Causes, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric osteoporosis

ABSTRACT

Osteoporosis was once thought to be a disease of the elderly. Now, there is universal agreement that osteoporosis has a pediatric origin. If individuals fail to achieve optimal peak bone mass and strength in childhood and adolescence, the development of osteoporosis later in life becomes more likely. Furthermore, increased knowledge and improved care for children with genetic disease and chronic illnesses has led to many children living long enough to develop osteoporosis and fractures even in childhood or adolescence. Thus, early interventions including nutrition, exercise, and pharmacological treatment are paramount. The objective of this review is to help clinicians diagnose and manage children at a high risk of osteoporosis. This article also reviews the latest advances in the treatment of pediatric osteoporosis including Korean experiences.