Direct X-ray radiogrammetry versus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: assessment of bone density in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and growth hormone deficiency.

Background: In recent years interest in bone densitometry in children has increased.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical application of digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) and compare the results with those of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Materials And Methods: A total of 41 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and 26 children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) were included in this longitudinal study.

Bone mineral assessment with tibial ultrasonometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in long-term survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in childhood.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in childhood is a serious disease that can affect growth and the attainment of maximal peak bone mass. The latter has recently been recognized as a risk factor for the development of osteoporosis later in life. To determine long-term effects of the disease itself and its treatment, we assessed the bone status of a group of long-term survivors of childhood ALL, all treated with high doses of steroids (dexamethasone) and methotrexate and without cranial irradiation.