Analysis of Bone Metabolism in Children with Cystic Fibrosis

One of the most important CF-related conditions is the bone disease, which is nowadays acknowledged as a significant clinical complication of CF. Imbalance between bone formation and degradation in cystic fibrosis (CF) has become an important issue for developing osteopenia. The aim of the study was to assess bone formation and resorption process with bone markers in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Materials and methods: The study included 35 clinically stable children with CF who regularly attended the Cystic fibrosis center at the University Pediatric Clinic in Skopje, R. Macedonia. The control group was presented with 21 healthy children at the same age. Serum osteocalcin (OC), β cross laps, 25OHD and PTH were determined by ELISA assays in the CF group (mean age 8.25±SD1.9 y.) and in age-match controls (7.5±1.9 y.). Results: Vitamin D in the CF group was (23.83±10.9 ng/ml versus 25.6±11.53 in the control group, p=0.57), OC (70.88±34.24 ng/ml v.100.02±47.98, p=0.01) βcrosslaps (1.35±0.72 ng/ml v.1.54±0.73, p=0.37) and PTH (37.39±25.5 pg/ml v. 36.76±25.73, p=0.92). In the study, we did not find a significant difference for 25OHD between CF and healthy controls. OC in children with CF correlates significantly with the control and indicates a decreased formation rate whereas resorption rate is normal. Conclusion: Our results suggest that bone turnover in CF is impaired in childhood. Serum markers for bone formation can be used for predicting osteopenia in children with CF.