[Role of the bone mineral density investigation through measuring of peripheral dual-energetic x-ray absorption in prevention of fractures in children with osteogenesis imperfecta].

The Osteogenesis imperfecta is hereditary disturbance of collagen biosynthesis. Illness is characterized by frequent fractures that consequently cause functional disturbance of locomotor system as well as deformation of long tubular bones. The distinguishing feature of this illness is the secondary osteoporosis. The latter in its turn worsens clinical course and the outcome of the illness. The purpose of the present work was the study of bone mineral density in children with osteogenesis imperfecta through application of dual energetic x-ray absorption measurements. In total 32 patients 1-15 years of age with osteogenesis imperfecta have been investigated. The patients have been divided into three age groups. Measurement of distal and proximal sections of radius and elbow (ulna) bones was carried out using peripheral dual-energetic x-ray absorption measurements in order to determine the bone mineral density. Results of the bone mineral density (BMD) measurements have proved that children with osteogenesis imperfecta have lower indices in comparison with children of the corresponding age group and has been registered as 3,76 times lower for 1-7 years old children; 2,3 times lower for 7-12 years old children and 1,89 times lower for children 13-15 years of age. Having studied the correlation between downgraded bone mineral density and number of fracture cases, it was registered that the lower is BMD of cortical layer, the higher is the number of fracture cases. Investigating the bone mineral density in children with osteogenesis imperfecta provides opportunity to reveal potential high risk patients with predisposition to the development of fractures and to provide corresponding treatment and preventive measures in these patients.