levels. The subjects were selected to provide great variation in estrogen exposure. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by single photon absorptiometry (midradius) and dual photon absorptiometry (spine and first metatarsal of the foot). Weight, estrogen score, and testosterone levels were highly correlated with BMD of the spine, wrist, and foot (P less than 0.05). Age correlated positively only with the BMD of the wrist. Twenty-four girls reaching ages 18-20 yr in the 2 yr of observation were divided into groups reflecting low (less than 24), medium (25-48), and high (greater than or equal to 49) estrogen exposure. The lowest scoring groups had the lowest spine and wrist BMD (P less than 0.05). This group weighed less and had lower weight to height ratio (P less than 0.05), the lowest weight (P less than 0.05) during adolescence, the highest age of menarche, and the highest amount of fiber in the diet (P less than 0.05). These subjects were separated into low and high BMD groups. Those subjects with the lowest values for spine, wrist, and foot were found to have significantly lower estrogen exposure scores and lower weight/height ratios; in addition, low BMD of the foot was associated with higher activity levels. Thus, wrist and spine BMD are affected by estrogen exposure during adolescence and weight; foot BMD, in addition, was negatively affected by activity, suggesting that bone mass in the active adolescent is affected by the absence of estrogen exposure.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Normal bone density of the wrist and spine and increased wrist fractures in girls with Turner's syndrome.

Turner's syndrome is associated with multiple skeletal abnormalities, including osteoporosis. We evaluated the hypothesis that girls with Turner's syndrome may have deficient bone density before the expected age of pubertal onset (9-13 yr) by comparing the bone mineral content of the wrist and lumbar spine in 78 girls with Turner's syndrome (4-13 yr old) and 28 normal prepubertal girls who were matched for age, bone age, body mass index, or height age. The bone mineral content of the wrist and spine was measured by single photon absorptiometry (SPA) and dual photon absorptiometry (DPA), respectively. SPA values for girls with Turner's syndrome vs. normal subjects (4-6.9, 7-9.9, and 10-12.9 yr old) were (mean +/- SD) 0.27 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.36 +/- 0.05, 0.35 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.41 +/- 0.06, and 0.41 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.45 +/- 0.03 g/cm2, respectively. SPA values in the Turner's syndrome girls were decreased compared to those in normal prepubertal girls, matched for age (P less than 0.0001), bone age, (P less than 0.001), and body mass index (BMI; P less than 0.0001), but not for height age. DPA values for girls with Turner's syndrome vs. normal girls in the same age categories were 0.65 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.70 +/- 0.09, 0.77 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.79 +/- 0.09, and 0.83 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.78 +/- 0.07 g/cm2. DPA values in Turner's syndrome girls (as a group) were decreased compared to those in normal prepubertal girls matched for age (P less than 0.05) and BMI (P less than 0.02), but not for bone age or height age. The annual incidence rate of wrist fractures in Turner's syndrome girls (9.1 of 1000) was significantly increased compared to the reported annual incidence rate in normal children (3.5 of 1000; P less than 0.003). We conclude that prepubertal-aged girls with Turner's syndrome (less than 13 yr old) have normal bone density for height age, but significantly decreased bone density of the wrist for chronological age, bone age, and BMI. They also have significantly more wrist fractures than normal girls, but it is not clear that this is related to their bone density.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

[Cortical and trabecular bone lesions in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus].

To determinate which type of bone is damaged in IDDM, we assessed the bone mineral content (BMC) in both cortical and trabecular bones, in a group of 48 IDDM patients without hepatic or kidney diseases, or any other pathology with implications in the mineral metabolism. For the evaluation techniques of single photon absorptiometry (SPA) and double photon absorptiometry (DPA) were used. All the patients controlled their disease with insulin. The results showed the presence of osteopenia in both types of bone. It was more evident in male group. In the patients group the mean value of serum osteocalcin (BGP) was significantly decreased (2.34 +/- 1.05) in comparison with the controls (p less than 0.001). The deficient of BMC is neither related with the parameters of new bone formation nor with the time of disease evolution.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

[Assessment of bone mineralization of hemodialyzed patients with SPA and DPA--different effect of PTX with the site].

