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This is a bone condition characterized by decreased bone density, which leads to weakened bones and an increased risk of bone fracture. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are related conditions. The difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis is that with osteopenia, bone loss is not as severe as with osteoporosis. This means that individuals with osteopenia are more susceptible to bone fractures than people with normal bone density, but less susceptible to bone fractures than those who have osteoporosis.
Osteomalacia, osteomyelitis and osteoarthritis are often confused with osteopenia, since they sound somewhat similar. Osteomalacia is a disorder of mineralization again formed bone, which leads to weakening of the bone and susceptibility to fractures. There are many causes of osteomalacia, including vitamin D deficiency and low level blood phosphates. Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bones. Osteoarthritis is inflammatory changes in the joints caused by degenerative changes in cartilage tissue and osteoarthritis does not cause osteopenia, osteoporosis or a decrease in bone mineral density.
Patients with osteopenia are not as susceptible to bone fractures as patients with osteoporosis, however, due to the fact that there are many more people with osteopenia than with osteoporosis, taking into account large number In patients, the number of fractures can be significant.
Approximately 50% of Caucasian women experience bone fractures during their lifetime. Bone fractures caused by osteopenia and osteoporosis have great value because they can be very painful, although vertebral compression fractures can be painless. In addition to painful manifestations, for example with hip fractures, there are serious problems, since these fractures require surgical intervention, and nearly 30% of patients with hip fracture require long-term nursing care.
Hip fractures, especially in older people, are accompanied by high mortality rate. Approximately 20% of people die within a year of a hip fracture due to complications such as thrombosis, congestive pneumonia and other complications caused by immobility of patients. For example, healthcare losses due to fractures associated with osteopenia and osteoporosis in the United States reach $15 billion. Due to the aging population, the number of hip fractures will increase.
Causes of osteopenia
As we age, bones become thinner and this is a natural involutionary process, since, starting from middle age, the processes of destruction of bone cells begin to prevail over the processes of formation of new bone tissue. When this happens, bones lose minerals, bone mass decreases, bone structure weakens, and the risk of fractures increases. All people begin to lose bone mass after reaching their peak bone growth (at age 30). And the thicker your bones were at age 30, the longer it takes for osteopenia or osteoporosis to develop.
Some people may have osteopenia without bone loss. They just may have lower bone density to begin with. Osteopenia can result from a variety of conditions or diseases. Women are much more likely to develop osteopenia and osteoporosis than men. This is because women have a lower peak bone density by 30 summer age and, because bone loss accelerates as a result of hormonal changes that occur during menopause.
But, nevertheless, older men also need to periodically check their bone density, since a decrease in testosterone levels also contributes to bone loss and a decrease in bone density.
There are many reasons for the development of osteopenia. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Genetic background (family predisposition to osteopenia or osteoporosis);
- Hormonal causes, including decreased levels of estrogen (for example, in postmenopausal women) or testosterone;
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Diet with low content calcium and vitamin D.
- Belonging to the European race
- Subtle physique
- Prolonged immobility
- Long-term use of corticosteroids such as prednisone or hydrocortisone for inflammation or anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin) or gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Impaired absorption of minerals (for example, with celiac disease);
- Chronic inflammation due to disease (eg rheumatoid arthritis).
- Chemotherapy
- Exposure to radiation
Symptoms
Typically does not cause pain as long as there is no bone fracture. In addition, even fractures with osteopenia can be asymptomatic. Osteopenia or osteoporosis may occur for many years before diagnosis. Many bone fractures due to osteoporosis or osteopenia, such as hip fractures or vertebral fractures, are very painful. However, some fractures, especially vertebral fractures, may not be painful, so osteopenia or osteoporosis may not be diagnosed for many years.
Any person who has been diagnosed with osteopenia should make lifestyle changes and work with a doctor to select a drug correction for osteopenia.
