Summary
The observations of familial juvenile osteoporosis, presumably of genetic origin are exceptional. The authors report the observation of a 16-year old adolescent suffering from osteoporosis, confirmed by histomorphometry and decrease in bone density (lumbar vertebrae 0.79 g/cm2 and femoral neck 0.88 g/cm2: LUNAR DPX). We prescribed fluorine and calcium therapy. Lumbar bone density increases by 11% and bone density of the thighbone neck by 7.6%. We cannot rule out growth as a factor in the changes observed, given that the propositus is only 16. A densitometric investigation performed in 4 of his 12 brothers shows a decrease in the lumbar bone mineral content (from 61 to 94% expressed as Z score). A genotypic origin seems to be conceivable, especially since no other cause could be considered (endocrinal, alimentary...). On the other hand, there is no argument in favour of osteogenesis imperfecta disease. The bone densitometry is a useful diagnostic means to detect familial forms of osteoprosis.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Tison, F., Ythier, A., Lecouffe, P., Rousseau, J., Marchandise, X. Valeurs normales chez l'enfant du GMO mesuré par absorptiométrie biphotonique. Ann Ped 1990, 37 (5), 333–336.
Tylavsky, F.A., Boitz, A., Hancok, R., Anderson, J.J.B. The relationship of bone mass between premenopausal mothers and daughters, inheritance or environment. J Bone Mineral Res 1988 (abstract S86).
Seeman, E., Hopper, J.L., Bach, L.A., Cooper, M.E., Parkinson, E. et al. Reduced bone mass in daughters of women in the osteoporosis. N Engl J Med 1989, 320, 554–558.
Dequeker, J., Nys, J., Verstraeten, A., Geusens, P., Gevers, P. Genetic determinants of bone mineral content at the spine and radius: a twin study. Bone 1987, 8, 207–209.
Evans, R.A., Marel, G.H., Lancaster, E.K., Kos, S., Evans, M., Wong, Y.P. Bone mass in low in relatives of osteoporotic patients. Ann Intern Med 1988, 109, 870–873.
Cohn, S.H., Abesamis, C., Yasumura, S., Aloia, J.F., Zangi, I., Ellis, K.J. Comparative skeletal mass and radial bone mineral content in black and white women. Metabolism 1977, 26, 171–178.
Smith, D.M., Nance, W.E., Kang, K.W., Christian, J.C., Johnston, C.C. Genetic factors in determining bone mass. J Clin Invest 1973, 52, 2800–2808.
Kelly, P.J., Hopper, J.L., Macaskill, G.T., Pocock, N.A., Sambrook, P.N., Eisman, J.A. Bone turnover indices in female twins evidence for a genetic effect on bone formation. American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (Twelfth Annual Meeting). Atlanta-August 28–31, 1990, Abstract 147.
Pocock, N.A., Eisman, J.A., Hopper, J.L., Yeates, M.G., Sambrook, P.N., Eberl, S. Genetic determinants of bone mass in adults; a twin study. J Clin Invest 1987, 80, 706–10.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Treves, R., Harang, H., Bertin, P. et al. Adolescent osteoporosis disclosing familial osteopenia. Clin Rheumatol 11, 558–561 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02283119
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02283119