DUAL ENERGY X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY (DXA) IN PEDIATRIC POPULATION

Abstract

In pediatric population osteoporosis is not diagnosed solely on densitometric criteria. It is needs presence of one or more vertebral compression fracture to diagnose a child osteoporotic. In the absence of vertebral compression fracture, it needs a clinically significant history of two or more fractures of long bone with a Z-score ≤ -2.0 estimated by DXA imaging. Aerial BMD may significantly be affected by child’s height and weight and adjustment in this regard is recommended. According to ISCD, a Z-score >-2.0 is interpreted as “within expected range” and Z-score ≤ -2.0 as “below the expected range” rather than using diagnostic terms like osteopenia or osteoporosis. Serial DXA imaging play an important role in modulation in therapeutic strategies. But to ensure precision of DXA, follow-up imaging is recommended to be acquired using same scanner and a change in BMD must be ≥ LSC to be considered as a meaningful change.

Key Words: Pediatric; DXA; Bone densitometry; Bone mineral density; interpretation; Z-score