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[Effect of budesonide on bone density and metabolism in asthmatic children].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of inhaled budesonide on the mineral density, content and bone metabolism in children with asthma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From September 1996 to July 1997, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 38 prepubertal children aged 6 to 11 years, selected from the pediatric chest outpatient clinic of the Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela. Three study groups were assembled: 9 asthmatic children treated with inhaled budesonide (300 micrograms/day) for over 6 months (Group A); 14 asthmatic children not treated with inhaled corticosteroids (Group B); and 15 non-asthmatic children (Group C). All of them underwent testing of bone formation and resorption markers, and measurement of bone mineral density (DMO) and content (CMO). Statistical analysis consisted of central tendency and dispersion measures, analysis of variance, and Fisher and Scheffe tests for comparison of means. RESULTS: In the groups studied (A, B, and C) calcium serum levels were 9.1 +/- 0.3; 9.6 +/- 0.4; 9.3 +/- 0.6 mg/ml, respectively; osteocalcin levels were 14.8 +/- 4.6; 13.0 +/- 2.5; 11.9 +/- 3.4 ng/dl; the type I collagen carboxyterminal telopeptide (ICTP) levels were 19.6 +/- 16.5; 14.2 +/- 15.4; 13.0 +/- 18.3 micrograms/l; the DMO levels were 0.67 +/- 0.06; 0.68 +/- 0.06; 0.69 +/- 0.06 g/cm2; and the CMO levels were 1,158.8 +/- 217.4; 1,106.4 +/- 256.1; 1,176.5 +/- 240.5 g, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of 100-400 micrograms/day of inhaled budesonide for a period of six months, did not change the bone mineral density and metabolism of asthmatic children.

Asthma↗

Reduced loss of hand bone density with prednisolone in early rheumatoid arthritis: results from a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Bone damage in rheumatoid arthritis presents as osteoporosis and joint erosions. Prednisolone has been shown to reduce the rate of hand joint destruction as seen on radiography but has not been shown to reduce the rate of hand bone loss. METHODS: In a double-blind study comparing oral prednisolone (7.5 mg/d for 2 years) with placebo, hand bone density assessed with digital x-ray radiogrammetry was examined in 95 patients with rheumatoid arthritis with disease duration of less than 2 years. RESULTS: The mean loss of hand bone density was less in prednisolone-treated patients compared with placebo-treated patients at the 1-year follow-up (-0.011 vs -0.022 g/cm(2)) (P = .005) and at the 2-year follow-up (-0.026 vs -0.039 g/cm(2)) (P = .03). The mean percentage group difference in loss of hand bone density was 2.8% (P = .004) at the 1-year follow-up and 3.5% (P = .01) at the 2-year follow-up. In the first year, C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, was strongly correlated with hand bone loss in placebo-treated patients but not in prednisolone-treated patients, suggesting that prednisolone breaks the link between bone loss and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first double-blind randomized study to show that disease-related loss of hand bone density in rheumatoid arthritis can be decelerated by prednisolone. This finding suggests that the deleterious effect of prednisolone on bone may be counteracted by its anti-inflammatory effect.

