A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Therapy Insight: orthopedic complications after solid organ transplantation in childhood
Authors: Helenius I, Jalanko H, Remes V, Salminen S, Sairanen H, Holmberg C, Peltonen J
Publisher: NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP
Publication year: 2007
Journal:: Nature clinical practice nephrology
Journal name in source: NATURE CLINICAL PRACTICE NEPHROLOGY
Journal acronym: NAT CLIN PRACT NEPHR
Volume: 3
Issue: 2
First page : 96
Last page: 105
Number of pages: 10
ISSN: 1745-8323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpneph0384
Several factors, such as immobilization, metabolic bone disease and immunosuppressive drugs, can compromise the quality of bone in children who have undergone solid organ transplantation. In contrast to adults, decreased bone mineral density has been reported in only a small proportion of pediatric transplant patients, and the relationship between low bone mineral density and fracture risk has not been established in children. Nevertheless, fractures, scoliosis, and joint and spinal degeneration are common in patients who received solid organ grafts as children. Avascular bone necrosis occurs infrequently in this patient population. Future studies should evaluate the effects of the underlying disease, transplantation and immunosuppression on the metabolism of bone and cartilage. On the basis of our own clinical experience and literature review, the growing spine of children who have received transplants should be continuously evaluated, and follow-up of bone mineral density is indicated. By contrast, routine MRI of the joints seems unnecessary.