She is Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Department of Endocrinology at Stanford. There is evidence that patients with cystic fibrosis face an increased risk of bone problems. Individuals with osteoporosis may have fractures of the spine, hip, rib or other sites with minimal or no trauma. Because CF patients experience fat malabsorption, they may be underweight and may develop low levels of vitamin D. Maintaining a healthy weight and adequate vitamin D is important for developing and keeping bones strong. Because of pulmonary disease, CF patients may limit exercise and even require bed-rest for periods of time.
Immobility increases the risk of bone loss.
Childhood and adolescence are particularly critical periods for establishing bone health. If gains in bone strength during childhood and adolescence fall short, there is an increased risk of early osteoporosis. The risk factors described above may interfere with the normal gains in bone strength or may contribute to early bone loss. This test is painless and has far less radiation than standard x-rays. DXA studies have shown that CF patients of all ages may develop osteopenia and osteoporosis.