Adult↗

[Dual x-ray absorptiometry assessment of bone density of the proximal tibia in advanced-stage degenerative disease of the knee].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Axial deformity secondary to degenerative joint disease of the knee can modify stress forces. Certain studies have reported an inversely proportional relationship between degenerative disease and osteoporosis. The aim of this prospective study was to quantify the horizontal linear distribution of bone density using dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the proximal tibia as a function of the femoral neck bone density in patients with knee osteoarthritis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between September 1996 and March 1998, 90 cases of primary degenerative joint disease of the knee were programmed for total knee arthroplasty. Prior to the procedure, the patients were assessed clinically and radiologically according to the International Knee Society (IKS) criteria. The mechanical femorotibial angle was measured in all patients and the varus angles were recorded. Most of the patients were women (65 p. 100) with a mean age of 70 +/- 5 years. Valgus knees were excluded from this series. The mean mechanical femorotibial angle was 172 +/- 5 degrees. Fifteen patients had a normal axis (16 p. 100), 32 had a varus measuring 4 degrees to 10 degrees (35 p. 100) and 43 had a varus measuring 10 degrees or more (48 p. 100). The overall varus distance was 6.4 +/- 2 cm. All patients had two DXA explorations: femoral neck to determine the bone status according to the WHO criteria (normal, osteopenia, osteoporosis), knee to determine the linear distribution of bone density of the proximal tibia. A 7 mm high band including 7 regions of interest covering the width of the tibia were explored in the area where the tibial cut was to be made. These 7 regions of interest were: R1, R2 under the lateral compartment, R6, R7 under the medial compartment, and R3, R4, R5 on either side of the tibial spines. The level of significance was set at 5 p. 100. RESULTS: The mean Z score (0.54 +/- 1) in the 90 patients showed a symmetrical distribution. These patients were representative of their age range. Their T score was - 1.40 +/- 1 (m +/- SD) and most had osteopenia (54 p. 100) according to the WHO criteria, although 16 p. 100 had osteoporosis. Mean bone density of the knee was 0.898 +/- 0.163 g/cm(3) and was correlated with that of the femoral neck (r=0.61, p=0.001). There were significant correlations between the differences in the bone densities of the knee compartments (R6-R2, R7-R1) and the mechanical femorotibial angle [(r=0.39, p=0.0001); (r=0.52, p=0.001)]. Irrespective of the overall bone density, there was a strong medial compartment overloading, which correlated with the degree of varus deformation. CONCLUSION: DXA assessment of bone mineral density of the proximal tibia is a simple, reliable, precise and reproducible method. The distribution of bone density in the degenerative knee depends on the degree of deformation. The average level depends on the subject's general state of mineralization. Osteoporosis does not protect against degeneration of the knee joint since 16 p. 100 of our patients had osteoporosis according to the WHO criteria.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Volumetric bone density at the femoral neck as a common measure of hip fracture risk for men and women.

Measurements of bone density using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry are generally based on the areal projection, which incompletely accounts for size. The larger areal bone density in older men compared with older women is primarily due to their larger bone size, conferring a biomechanical advantage that may be a major factor contributing to lower hip fracture rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate estimated volumetric bone density at the hip in men and women with and without fractures to better determine the role of estimated volumetric density vs. size in hip fracture risk. This prospective population-based study compared 852 women and 635 men without fractures with 73 women and 23 men with hip fractures. As expected, areal bone mineral density (BMD) and cross-sectional area were lower in women than men, and areal bone density was lower in those with hip fractures compared with nonfracture subjects. However, estimated volumetric BMD was the only parameter, apart from age, that was the same in women and men both without hip fractures (0.31 +/- 0.06 and 0.31 +/- 0.06 g/cm3, respectively) and with hip fractures (0.25 +/- 0.04 and 0.26 +/- 0.04 g/cm3, respectively). Using the World Health Organization 2.5 SD cut-off for osteoporosis for hip fracture prediction, estimated volumetric BMD was more sensitive than areal BMD in men (70 vs. 43%; P = 0.04) and similar to that in women, in whom sensitivity was similar for both areal (73%) and estimated volumetric (78%) BMD cut-offs. Thus, men and women have hip fractures at the same estimated femoral neck volumetric BMD, which is largely independent of the size artifact inherent in areal BMD. This aspect of estimated femoral neck volumetric BMD suggests that it can provide a single measure that could be used in men and women. It needs further exploration for a role in assessment of hip fracture risk across the sexes and particularly in men.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Influence of dietetic and anthropometric factors and of the type of sport practised on bone density in different groups of women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to analyse the influence of dietetic and anthropometric data, as well as the sport practised, on the bone density of different groups of sportswomen. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Dietetic, anthropometric and bone density data were collected from 74 women who practised different sports (15 skiers, 26 basketball players and 33 ballet dancers), and compared to those of 90 women who led sedentary lifestyles. RESULTS: The sportswomen had higher bone mineral contents and bone densities than controls. However, the dancers showed similar spinal and hip values as those of controls, and lower forearm values. Low body weight and body mass index, and insufficient energy intake-characteristic of the dancers-were associated with poorer bone mineralisation status. Increased energy, protein, vitamin D, calcium, zinc and magnesium intakes were associated with greater bone density and mineral content at different sites. CONCLUSIONS: The worst bone density status was that of the dancers, who, as a group, displayed characteristics that have negative impacts in this respect (low energy intakes and low body weight). Dancers should therefore take steps to avoid suffering fractures and skeleto-muscular lesions which could negatively influence their health and physical performance. The greater consumption of milk products and calcium and better Ca/P ratio seen in the dancers could help this group to avoid bone deterioration.