Diagnostics
Most reliable method Diagnosis of osteopenia is densitometry using devices using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. A bone density scan is performed in the hip, spine and sometimes the wrist. These zones were chosen because bone fractures are most likely to occur in these zones. Densitometry is a very accurate research method for predicting possible future fractures. Other methods for measuring bone density are quantitative computed tomography (QCT) as well as quantitative ultrasound densitometry. Sometimes plain radiography reveals diffuse osteopenia or osteopenia in certain place, for example, in the spine. Periarticular osteopenia is an indicator of inflammation around a specific joint. This picture can be observed, for example, with rheumatoid arthritis, and this does not mean that there is a decrease in bone density of the entire skeleton. But radiography allows only a qualitative assessment of the presence of a decrease in bone tissue density, and densitometry allows one to determine quantitative indicators of a decrease in bone mineral density. Densitometry is indicated for the following group of people:
- Women age 55 and older and men age 70 and older
- Women and men aged 50-69 years at increased risk of osteoporosis
- Adults who have bone fractures after age 50
- Adults with medical conditions associated with bone loss (eg, rheumatoid arthritis), or those taking medications that may cause bone loss (eg, prednisone or other steroids)
- Patients receiving treatment for osteopenia or osteoporosis to monitor treatment results
Treatment of osteopenia
The presence of osteopenia requires lifestyle changes and ensuring a diet with sufficient calcium and vitamin D in the diet. Treatment of the underlying disease, causing disruption absorption, such as celiac disease, can increase bone density. Not every patient with osteopenia requires specialized drug treatment, since not all patients have osteopenia leads to bone fractures or develops into osteoporosis, and long-term use of specialized drugs that have side effects can lead to unwanted complications.
However, if osteopenia is present, your doctor may prescribe medication. The decision on the choice of treatment tactics is made in each specific case on an individual basis, depending on the specifics individual person. Taking into account all risk factors (presence genetic factors risk, initially thin physique, presence of chronic somatic diseases), the doctor determines the risk of fractures in the next 10 years and selects treatment. Diagnosis of osteopenia This is a big call to make some lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes are an important part of prevention and treatment of osteopenia. These lifestyle changes include regular exercise (such as walking or lifting weights), stopping smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, and ensuring adequate daily intake of calcium and vitamin D. If the diet is not adequate, supplements may be considered.
Vitamin D
- 800 IU (international units) per day for women over age 71
- 600 IU per day for women in others age groups, men and children
- 400 IU per day for children under 12 months of age
Calcium
- 1,200 mg (milligrams) per day for adult women over 50 and men 71 and older. Calcium must be taken in fractions, no more than 600 mg at a time, to ensure optimal intestinal absorption.
- 1000 mg per day for young adult women and adult men
Specialized medications for the treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis
- Bisphosphonates (including alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate [Boniva] and zoledronic acid)
- Calcitonin (Miacalcin, Fortical, Calcimar)
- Teriparatide (Forteo)
- Denosumab (Prolia)
- Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progesterone
- Raloxifene (Evista)
Alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), zoledronic acid (Reclast), and raloxifene (Evista) are also prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Side effects of alendronate (Fosamax) and other bisphosphonates (risedronate, zoledronic acid and ibandronate) have certain characteristics (for example, avascular necrosis of the jaw), but are quite rare. Typically, these drugs are used only when the benefits of preventing bone fractures significantly outweigh the possible risks. side effects drugs.
Often osteopenia does not require drug treatment. In such cases, it is necessary to dynamically monitor bone density using densitometry.
Prevention of osteopenia
The best way to prevent the development of osteopenia is healthy image life. Prevention includes ensuring adequate calcium intake from food or supplements, ensuring adequate vitamin D intake, reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking, and getting enough exercise. IN at a young age It is necessary to carry out measures to strengthen bone tissue, since bone density reaches a maximum by 30 years.
If a person is over 30 years old, it is not too late to make lifestyle changes. Balanced diet and regular physical exercise will help slow bone loss, delay the development of osteopenia, and delay or prevent the development of osteoporosis
Nature has designed it in such a way that all living things on our planet gradually age. By taking care of your body, a person can slow down the aging process of the body and make their life better.
