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Purpose To assess skeletal mass in survivors of childhood Hodgkin disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) 1–5 years after treatment, and to identify potential risk factors influencing bone mineral density (BMD). Patients/methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in a cohort of 43 survivors (HD = 31; NHL = 12); mean age: 16.21 ± 4.4. Total body bone mineral content (TBMC) and density (TBBMD), and lumbar spine density (LSBMD) were determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results Three of all 43 patients developed low BMD. No significant differences in height, weight, and/or BMD Z -scores were found between HD and NHL survivors, children who received and did not receive radiotherapy, and the groups with different chemotherapeutic blocks. No differences were noted between the Z -scores of BMC (mean ± SD: 0.31 ± 1.29 vs. −0.089 ± 0.61, p = 0.165), TBBMD (mean ± SD: −0.32 ± 1.21 vs. −0.27 ± 0.91, p = 0.76), or the LSBMD (mean ± SD: −0.183 ± 1.54 vs. −0.17 ± 0.87, p = 0.637) in subgroups, in accordance with time after therapy (subgroup I 2 years after treatment). In HD survivors, age at diagnosis only affected the TBBMD Z -score (a decrease of 0.127 in total BMD Z -score per each year, R 2 = 0.999, p Conclusions Childhood lymphoma survivors demonstrate no significant deficits in bone mass and tend to maintain their BMD within the normal range when presenting during one to five years’ follow-up. However, this specific group requires longitudinal investigation to assess the pattern of peak bone mass achievement and the risk of future bone loss.

There is no published data about associations between the state of dentition and bone mass in adolescents. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the prevalence of caries and dental malocclusion is associated with bone mass during growth. In 123 healthy Caucasian subjects (72 males, 51 females) aged 14–18yr, DMFT figures (decayed teeth, missing teeth, filled teeth) and presence of malocclusion, according to Angle classification, were determined. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding dental hygiene, physical activity level, and consumption of sweets. Anthropometry and pubertal stages were examined. Bone mineral density (BMD) was examined using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the total body, head, and lumbar spine. No association was found between DMFT (mean±SD: 8.33±3.9) and BMD or Z-scores for BMD. Malocclusion was found in 49 subjects (39.8%) and was more prevalent in females than males. Malocclusion was associated with lower total BMD independently of body size ( p =0.001; Z-scores: −0.21±0.27 vs +0.33±0.17; p =0.1) in males (but not females), producing odds ratio 1.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.09–2.34%; p =0.02). Head BMD was also lower in the males with malocclusion than in those without ( p =0.004). Neither caries nor the tooth loss appear to be associated with BMD during growth. Boys with malocclusion are at higher risk of reduced BMD. This suggests that inadequate bone mass accrual in males coexists with impaired growth of the masticatory system in childhood and adolescence, however, the causal pathway is unknown. Factors that produce malocclusion may also affect bone mass or size but further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the relationship.

Purpose: Our objective was to assess bone and muscular mass in children with meningomyelocele (MMC), and to analyze risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures based on densitometric examination. Material and Methods: The study group included 30 patients (15 girls and 15 boys) with MMC, aged 6–17 years, treated in the Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, University Hospital. Physiotherapeutic assessment and laboratory tests (serum parathormone, alkaline phosphatase levels, calcium, and phosphate levels, and urine calcium levels) were performed. Densitometry was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry using a Lunar DPX-L apparatus. Lean mass (fat-free tissue content) and fat mass (% fat content) was evaluated. Results: Femur fractures were the most common 12/30 (40%); 5/30 (17%) of the children with MMC had multiple fractures. The incidence of fractures correlated significantly with BMI and body fat content (p = 0.03) Children with MMC and fractures had a tendency toward higher BMI, despite the same absolute value of body mass, compared to those without fractures. Body fat levels were higher in MMC patients with fractures than in those without fractures (BMI R = 0.393, p = 0.03). Children with MMC and fractures had significantly higher 24 h calcuria values, despite normal renal function indices (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Low-energetic fractures in MMC children may result from metabolic disturbances that are a consequence of excessive renal calcium loss or excessive fatty tissue content.