Adolescent↗

Separate assessment of forearm cortical and trabecular bone density from standard densitometry data.

BACKGROUND: Cortical and trabecular bone are different bone components. Their mineral density cannot be measured directly by areal bone densitometry. AIM: To introduce a method for assessment of pure radial cortical and trabecular bone density based on standard densitometry data. METHOD: The study included 418 healthy females (aged 20-83 years, body mass index between 19 and 30) free of previous fractures and conditions or drugs affecting bone metabolism; as well as a group of 64 age-matched females with early menopause. Forearm bone density was measured by single X-ray absorptiometry and calculated separately for cortical and trabecular bone. Age-adjusted bone density curves were built. RESULTS: Peak bone density was found to occur between 30 and 34 years of age and was 0.561 g/cm2 for cortical and 0.281 g/cm2 for trabecular bone. In comparison, lowest values were registered between 70 and 74 years of age; cortical bone density reduced by 26% and trabecular density by 44%. Both bone density profiles through life reflected the earlier peri- and postmenopausal (mainly trabecular) and later senile (cortical bone also involved) changes in bone mass. A step-wise pattern of trabecular bone reduction was registered with acceleration around 45, 55 and 65 years. The effects of early menopause on trabecular and cortical bone were tested in the prematurely menopausal women. CONCLUSIONS: The ability of our model to discriminate between natural and premature menopause was moderate. Although hypothetical (based on calculations from integral densitometry data rather than on direct measurements), our method could differentiate between cortical and trabecular osteopenia and may prove helpful in assessing the type of osteoporosis, in making therapy choices and monitoring response to therapy based on forearm bone density.

Adult↗

Energy restriction reduces bone density and biomechanical properties in aged female rats.

Bone mineral density (BMD) is highly correlated with body weight, and weight loss is associated with reduced BMD. Whether such losses of BMD increase skeletal fragility is unclear. We examined the effect of 9 wk of energy restriction (ER) on bone density, mineral and matrix protein composition and biomechanical properties in mature (20 wk old, n = 12) and aged (48 wk old, n = 16) female rats. Energy-restricted rats were fed 40% less energy than controls that consumed food ad libitum. Bone content of mineral (ash and calcium content) and matrix proteins (hydroxyproline, pyridinium crosslinks and proteoglycans), serum hormones, site-specific bone density and biomechanical properties (peak load, peak torque, shear stiffness and bending stiffness) were measured at the conclusion of the study. In both age groups, ER reduced body weight by 15 +/- 10% (P < 0.001) and dramatically decreased femoral bone density by 32-35% (P < 0.01) compared with controls. Energy restriction resulted in a small reduction in tibia and humerus density, as well as biomechanical properties in the aged but not mature rats (P < 0.05). Reduced serum levels of insulin and estradiol due to ER in aged rats (P < 0.05) may play a role in altering bone quality. These data show that although weight loss due to ER is detrimental to some bone parameters in mature rats, only aged rats show consistent reductions in bone density and biomechanical properties.

Aging↗

A longitudinal study of the effect of sodium and calcium intakes on regional bone density in postmenopausal women.

The influence of urinary sodium excretion and dietary calcium intake was examined in a 2-y longitudinal study of bone density in 124 women postmenopausal for > 10 y. Analysis of bone density changes showed that urinary sodium excretion was negatively correlated with changes in bone density at the intertrochanteric and total hip sites. Multiple-regression analysis of dietary calcium intake and urine sodium excretion on the change in bone density showed that both dietary calcium and urinary sodium excretion were significant determinants of the change in bone mass over 2 y at the hip and ankle sites. These data suggest that an effect of reducing bone loss equivalent to that achieved by a daily dietary increase of 891 mg (22 mmol) Ca can also be achieved by halving daily sodium excretion. No bone loss occurred at the total hip site at a calcium intake of 1768 mg/d (44 mmol/d) or a urine sodium excretion of 2110 mg/d (92 mmol/d). We report a significant effect of sodium excretion on bone loss in this population.