We analyzed the bone changes at each site of secondary hyperparathyroidism (2 degrees HPT) on hemodialyzed patients using both single photon absorptiometry (SPA) and dual photon absorptiometry (DPA). The subjects were 35 hemodialysis patients (12 male, 24 female) with 2 degrees HPT. The bone mineral densities (BMD) of 1/3 radius, head, total body and 3rd lumbar spine were measured before and after parathyroidectomy (PTX). Before PTX, the BMD of 2 degrees HPT patients were lower than the normal range of all sites, especially at the radius which mainly consisted of cortical bone. After PTX, the BMD at all sites increased especially in the head. The BMD of the radius also continued to increased up two years after PTX, but it was not as increased as the BMD of head. The BMD of the lumbar spine which consisted of cancellous bone mainly increased after PTX for one year and decreased thereafter. This decrease was influenced by age. There was a difference with the site of BMD after PTX. The determination of changes of BMD of head and radius was considered useful for the judgment of treatment.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Estrogen deficiency in adolescents and young adults: impact on bone mineral content and effects of estrogen replacement therapy.

Because the long-term effects of estrogen replacement in adolescents with ovarian failure and hypothalamic amenorrhea have not been previously studied, we conducted a 2-year study of 35 patients to determine factors contributing to baseline bone density measures (bone density, bone mineral content, and bone width) and the response to estrogen therapy. Estrogen-deficient patients were often profoundly osteopenic by single-photon absorptiometry of the radius and dual-photon absorptiometry of the spine, despite estrogen replacement. Variables that were significant predictors of better initial single-photon absorptiometry measurements included increased age, increased body mass index, spontaneous pubertal development, lack of radiation therapy, and lower serum osteocalcin. Patients treated with estrogen/progestin had stable cortical bone mineral content and bone density at the distal one-third of the radius, a slight improvement in bone density at the distal one-tenth of the radius, and on encouraging, but marginal, improvement in the z score (standard deviation from the mean) of bone mineral content at the distal one-tenth. The z scores for cortical bone width and bone density decreased, suggesting a possible relative worsening over time. In untreated estrogen-deficient girls, bone mineral content and bone density decreased (but not significantly); the z score of cortical bone width showed a significant decrease. Using dual-photon absorptiometry, a history of radiation therapy was found to be a predictor of lower bone density compared with age-matched controls. Estrogen progestin therapy did not result in changes in serum levels of lipids and antithrombin III, weight, or blood pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Ability of four different techniques of measuring bone mass to diagnose vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women.

Since bone mass has been shown to be an important determining factor of fractures in vitro, we undertook a study to evaluate whether bone mass measurements could separate postmenopausal women with vertebral compression fractures from women of a similar age without fractures. We also wanted to see if methods of measuring bone mass at the spine would be more sensitive or specific than methods that measured bone at the wrist or the entire skeleton. The techniques used were: total body calcium by neutron activation analysis (TBC), single photon absorptiometry (SPA), dual photon absorptiometry (DPA), and quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Normal women aged 20-85 were measured, but only those greater than 50 yr were used in the analysis. Mean values for women with fractures were significantly lower than normals (p less than .001): TBC 642 +/- 103 g vs. 764 +/- 114; SPA .658 +/- .134 g/cm vs. .779 +/- .142; DPA 3.75 +/- .82 g/cm vs. 4.37 +/- .86; QCT 59.0 +/- 25.7 mg/cc vs. 92.6 +/- 36.0. However, each of the methods showed considerable overlap between women with and without fractures. At 90% specificity the sensitivities of the tests were: TBC 34%; SPA 29%; DPA 33%; QCT 36%. When values were expressed as the % expected (based on age and height) then the sensitivities were: TBC 52%; SPA 36%; DPA 35%; QCT 44%. Using Bayes' theorem, we constructed curves showing the posttest probability of these tests at a prevalence of 20%. None of these bone mass measuring techniques showed complete separation between normal and osteoporotic women with fractures; about one-half of the women with fractures were below the normal range. The risk of having a fracture increases as bone mass declines, but our data suggest that bone mass is not the only factor leading to vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women.

