Multiple prevalent fractures in relation to macroscopic bone architecture in patients with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND

The relative risk for bone fractures in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and its relationship to macroscopic bone architecture assessed by pQCT and DXA are incompletely defined.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study of 43 CF patients (age, 17.8±6.2years), rate and location of fractures, bone mass, density, geometry, and strength of the radius as well as forearm muscle size were investigated.

RESULTS

The fracture rate in CF was 9.2-fold higher compared to an age-matched German control population. The probability of remaining free of any fracture in CF patients at 25years was reduced to 39.8% compared to 84.6% in controls (P<0.001). Assessment of macroscopic bone architecture by DXA and pQCT allowed the differentiation of patients with multiple prevalent fractures with a high sensitivity (up to 100%) and specificity (up to 94.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Bone densitometry is a useful tool for noninvasive assessment of fracture risk in CF patients.