If hair and nails can be painted, skin can be moisturized with creams, teeth can be inserted, then what about bones?
The skeleton and bones form the basis, the frame of the human body. Over time, bone tissue becomes very vulnerable (depending on the strength of the body) and therefore the risk of bone fractures in the most unexpected places increases.
Unfortunately or fortunately, we can observe the aging of skin, hair and nails and we try to take timely measures, but it is impossible to observe the aging of bones.
The aging process of bone tissue is called osteopenia. So, during the consultation, the specialist announced a diagnosis of osteopenia - what is it, how to treat it?
When a person crosses the threshold of 30 years, the aging process begins in his body. It is implemented this way. Up to 27-30 years old human body There is a constant renewal of cells, including bone cells.
At first this happens actively and regularly, and then the update process gradually slows down. New cells appear less frequently, bone tissue changes. It loses its strength and becomes more fragile. This is a natural process and is called osteopenia.
The degree of manifestation of osteopenia depends on the condition of the body and the condition of bone tissue. The stronger they are from a young age and the better health, the slower the loss of them will progress minerals.
Common types of osteopenia
Although the process of bone loss of beneficial components affects the entire skeletal system, there are nevertheless parts of the human body that become the most vulnerable. These are the lumbar spine and the femoral neck area.
For many older people, injuries and broken bones in these areas are often fatal. Bedridden elderly people turn into immobilized hostages, sentenced to death.
Timely receipt of correct information will help prevent the development of osteopenia of the femoral neck - it is better to start treatment in advance as a preventative measure to prevent possible troubles.
Reasons
Despite the naturalness of the process, there are a number of factors that help speed it up.
Almost every woman who has had to bear a child can become a victim of the consequences of graduation.
The menopause period contributes big loss minerals and increased bone fragility.
In addition, factors include:
- steroid use;
- chemotherapy;
- radioactive exposure;
- drinking alcohol and drugs, smoking;
- constant dieting, malnutrition and lack of foods containing calcium, phosphates and other minerals in the diet;
- sedentary lifestyle life;
- prematurity;
- heredity.
Consequences of the disease
Intensified development of this process can lead to osteoporosis, cause fractures of arms and legs, out of the blue, and even a person’s loss of the ability to move.
Pediatric osteopenia
Sad but true. Osteopenia can occur not only in adults. This phenomenon also occurs in children. This pathology is present in half of premature babies due to insufficient intake of calcium and phosphorus by the fetus (during intrauterine development).
With the birth of a child, this factor must be taken into account for harmonious development, as well as in order to prevent osteopenia in the future, the baby must regularly receive all the necessary minerals.
Since children cannot control this issue themselves, responsibility for the quality of the child’s health rests entirely with adults - parents and doctors.
How to detect the progress of osteopenia?
When the skin loses collagen, and the nails and hair lose calcium, it becomes noticeable to the naked eye. But how does the loss of mineral substances in bone tissue manifest itself?
Most often, this process is asymptomatic.
If the human body is actively aging outwardly, the skin loses elasticity, nails lose their hardness, and hair loses its shine, there is reason to think that the bones may also be losing something. The next symptom will be a specific bone fracture.
The degree of development of osteopenia can be detected through a medical examination. To do this, you will have to determine the density of bone tissue and the level of their mineral components.
A measurement can be made of the speed at which sound travels through the bone. To do this, you will have to undergo quantitative sonometry using ultrasound, which will determine the degree of strength and level of density of bone tissue.
But more accurate results can be obtained using a bone scan. The procedure for determining the strength and density of bone tissue is called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Most often, osteopenia leads to bone fractures in older people. It is recommended to undergo screening from age 50.
- women over 50 who had to bear children;
- persons over 50 who had dietary restrictions or were on diets;
- persons over 60 who tend to be thin;
- persons who have had bone fractures.
Conservative treatment
How is osteopenia treated? If everything points to the development of this problem, then you can solve it yourself, but it will be much easier with the support of a specialist.