Adult↗

Problems of bone analysis in childhood and adolescence.

The monitoring of bone metabolism and skeletal development during childhood and adolescence is becoming increasingly important in the prevention of osteoporosis. This is especially important in patients with chronic disorders. The predominant changes in the skeletal system during growth occur as geometric adaptation processes which lead to an increase in bone mass and bone strength. These changes can be measured with linear absorption methods (single-photon absorptiometry, dual-photon absorptiometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), computed tomographic procedures (peripheral quantitative computed tomography, quantitative computed tomography), and sonographic procedures. The aim of this review is to explain the problems of interpretation of the investigations due to growth-dependent changes. Almost all methods and their parameters, such as bone density, spongiosa density, cortical density, ultrasound transmission velocity, etc., are influenced, in varying degree, by growth-dependent skeletal changes.

Adolescent↗

[Research on the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism as a complication of chronic renal failure].

The effects of internal treatment were compared with those of surgical procedures on secondary hyperparathyroidism as a complication of chronic renal failure patients in order to study their applications and problems. Maintenance hemodialysis patients complicated with 2HPT were selected as test subjects. The following internal treatment was administered. 1) Elcitonine to 6 cases and 2) Ipriflavon to 5 cases respectively and applied 3) pulse therapy of 1.25(OH)2D3 to 12 cases. On the other hand, total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation were carried out as surgical procedures. The results of the treatment were evaluated by comparing serological data including tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TAP) measured with the passage of time, bone scintigram findings, and change of bone mineral content (BMC) measured by single photon absorptiometry and dual photon absorptiometry. In the pulse therapy group, an oral tolerance test of 6 micrograms of 1.25(OH)2D3 was carried out to investigate its relation to long term prognosis. Furthermore, in both the pulse therapy group and PTX group, serum aluminum (A1) and delta A1 calculated by Defferoxamine (DFO) tolerance test were measured. The results are as follows. 1) In Elcitonine and Ipriflavon administration groups, increase of ALP and PTH and decrease of BMC (p less than 0.05) were recognized. 2) In the pulse therapy group, although the patients with PTH-C less than 30 ng/ml showed decrease in PTH both in short and long terms, cases with PTH-C more than 30 ng/ml kept the same level in PTH. Regardless of the change of PTH and ALP, there was no significant change observed in BMC. 3) In the PTX group, ALP/TAP ratio rose by 900% temporarily and BMC increased (p less than 0.01) in all regions measured. 4) Serum A1 and delta A1 were decreased (p less than 0.01) in PTX cases and in the pulse therapy cases in which ALP was decreased. In recent years, internal treatments on 2HPT patients have become diversified. However, exacerbation of 2HPT considered as an escape phenomenon caused the decrease in BMC after exclusive calcitonine preparatives administration. Pulse therapy, which is regarded at present as most effective in reducing PTH, ALP, did not work to increase BMC efficiently. In other word, in order to attain efficient BMC increase action, it is necessary to transfer from bone resorption phase to formative phase rapidly with drastic decrease of PTH and TAP observed in PTX.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Acid Phosphatase↗

Theoretical and experimental limits of triple photon energy absorptiometry in the measurement of bone mineral.

Theoretical and experimental studies have been conducted to explore the possibilities of triple photon energy absorptiometry in the measurement of bone mineral content. The purpose of this technique is to correct the measured bone mineral density for fat and soft tissues. However, theoretical considerations lead us to doubt the precision and accuracy of such measurements. In a first approximation the absorption coefficient can be split into Compton and photoelectric energy-independent factors. A consequence of such a model is the impossibility of finding more than two independent mass attenuation coefficients for different energies. The existence of an energy-dependent third factor may justify the use of triple photon energy absorptiometry but experimental tests and numerical simulations have shown that its value is too low for triple photon energy absorptiometry to be considered as an adequate method for the measurement of bone mineral content.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Total body composition by dual-photon (153Gd) absorptiometry.