Bone Density↗

Long-term growth hormone treatment in children with renal hypophosphatemic rickets: effects on growth, mineral metabolism, and bone density.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on growth, mineral metabolism, and bone density in children with renal hypophosphatemic rickets (RHR). DESIGN: Long-term rhGH treatment combined with conventional therapy with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 plus inorganic phosphate salts. SETTING: Endocrine unit, department of pediatrics, university hospital. SUBJECTS: Twelve patients (5 boys; age range 4.6 to 12.5 years, median 7.0 years) were subdivided into two groups of six patients on the basis of the median of height z score (-2.41) and the median bone age/statural age (BA/SA) ratio (1.23). Group A included patients with a severe degree of short stature (height z score -3.4 +/- 0.5) (mean +/- SD) and altered BA/SA ratio (1.26 +/- 0.08); group B included patients with a lesser degree of short stature (height z score -2.1 +/- 0.6, p < 0.001 vs group A) and more normal BA/SA ratio (1.04 +/- 0.15, p < 0.01 vs group A). INTERVENTION: Group A received rhGH treatment (0.6 IU/kg per week subcutaneously) combined with conventional therapy; group B received conventional therapy alone. MEASUREMENTS: Height, growth velocity, predicted adult height, serum values of calcium, phosphate, bone alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme, osteocalcin, propeptides of type I and type III procollagen, intact parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and urinary calcium/urinary creatinine ratio and tubular maximum for phosphate reabsorption normalized to the glomerular filtration rate (TmP/GFR), as well as radial bone density, were measured at baseline and for 3 years. RESULTS: Height z score, growth velocity z score, predicted adult height, serum values of phosphate, bone alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme, osteocalcin, propeptides of type I and type III procollagen, intact parathyroid hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and TmP/GFR, as well as radial bone density, improved significantly only in group A. Serum calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and urinary calcium/urinary creatinine ratio did not change in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term rhGH administration may benefit growth, phosphate retention, and bone density in patients with RHR, without evidence of side effects.

Bone Density↗

Recovery from osteoporosis through skeletal growth: early bone mass acquisition has little effect on adult bone density.

It is often assumed that bone mineral accretion should be optimized throughout childhood to maximize peak bone mass. In contrast, we hypothesized that bone mineral acquisition early in life would have little or no effect on adult bone mass because many areas of the juvenile skeleton are replaced in toto through skeletal growth. To test this hypothesis, we induced osteoporosis by administering dexamethasone to 5-week-old rabbits for 5 weeks and then allowed them to recover for 16 weeks. Tibial bone mineral density (ash weight/volume) was decreased in the dexamethasone-treated animals at the end of treatment but recovered completely. Bone structure in the femur was assessed by histomorphometry. Trabecular and cortical bone in the distal metaphysis was made osteoporotic by dexamethasone, but was then replaced through endochondral bone formation and recovered. Periosteal bone formation rate in the diaphysis was decreased during dexamethasone treatment but afterwards rebounded above controls and normalized cortical width. Our data suggest that bone mineral acquisition early in life has little effect on adult bone density because the juvenile bone is largely replaced through growth. If this concept generalizes, then interventions to maximize peak bone mass should be directed at adolescents rather than young children.

Animals↗

Methodologies for the measurement of bone density and their precision and accuracy.

