[Evaluation of bone mineral density in children with sickle cell disease].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the Community of Madrid. MATERIAL AND METHODS The BMD was estimated in 40 children with SCD, and with an age range between 3 and 16 years, using densitometry (DXA), as recommended by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD). RESULTS The mean age at the time of the study was 7.97±3.95 years, the mean value of the DXA expressed in Z -score was -0.91±1.46 with a range of minimum values - 5.30 and 2.30 maximum. More than half (57.5%) of all the children had normal BMD (Z>-1), 25% had low BMD (Z between -1 and -2), and 17.5% showed an abnormal Z -score values of osteoporosis (Z -score<-2). The Pearson linear correlation was statistically significant between Z -score value and the haemoglobin level (r=0.368, p=.019), finding no correlation with the levels of 25 (OH) vitamin D. CONCLUSION Prospective studies are needed with a larger number of patients to understand the future implications of bone densitometry changes and associated risk factors.