Bone mineral density and turnover in non-corticosteroid treated African American children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: To determine bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), Z scores, and markers of bone turnover in African American children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).

Methods: Eight children with JRA with no prior exposure to corticosteroids were evaluated. Lumbar spine (L1-L4) and total body and total hip BMC and BMD were determined using dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and Z scores (BMD) were calculated.

Effects of a low sodium diet on bone metabolism.

Osteoporosis is a serious public health problem, and dietary interventions may potentially be helpful in preventing this disorder. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a low sodium diet on bone metabolism in postmenopausal women. This was a longitudinal study to determine the effects of a low sodium (2-g/day) diet on bone.