Re: Osteopenia

[Guest guest]

<<, I forget, what is

osteopenia? Glad to see Noah is living large! It feels so much

better when our kids can be kids, doesn’t it? >>

Osteopenia is the precursor to

osteoporosis:

Osteopenia: Mild thinning of the bone mass, but not as severe as osteoporosis.

Osteopenia results when the formation of bone (osteoid synthesis) is not enough

to offset normal bone loss (bone lysis). Osteopenia is generally considered the

first step along the road to osteoporosis, a serious condition in which bone

density is extremely low and bones are porous and prone to shatter. Diminished

bone calcification, as seen on plain X-ray film, is referred to as osteopenia,

whether or not osteoporosis is present. The diagnosis of osteopenia may also be

made by a special X-ray machine for bone density testing.

This was found

in September after having been on steroids for his UC since March. In the

grand scheme of things, I don’t think that 6 months is a super long time

compared to some…maybe it is because of all the growth that is to be

going on. The funny, or not so funny part is, that when I suggested this

bone density test to the doctor she said no only to a month later have it as

her idea and recommend it. Whatever gets it done.

Mom of Noah (8)

UC, PSC, osteopenia ‘05

[Guest guest]

Is this something that is common with UC

kids that take steroids? Yikes! Is Noah still on the

steroids? And if you get him off them in time, can the condition take

care of itself without progression to osteoporosis?

I think it is

pretty common with UC and PSC with or without steroids. I think from what I

have read that the steroids just make it so much worse. Noah has not been back

on steroids since coming off in September or October. Thank goodness! The “treatment”

for Noah was to take daily calcium and Vitamin D. Hopefully, this will take

care of itself. I am hoping that there is something good about being 8, and

very actively building bone mass. I am thinking back to the 7-year-old who

broke his arm down the street and had to wear the cast for only 14 days…it

was a clean break too. I guess we will see how his next DEXA scan looks.

All the best,

[Guest guest]

- and anyone else on long term steroids. Long term (as in months to years)

systemic treaments (oral prednisone, for example) will thin bone in just about

anyone. A co-worker actually broke some ribs last fall sneezing. He's been on

prednisone for the last year or so (lung problems).

It is generally reversible, if you can get off them. My coworker is taking

Fosamax since he can't yet get off the steroids.

Arne

....Is this something that is common with UC kids that take steroids?...

[Guest guest]

> Do most PSCers request testing for this then?

If your doctors are doing their homework on PSC, they will suggest a

bone density scan to at least get a baseline for later comparison. My

doctor did this shortly after I was diagnosed and because my results

were low had me take fosamax before my transplant.

Some, like Noah's doctor, may need a nudge before they consider the

problem and then see the need to monitor bone density in PSC patients.

Tim R

[Guest guest]

I get a bone density scan every other year - ordered by my hep.

Arne 54 - UC 1977, PSC 2000 Alive and (mostly) well in Minnesota

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of GaiatrekDo most PSCers request testing for this then?

[Guest guest]

My understanding is that with IBD

osteopenia is a concern because calcium is more difficult to process and with

the IBD irritation lack of calcium is common. Also, though, steroids play a

huge part in it. I

LINDA

(Mom of Suzanne,

16; IBD 1/04; PSC 3/04)

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Sunday, April 16, 2006 9:48 AM

To:

Subject: RE:

Osteopenia

Is this something that is common with UC

kids that take steroids?

I think it is pretty

common with UC and PSC with or without steroids

All the best,