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Bone density assessment in a tertiary paediatric centre over 13 years: Referral patterns and limitations
Author(s) -
Jones Alicia R,
Zacharin Margaret R,
Cameron Fergus J,
Simm Peter J
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.12789
Subject(s) - medicine , densitometry , referral , bone density , pediatrics , osteoporosis , family medicine
Aim This study aims to examine the referral practices for the R oyal C hildren's H ospital ( RCH ) bone density service over the past 13 years and to demonstrate referral patterns and possible limitations to accessing paediatric bone densitometry. Methods All patients attending the RCH H ealthy B ones Unit for bone densitometry from 1 J uly 1999 to 30 J une 2012, aged under 18 years of age, were included. Densitometry results were downloaded directly from the Hologic scanner into an Excel document. However, the referring unit and indication for referral were collected manually from either the referral card or the hospital's scanned medical records system. Results A total of 5767 bone densitometry scans were performed over the study period on 3004 patients. The majority of referrals were made by the E ndocrinology department, followed by A dolescent M edicine, G astroenterology and N eurology. Relatively few referrals were made by general paediatrics. The most common indication for bone density test overall was eating disorders, followed by steroid use, osteogenesis imperfecta and other collagen disorders and inflammatory bowel disease. The lowest lumbar spine z ‐scores by indication were for cerebral palsy and other causes of immobility. Conclusions Multiple childhood diseases predispose to low bone density; however, paediatric bone densitometry is still underutilised and not appropriately supported by subsidies.