Because main task patient and doctor - to slow down the destruction of bone tissue, prevent the development of osteoporosis, then treatment may involve not only the use of medications.
The fight against osteopenia should be comprehensive, that is, combine the prescriptions of several specialists at the same time.
According to the results of the examination, it will become clear in what condition the bone tissues are and what minerals they lack. Based on this, an appointment will be scheduled. medicines. The list of medications may include vitamins and microelements in tablets and injections, hormone substitutes.
To slow down the development of a process such as osteopenia of the lumbar spine, treatment must contain drug support.
Biophosphanate “Ostalon”
A specialist may prescribe the use of calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, biosphosphonates, and hormone stimulants.
In addition, you will need to consult a nutritionist who will create a personal diet. A properly balanced diet and organized diet can provide solid support to the body.
By eating regularly and properly, human body receives the substances it needs for normal functioning.
For treatment to give a successful result, you need to treat it responsibly, taking all medications and following all recommendations.
The fight against osteopenia also requires sacrifices in the form of giving up bad habits. Since nicotine, alcohol and narcotic substances provoke withdrawal large quantity minerals from the body, a reassessment of vital priorities will be required.
Treatment with folk remedies
What products can be prepared and used at home? Let's not go far, but take what is at hand or, according to at least, can be bought at any supermarket.
Walnuts. You can introduce 2-3 nuts daily into your diet. And collect the membranes from the nuts and when the volume reaches a third and half a liter glass bottle(like from a beer bottle), pour vodka over them. Place in a dark place for 3 weeks.
The resulting extract can be used as rubs and compresses to prevent osteopenia on the bones of the spine and hip joints.
Tincture of membranes walnuts can be taken orally 1 tsp. in 20 minutes before meals. An excellent preventative for strengthening the immune system, bones and blood vessels, and the gastrointestinal tract.
Walnuts with honey. The recipe is simple: put tightly peeled ripened fruits into a glass jar. walnuts, you can add other types of nuts, also use sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
Then fill everything with honey, close the lid and put it in a corner for a couple of weeks. You can eat a few spoons every day, both with tea and without it. The product is very tasty and endlessly useful.
We should always remember: our health is our only concern!
Osteopenia is a pathological condition that is characterized by a decrease in bone density, which leads to bone fragility and increased risk. But the changes are not as pronounced as with. Over time, it will decrease and this will lead to the development of a progressive and very dangerous disease.
Why does osteopenia develop?
Bones become thinner with age naturally. This happens because the process of bone tissue destruction prevails over the renewal process. After reaching approximately thirty years of age, when mineral tissue is at its maximum value, every person begins to lose bone mass. The denser your bones are at age thirty, the slower their thinning will occur.
Some people diagnosed with osteopenia bone do not lose bone mass, they just have decreased bone mineral density.
People for a long time may not even suspect that they have osteopenia of bones, and as mentioned above, the bones gradually become thinner - a natural process of aging. When bones become thinner, there is no pain, no visible to the eye changes, but some factors accelerate this process. Osteopenia can develop as a result of radiation exposure, long-term use of steroid drugs, chemotherapy with oncological diseases. Women are much more likely to suffer from osteopenia and osteoporosis than men. With the onset of bone loss, the process of bone loss becomes more intense. If you have a hereditary predisposition, you are thin, lead a sedentary lifestyle, smoke and drink alcohol, or drink carbonated drinks (for example, Coca-Cola), all this leads to an increased risk of developing osteopenia.
Female athletes are most often affected by three diseases: eating disorders, amenorrhea and osteopenia. Known fact: Athletes are more likely to miss menstruation than middle-aged women. This is due to the fact that estrogen levels are reduced. At the same time, low estrogen levels can cause osteopenia.
Many representatives of the stronger sex mistakenly believe that they are not predisposed to diseases such as osteopenia of bones and osteoporosis, since they are considered diseases of older women. Men are also at risk of developing osteopenia, everything largely depends on how you eat, what kind of lifestyle you lead and the level of testosterone sex hormones.