The lean-fat composition (%FATR) of soft tissue and the mineral mass of the skeleton were determined in vivo using dual-photon (153Gd) absorptiometry (dose under 2 mrem). A rectilinear raster scan was made over the entire body in 18 subjects (14 female, 4 male). Single-photon absorptiometry (125I) measured bone mineral content on the radius. Percentage fat (%FATD) was determined in the same subjects using body density (from underwater weighing with correction for residual lung volume). Lean body mass (LBM) was determined using both %FATR and %FATD. Percentage fat from absorptiometry and from underwater density were correlated (r = 0.87). The deviation of %FATD from %FATR was due to the amount of skeletal mineral as a percentage of the LBM (r = 0.90). Therefore, skeletal variability, even in normal subjects, where mineral ranges only from 4 to 8% of the LBM, essentially precludes use of body density as a composition indicator unless skeletal mass is measured. Anthropometry (fatfolds and weight) predicted %FATR and LBM at least as well as did underwater density. The predictive error of %FATR from fatfolds was 5% while the predictive error in predicting LBM from anthropometry was 2 to 3 kg (3%).

Adipose Tissue↗

Dual-photon Gd-153 absorptiometry of bone.

Dual-photon absorptiometry with gadolinium 153 was used to measure the mineral content of lumbar vertebrae in cadavers, excised vertebrae with marrow, and dry, marrow-free vertebrae. The error introduced by the surrounding soft tissue of cadavers was 3%, and the error in determining mineral mass or density in excised vertebrae was about 5%. The correlation coefficient between the results of Gd-153 and corrected iodine 125 (single-photon) absorptiometry on 24 femoral necks was 0.99, and the predictive error was 3.7%. Dual-photon absorptiometry accurately indicates bone mass and bone density and is only slightly affected by either surrounding tissue or fat changes in bone marrow.

Bone Marrow↗

17 Beta-estradiol and continuous norethisterone: a unique treatment for established osteoporosis in elderly women.

Forty women aged 64.7 +/- 5.1 yr with established postmenopausal osteoporosis were blindly allocated to 1 yr's treatment with either continuous combined estrogen/progestogen therapy (2 mg estradiol + 1 mg norethisterone acetate + 500 mg calcium daily) or placebo + 500 mg calcium daily. In the group treated with hormones bone mineral density in the spine (dual photon absorptiometry) and bone mineral content in the ultradistal forearm (single photon absorptiometry) increased highly significantly by 8-10% during the 1 yr of treatment. Bone mineral content in the mid-shaft of the forearm (single photon absorptiometry) and the total body bone mineral (dual photon absorptiometry) increased by 3-5% when compared to that in the placebo group, which showed virtually unchanged values at all measurement sites. Seven of the women treated with hormones were examined after a further year of treatment. BMC increased by another 3-6%, reaching a 12% increase in bone mineral density in the spine after 2 yr of treatment. Biochemical estimates of bone resorption (fasting urinary calcium and hydroxyproline) and bone formation (serum alkaline phosphatase and plasma osteocalcin), decreased significantly (P less than 0.001) in the group treated with hormones, but remained unchanged in the placebo group. The reduction in indices of bone resorption was more pronounced than that in bone formation after one year, indicating a positive bone balance. No further changes were seen in these bone turnover parameters during the second year of treatment. In the group treated with hormones, serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased by about 12% (P less than 0.05-P less than 0.01), whereas high density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased by about 8% (P less than 0.001). The high density lipoprotein cholesterol/low density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio was unchanged. The hormone treatment did not produce any major side effects, and only minor bleedings were experienced by a few women. The present study demonstrates that treatment with female sex hormones in this particular combination is a realistic approach to the treatment of women with established postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Aged↗

Comparison of vitamin D metabolism in early healthy and late osteoporotic postmenopausal women.

