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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: To determine bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores in adults with cerebral palsy (CP), an understudied population.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional Setting: Medical facility Participants: Forty-eight adults (age = 34.3 ± 5.8, range = 25-46 years) with CP. MAIN MEASURES: Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), BMD Z-scores at the lumbar spine and hip using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), body mass index (BMI) and ambulatory status.
RESULTS: Mean BMD Z-scores were -1.40 for the lumbar spine, -1.36 for the total hip, and -1.02 for the femoral neck. Z-scores were significantly lower for the non-ambulatory group at all three sites (P<.05). Significant differences were found among GMFCS levels for the lumbar spine and total hip Z-scores (P<.05). At the lumbar spine, the mean Z-score for level V (the lowest mobility level) was significantly lower than the mean for levels I/II (P=.001), III (P=.002), and IV (P=.013). For the total hip, the mean Z-score for level V was significantly lower than level I/II (P=.045). A significant positive relationship between Z-score and age was found for the lumbar spine (rs=.40, P=.005). Significant positive relationships between BMI and Z-scores were found for all sites (P<.05).
CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to the sparse literature about bone health in adults with CP. In contrast to pediatric data, Z-scores did not decrease as a function of age in this adult cohort. This information is important for clinicians considering treatment options for this population.
Language: en |