Radiographic methods of determining bone density have been available for many years, but recently most of the efforts in this field have focused on the development of instruments which would accurately and automatically measure bone density by absorption, or by the use of x-ray computed tomography (CT). Single energy absorptiometers using I-125 have been available for some years, and have been used primarily for measurements on the radius, although recently equipment for measuring the os calcis has become available. Accuracy of single energy measurements is about 3% to 5%; precision, which has been poor because of the difficulty of exact repositioning, has recently been improved by automatic methods so that it now approaches 1% or better. Dual energy sources offer the advantages of greater accuracy and the ability to measure the spine and other large bones. A number of dual energy scanners are now on the market, mostly using gadolinium-153 as a source. Dual energy scanning is capable of an accuracy of a few percent, but the precision when scanning patients can vary widely, due to the difficulty of comparing exactly the same areas; 2 to 4% would appear to be typical. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) can be used to directly measure the trabecular bone within the vertebral body. The accuracy of single-energy QCT is affected by the amount of marrow fat present, which can lead to underestimations of 10% or more. An increase in marrow fat would cause an apparent decrease in bone mineral. However, the precision can be quite good, 1% or 2% on phantoms, and nearly as good on patients when four vertebrae are averaged. Dual energy scanning can correct for the presence of fat, but is less precise, and not available on all CT units. QCT of the femoral neck has recently been attempted, but presents difficulties that make it unlikely to become widely accepted. Recently there has been much interest in using gamma cameras for dual energy bone density measurements. Although this can present some difficulties, several groups reportedly have overcome them, and this technique may have more widespread application in the future.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Wrist, spine, and hip bone density in women with variable histories of lactation.

This study investigated the relationship between long-term lactation (greater than or equal to 10 m/child) and bone density in women aged 26-37. The subjects either experienced long-term lactation for 1-2 children (n = 10), long-term lactation for 3-4 children (n = 8), or were nulliparous (n = 10). The three groups did not differ significantly in height, weight, percent of ideal weight, usual caffeine and calcium intake, or duration of oral contraceptive use. Bone-density measurements were obtained by single- or dual-photon absorptiometry from the ultradistal radius, lumbar spine (L2-L3), and three hip sites: femoral neck, Ward's triangle, and trochanteric. Lactation history was not associated with significant differences in bone density in any bone site. With respect to height, weight, Ca intake, and duration of lactation, only height was correlated to bone density and only for L2-L3 (r = 0.48, p less than 0.02). Thus, a history of long-term lactation may not be associated with low peak adult bone density.

Adult↗

Effect of using soft liner on bone density around the abutments supporting complete lower overdenture.

The effect of lower acrylic overdentures lined with soft liner on bone density around the abutment was studied on 14 patients divided into two equal groups. Group I patients using lower acrylic overdenture lined with soft liner. The abutments selected in each patient were two canines and two posterior. Bone density was measured from periapical radiographs made at denture insertion and after one year of denture use, for each abutments, using an accurate densitometer. The results showed decrease in bone density in the crestal alveolar bone around the abutments through the one year study period. patient using superstructure lined with soft liner showed less bone density than those using acrylic overdenture. The results of these study reached the conclusion that the resiliency of soft liner reduces the load applied over the overdenture abutments and in turn reduces alveolar bone changes.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Mandibular bone density and fractal dimension in rabbits with induced osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal in this investigation was to examine the mandibular bone density and radiographic textural changes and the relationship between mandibular and spinal bone mineral density in an osteoporotic rabbit model. STUDY DESIGN: Three adult female New Zealand white rabbits in each of 4 groups received daily injections of cortisone acetate at a dosage of 0.0 (control), 3.0, 7.5, or 15.0 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The rabbits were then killed, and the mandible and spine of each animal were removed. Digital radiographs (70 kVp, 10 mA, 8 impulses) of the hemimandibles and spines were made. Lateral and anteroposterior bone densities of the lumbar spine (L2) were calculated, and average mandibular interdental bone density, fractal dimension, and gradient values were calculated. RESULTS: Correlation analysis revealed that cumulative steroid dose was strongly related to mandibular bone density (r = -0.80, P <.01), moderately related to mandibular fractal dimension (r = -0.61, P <. 05), and moderately related to anteroposterior lumbar spine density (r = -0.64, P <.05). Moderate correlations were found between mandibular interdental bone density and spinal density (r = 0.56, P <.05), but mandibular fractal dimension was not related to spinal density. CONCLUSIONS: In osteoporotic female rabbits, mandibular bone mineral density decreases in relation to spinal density and cumulative steroid dose. Mandibular fractal dimension decreases with cumulative steroid dose but is not significantly related to either mandibular density or spinal density.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Bone density in generalized osteoarthritis.

