Bone Density Changes in Thalassaemic Patients with Age and Time Period

Purpose: Chronological and longitudinal changes of bone density in patients with secondary osteoporosis, have been shown helpful in providing a model of calcium and bone metabolism. This model can be used in the understanding and management of bone disorders in primary osteoporosis. Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate bone density changes in thalassemic patients. Method: Thalassaemic patients from 7-33 y/o were included in this study. Sixty-five bone mineral density (BMD) scans were collected (21 scan related to paediatric patients (<20 y/o) and others related to adults). BMDs were repeated one year later in all patients. A Norland XR-46 device was used for BMD measurement. Results: There was no case of "low bone density for chronologic age (Z-score ≤-2)" in children. "Z-score ≤-2" was found in 53.4% (23 cases) of adult patients, respectively. The odds of Z-score ≤-2 in patients at age 21 y/o and older, in femoral region were 13.12 times greater than for younger patients (CI=1.596-107.962, P-value=0.017). The odds of Z-score ≤-2 in patients at age 22 y/o and older, in femoral region were 8 times greater than for younger patients (CI=1.626-39.354, P-value=0.011). BMD changes in spinal and femoral regions, were not different significantly in various age groups of patients. Conclusion: As thalassaemic patients got older, though their absolute BMD increases, but in comparison to their age and sex matched controls, it decreases and their delay in acquiring peak bone mass is clear.