Prevention of osteoporosis in cystic fibrosis.

Abstract

The increased life span of patients with cystic fibrosis has lead to the detection of new complications. Osteopenia is present in up to 50% of adult patients with cystic fibrosis, and osteoporosis in 10-34% and can cause a difficult management problem. In children, defects in bone health become apparent generally at adolescence because of suboptimall bone peak mass achievement. Malnutrition, inflammation, vitamin D and vitamin K deficiency, altered sex hormone production, glucocorticoid therapy, and physical inactivity potentiate poor bone health. Monitoring bone mineral density and preventive care of osteoporosis are necessary from childhood to minimize cystic fibrosis-related bone disease in adult cystic fibrosis patients.