The densities of trabecular and cortical bone in the radius were measured by computed tomography in 40 women with generalized osteoarthrosis (osteoarthritis, GOA), and the results were compared to normal values obtained from prediction equations. When age, weight and height were considered, no significant differences were observed between patients with GOA and normal controls. But when age only was considered, trabecular bone density in the distal radius was found to be 7% higher than predicted (p less than 0.05). Increased trabecular bone density is unlikely to be an etiopathogenetic factor in GOA although this cannot be completely excluded from our study.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

[Prolonged suppressive L-thyroxine therapy. Longitudinal study of the effect of LT4 on bone mineral density and bone metabolism markers in 71 patients].

OBJECTIVES: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted to investigate the influence of prolonged suppressive L-thyroxin therapy on bone density and biochemical markers of bone remodeling. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients (including 28 menopaused women) taking long-term L-T4 for thyroid carcinoma were divided into 3 groups according to their TSH level: low (TSH < 0.04 mlU/l), moderate (0.04 TSH < or = 0.10 mlU/l) and high (TSH > 0.10 mlU/l). Bone density was measured in lumbar vertebrae annually for a mean 4.5 years. Bone metabolism markers were measured over a 4 year period. Bone density measurements of the femur were also obtained for 2 years in 16 menopaused women. RESULTS: Lumbar bone density did not decline whatever the TSH level or the duration of L-T4 treatment. Likewise for menopaused women without substitution estroprogesterone therapy. Over the 4 years, biochemical markers of bone formation, including bone alkaline phosphatases and osteocalcin, or of bone resorption, including urinary hydroxyprolin, did not vary. In addition, in menopaused women, femoral bone density was not significantly lowered over the 2 years follow-up. No lumbar or femoral osteopenia was observed in these patients taking L-thyroxin, even for those with complete TSH blockade. Biochemical markers did not demonstrate a significant acceleration of bone turnover during prolonged administration of L-T4 at suppressive levels.

Adult↗

Racial differences in bone density between young adult black and white subjects persist after adjustment for anthropometric, lifestyle, and biochemical differences.

This study tested whether racial differences in bone density can be explained by differences in bone metabolism and lifestyle. A cohort of 402 black and white men and women, ages 25-36 yr, was studied at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program in Northern California, a prepaid health plan. Body composition (fat, lean, and bone mineral density) was measured using a Hologic-2000 dual-energy x-ray densitometer. Muscle strength, blood and urine chemistry values related to calcium metabolism, bone turnover, growth factors, and level of sex and adrenal hormones were also measured. Medical history, physical activity, and lifestyle were assessed. Statistical analyses using t- and chi-square tests and multiple regression were done to determine whether racial difference in bone density remained after adjustment for covariates. Bone density at all skeletal sites was statistically significantly greater in black than in white subjects; on average, adjustment for covariates reduced the percentage density differences by 42% for men and 34% for women. Adjusted bone density at various skeletal sites was 4.5-16.1% higher for black than for white men and was 1.2-7.3% higher for black than for white women. We concluded that racial differences in bone mineral density are not accounted for by clinical or biochemical variables measured in early adulthood.

Adult↗

Bone density of women who have recovered from anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: To examine bone density in 19 women who had previously experienced classical anorexia nervosa from which they had been fully recovered for a mean of 21 years (current characteristics: median age 40.2 years; Eating Attitudes Test [EAT] score 2; body mass index [BMI] 21.1; average 1.8 offspring). METHOD: Probands were compared, blindly, in respect of bone density, with 13 control subjects matched for age and sex and with no history of eating disorders. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and the head of the femur. RESULTS: Femur BMD was still significantly less among ex-anorectic sufferers. Two subjects had experienced pathological fractures while anorectic, both having been strenuous exercisers. None appeared to have suffered post illness fractures. BMD at follow-up did not relate to the severity or chronicity of previous anorexia nervosa. DISCUSSION: Full clinical recovery from anorexia nervosa does not quite confer full establishment of normal bone density. However, pathological fractures are not a feature thereafter, within middle life.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