Diagnosis of bone osteopenia
The disease osteopenia of bones can be detected only with the help of special research bone mineral density - dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or. Densitometry is also used for. Women over 65 years of age are recommended to undergo this test regularly.
Treatment of osteopenia
The main goal of treating osteopenia is to prevent progression of the disease. Lifestyle changes help strengthen bones.
Nutrition plays an important role, namely sufficient and. Often prescribed for the prevention of osteopenia. But lately It is increasingly being said that when taking such supplements, calcium is deposited not only in the bones, but also on other organs. There is a way out! Drug " ". The content it contains is the best for the absorption of calcium by the body, and calcium remains only where it is needed. Therefore, by taking, you will not encounter side effects such as stroke, kidney stones, etc.
Osteopenia is a pathology that is characterized by low tissue mineral density, but not low enough to qualify as osteoporosis. Bone mineral density is the amount of minerals in the bones, which affects their density. If these indicators are low, doctors diagnose osteopenia. In this situation, the patient is at risk of leaching of minerals from bone tissue, which contributes to the development of osteoporosis.
Osteopenia occurs in 75% of all people after fifty years of age. These changes are not yet so serious, so it is important to engage in treatment to avoid the appearance of pathological fractures and the formation of osteoporosis. Often, the pathological process is diagnosed in women during menopause, due to hormonal imbalance. Learn methods of treating and preventing pathology.
Osteopenia and osteoporosis: the difference
The essence of osteopenia is a decrease in bone volume and density against the background of loss of minerals and a decrease in the cortical layer. Bone structures lose phosphorus, calcium, bones become vulnerable, even minor injuries or physical overload can lead to fractures.
Osteopenia includes several characteristic features, they distinguish the pathology from other diseases of bone density disorders (osteomalacia, osteoporosis):
- the disease is the result of the rapid aging process of bones;
- Only people with an already formed skeleton (after thirty years) can get sick;
- the pathological process affects important skeletal bones (hips, spine, pelvis, shoulders). Osteopenia in focal form is characterized by damage to only one bone;
- the degree of decrease in the mineral content in the bones is insignificant, unlike osteoporosis, with this disease there is a pronounced lack of necessary substances;
- The timing of development and the speed of progression of the pathology depends on the initial level of mineral content in the bones. This figure is higher in men than in women, so women suffer from osteopenia much more often.
Osteopenia is a precursor, given this fact, do not delay going to the doctor, take care of your health in time, start adequate therapy.
Reasons for appearance
In the background age-related changes bone tissue becomes thinner and loses a certain amount of minerals. The process starts after reaching maximum bone mineral density (about thirty years of age). The thicker the bones during this period, the lower the risk of developing osteopenia. Some patients have naturally thin bone tissue, which is normal for them.
What is it and how does it manifest itself? Read useful information about the treatment and prevention of the disease.
Instructions for using Fastum ointment - a gel for relieving pain in the back and spine are described on the page.
The pathological process accelerates against the background of various negative factors:
- hereditary predisposition;
- endocrine disorders in the body. This category includes women after fifty years, men after seventy years, patients suffering diabetes mellitus, diseases of the endocrine system;
- lack of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D in the body. This condition is observed in people suffering from serious illnesses internal organs, insufficient consumption of foods rich in these elements. This category also includes gastrointestinal diseases that are accompanied by impaired absorption of nutrients;
- long-term medication therapy (hormonal contraceptives, glucocorticoids);
- unhealthy lifestyle (sedentary lifestyle, alcohol abuse).
Symptoms
Osteopenia in most cases occurs unnoticed by a person, unlike osteoporosis. The risk of fractures is still very small, so the patient leads a normal lifestyle (often incorrect, which aggravates the course of the disease). Even cracks do not cause pain until the bone is damaged. Seeing a doctor occurs only after such an unpleasant phenomenon. Apart from fractures, no symptoms indicate a pathological process.