We studied 20 healthy premenopausal women aged 36.5 +/- 4.0 years (mean +/- 1 SD), 123 healthy postmenopausal women aged 50.0 +/- 2.4 years, and 103 postmenopausal women aged 65.1 +/- 5.6 years with symptomatic osteoporosis (forearm and spinal fracture). Serum levels of vitamin D metabolites [25(OH)D, 24,25(OH)2D3, and 1,25-(OH)2D] were compared with (1) bone mass in the forearm (single photon absorptiometry) and in the spine (dual photon absorptiometry); (2) biochemical indices of bone formation (serum alkaline phosphatase, plasma bone Gla protein), and bone resorption (fasting urinary hydroxyproline); and (3) other biochemical estimates of calcium metabolism (serum calcium, serum phosphate, 24-hour urinary calcium, intestinal absorption of calcium). The present study revealed no difference in any of the vitamin D metabolites between the premenopausal women, the healthy postmenopausal women and the osteoporotic women as a group. The concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D and 25(OH)D were significantly lower in patients with spinal fracture than in those with forearm fracture. In the early postmenopausal women serum 1,25(OH)D was related to forearm bone mass (r = -0.20; P less than 0.05), intestinal calcium absorption (r = 0.18; P less than 0.05), and 24-hour urinary calcium (r = 0.21; P less than 0.05); serum 25(OH)D was related to spinal bone mass (r = 0.23; P less than 0.01). In the osteoporotic women, serum vitamin D metabolites were not related to bone mass, but 1,25(OH)2D was related to bone Gla protein (r = 0.33; P less than 0.001), serum phosphate (r = -0.27; P less than 0.01), and 24-hour urinary calcium (r = 0.43; P less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3↗

Assessment of bone mineral. Part 2.

A number of different techniques are available to study bone mineral. Those based on radiographs are helpful as an initial approach to the symptomatic patient with advanced disease, but they do not have the sensitivity to detect early bone loss, to assist in the estimation of fracture risk, or to monitor effects of treatment in controlled drug studies. A radiograph of the spine and hip, however, should be the first step before other tests are ordered. Photon absorptiometry methods or CT-based tests are currently most attractive as second-line approaches. Of these, photon absorptiometry is more widely tested clinically and allows studies of predominantly cortical or trabecular bone sites and total skeletal calcium. Although all of this cannot be done reliably with one instrument under routine laboratory conditions at present, it may well become possible in the near future. Of the CT-based procedures, the forearm scanner is very attractive because of its high precision and accuracy and the fact that it allows measurement of trabecular bone only. The technique is restricted to the forearm and may not be versatile enough for modern clinical requirements. A similar comment may be applicable to neutron-activation techniques of the hand, forearm, or spine. Low-level counting and the handling of neutron sources are not widely known techniques in many laboratories, and this will restrict their use in clinical practice. At this time there is no optimal technique available for mass screening for early osteoporosis. Dual-photon absorptiometry of the spine has been in use in our institution as the method of choice in selected patients for early detection of osteoporosis. However, for screening purposes the radius is still a very attractive bone to measure. At the currently used measuring sites, however, it does not have the sensitivity required to indicate spinal bone loss. Perhaps measurements closer to the distal end, where the trabecular-to-cortical bone ratios approach that in the spine, could be more sensitive. The difficulty of relocating the arm for photon absorptiometry can perhaps be solved for photon absorptiometry, or may be resolved by CT of the forearm. Correlation of the extreme distal radius with the spine is necessary to answer this question.

Activation Analysis↗

Noninvasive axial and peripheral assessment of bone mineral content: a comparison between osteoporotic women and normal subjects.

