STeroid-induced Osteoporosis in the Pediatric Population: Canadian Incidence Study

Children with serious chronic illnesses such as leukemia, nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disorder) and rheumatic conditions (such as arthritis, dermatomyositis and lupus) are frequently treated with a medication known as glucocorticoids. While effective in treating the underlying conditions, glucocorticoids have the potential to cause osteoporosis in children, a thinning of the bones. We have learned through a prior grant funded by CIHR, that children receiving glucocorticoids for serious illnesses have a higher than expected rate of osteoporosis, which causes painful vertebral (spine) fractures. In this next phase of our research project, known as the STeroid-induced Osteoporosis in the Pediatric Population (STOPP) study, we plan to determine the ongoing rate of spine fractures in children with chronic disease and the clinical profile of children at greatest risk for developing such fractures in the long-term. In addition, the young skeleton differs greatly from that of adults since children with osteoporosis have the potential to recover from spine fractures through bone growth. As pediatric researchers, it is important that we determine to what extent children are able to reconstruct fractured vertebrae, and the clinical profile of the child with the greatest potential to do so. The information that we gain from this study will allow us to develop national guidelines for the early identification, treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in children with serious underlying disorders.