Dexa scan useful for early detection of pediatric cystic fibrosis-related bone disease

DXA results were reviewed from 141 patients following approval from the institutional review board, and data was collected on genetics, comorbidities, relevant serum studies, medication exposure, and anthropometric measures.

The study led to the following findings:

• Fifty-three percent of the patients had normal BMD (n = 75). 12% had a Z score ≤ −2.
• Patients with lower BMD also had lower mean forced expiratory volume (FEV1) percent predicted (FEV1%) and lower body mass index %.
• Patients with lower BMD were overall older at the time of DXA.
• During the study duration, 13 patients who had abnormal DXA results underwent repeat DXAs after physical therapy; 11 of the 13 showed improvement in DXA results.

"A DXA scan is a useful screening tool and is used to identify children who could benefit from further therapy and intervention to protect bone health and avoid further loss," the researchers conclude. "QI initiatives can result in improved screening and diagnosis and earlier interventions such as physical therapy."

"Further studies are required to understand better the utility of physical therapy in children with cystic fibrosis."

Reference:

Chadwick C, Arcinas R, Ham M, Huang R, Hunter S, Mehta M, Sharma P, Varghese PA, Williams K, Troendle DM, Sathe M. The use of DXA for early detection of pediatric cystic fibrosis-related bone disease. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2023 Jan 2. doi: 10.1002/ppul.26304. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36593123.