We compared different methods of bone densitometry in women with spinal osteoporosis and normal subjects to assess their discriminatory capability. The methods used included: quantitative computed tomography of the spine (QCT) specified as to trabecular (QCTtrab) and cortical bone (QCTcort), dual-photon absorptiometry of the spine (DPAspine), single-photon absorptiometry of the distal and proximal forearm (SPAdist and SPAprox), and quantitative roentgen microdensitometry of the phalanx (QMD). A total of 25 postmenopausal osteoporotic women and 24 healthy comparison subjects matched for age and years since menopause were studied. In the osteoporotic group an average decrement of the axial bone mineral density of -50% (p less than 0.001) and -20% (p less than 0.001) were observed for QCTtrab and QCTcort, respectively. For DPAspine, SPAdist, SPAprox, and QMD the difference between normal and osteoporotic subjects was -20% (p less than 0.001), -12% (p less than 0.05), -7% (NS), and -6% (NS), respectively. With the peripheral measurements (SPA and QMD), alone or in combination, no adequate discrimination between women with or without vertebral compression fractures could be obtained. Although QCTtrab showed the highest diagnostic sensitivity (81%), it appears not to be superior to DPAspine. Combinations of the various axial and peripheral measurements did not result in an essentially better sensitivity. In normal women as well as in osteoporotic individuals the trabecular and cortical QCT measurements showed two opposite trends, suggesting an increase in cortical and a decrease in trabecular density from L1 to L3.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Effects of aerobic training on bone mineral density of postmenopausal women.

A total of 76 women were enrolled and 55 naturally postmenopausal women completed a 12 month study investigating the effects of aerobic training plus calcium supplementation on lumbar (L2-4) bone mineral density (BMD) and forearm BMD. Training was conducted on treadmills at 70-85% of maximal heart rate for 30 or 45 minutes, three times per week for 12 months. Lumbar BMD was measured with dual-photon absorptiometry and forearm BMD with single-photon absorptiometry. Groups were similar with respect to age, weight, months since menopause, height, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and lumbar and forearm BMD upon entering the study. Following training, percentage changes in VO2max were significantly different between the control and exercise groups but not between exercise groups. ANOVA evaluating lumbar BMD revealed a nonsignificant interaction effect and no significant changes (p > 0.05) between groups or times. The control (N = 19), 30 minute (N = 20), and 45 minute (N = 16) groups percentage lumbar BMD changes (X +/- SD) over 12 months were -0.61 +/- 3.40, -0.48 +/- 3.63, and 0.81 +/- 4.53%, respectively. The 95% confidence limits for percentage changes in lumbar BMD for the control, 30 minute, and 45 minute groups were -2.25 to 1.02, -2.18 to 1.22, and -1.16 to 3.22%, respectively. Forearm BMD changes were also not significant. Improvement in lumbar BMD was weakly but positively correlated with improvements in VO2max, r = 0.28, p < 0.05. Women < or = 6 years of the onset of menopause had an accelerated lumbar BMD loss compared to subjects who were > 6 years postmenopausal, and this subset's BMD changes were examined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in the lumbar spine, forearm, and mandible of nephrotic patients: a double-blind study on the high-dose, long-term effects of prednisone versus deflazacort.

The long-term effects of high dose steroid treatment with either prednisone (PDN) or deflazacort (DFZ) were examined on various parts of the skeleton in 29 patients with nephrotic syndrome. All had normal skeleton at the start of the steroid treatment. At the beginning, PDN was given as 80 mg/day and tapered down to 20 mg/day for 1 year and DFZ was given in an equipotent dosage. Twenty-three patients completed 6 months of treatment, and 18 patients completed 12 months of treatment. Beside laboratory parameters to ensure the effect of treatment on the nephrotic syndrome, all had measurements of the bone mineral content (BMC) at 0, 6, and 12 months of treatment. BMC was measured by single photon absorptiometry of both forearms and by dual photon absorptiometry of the mandible, forearms, and lumbar spine. The effect of DFZ was compared to that of PDN due to a potential "calcium sparing" effect of DFZ. The therapeutical effects on the nephrotic syndrome were not different between the two drugs. Urinary 24-hour protein decreased from 9.9 to 1.1 g in the DFZ-treated patients and from 8.0 to 1.4 g in the PDN-treated patients. Plasma albumin concentration normalized in both groups. Both groups of steroid-treated patients had a significant reduction of the BMC levels in all parts of the skeleton. However, the bone decay rates per month were significantly different between different bone regions and between different drug regimes. In the forearm, the bone decay rate was 5.3%/year in the PDN group and 2.0%/year in the DFZ group (P less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absorptiometry, Photon↗