Osteopenia affects the entire skeleton, but there are areas that are most susceptible to pathology. Against this background, doctors divide the disease into two forms:
- hip The bone of the femoral neck loses its density, which can lead to a fracture. Some cases are fatal;
- vertebral In most cases, the lumbar region is affected; the causes of the pathology are lung diseases, diseases of the internal organs, and the use of special medications.
Diagnostics
Osteopenia is an insidious intermediate state between normal bone density and the development of osteoporosis. The disease cannot be detected using conventional diagnostic methods (x-rays indicate bone loss only when it is more than 30%).
The main study for osteopenia is densitometry. Manipulations allow you to assess the mineral density of bone tissue (a special isotope is introduced, which is evenly distributed over its density). Often the hip bone or vertebrae are examined, very rarely the wrists and hands.
The resulting indicator is compared with the norms of people of the same age and gender. Normally, the mineral density of bone tissue is (-1), with osteopenia - (-1) - (-2.5), a level of less than -2.5 indicates osteoporosis.
General rules and effective treatment methods
Osteopenia can be managed with conservative treatment methods. This category includes the use of medications, adherence to a special diet, lifestyle changes taking into account the characteristics of the victim, and folk remedies.
Normalization of lifestyle
This aspect is very important; after recovery, doctors recommend that you continue to adhere to these rules as a prophylaxis, to prevent the development of osteoporosis.
- give up heavy physical activity;
- avoid traumatic injuries, use protective devices while driving a car or bicycle;
- regularly engage in physical therapy, a specific course is prescribed by a physician;
- lead active image life, do it every day hiking, you are on a long period of time fresh air;
- give up bad habits;
- change jobs if you regularly interact with chemicals, radiation, vibration and other negative factors).
Pay attention! Additionally, it is important to pay attention to concomitant diseases. Osteopenia is often caused by diseases of the internal organs. Therefore, the patient is referred to specialized specialists: endocrinologist, gynecologist, therapist. Without eliminating the root cause of the pathology, there is a high probability of a lack of positive treatment results, progression of the disease and the appearance of complications.
Diet and nutrition rules
About 30% of cases from total mass Patients with osteopenia are cured by adjusting their diet; medications are not needed.
- calcium. Contained in legumes, milk, spinach, cottage cheese, cheese, sour cream, fish;
- phosphorus. This element includes sardines, flounder, tuna, processed cheese, squid, shrimp, cottage cheese, capelin, sturgeon;
- protein. Eggs, cottage cheese, lean meat, legumes, cheese;
- vitamin D3. Orange juice, eggs, milk, mackerel, mackerel, beef and pork liver, salmon, butter. Ultraviolet light also helps produce vitamin D3 in the body.
Medications
The main purpose of using drugs is to eliminate mineral deficiency. Strengthening bone tissue is carried out through diet, physical activity, and giving up bad habits.
For osteopenia, the following medicinal products are prescribed:
- preparations containing calcium (Kalcemin, Calcium D3 Nycomed, Vitrum calcium, Natekal);
- medications including vitamin D (Oxidevit, Aquadetrim, Osteotriol).
All medications are prescribed by a physician, Taking any medications on your own is strictly prohibited.
Folk remedies and recipes
At home, you can prepare a lot of healing remedies that have a positive effect on the body during osteopenia.
Proven traditional medicine recipes:
- Eat a few walnuts daily. Collect the membranes from the nuts, fill a half-liter jar halfway, and fill it with vodka. Infuse the remedy for several weeks, use the resulting potion for compresses, applying it to the affected areas of the bones and spine;
- walnuts + honey. Combine the two ingredients in equal proportions, take a tablespoon daily. You can combine the product with tea and other hot drinks. Instead of walnuts, you can take other nuts;
- combine woodruff, sleep-grass, Chernobyl in a ratio of 1:1:2, fill hot water. Leave the resulting product for an hour and drink throughout the day.
Check with your healthcare professional before using any home remedies.
What to do if your lower back hurts? Check out the selection effective methods treatment.
The rules and features of performing therapeutic exercises and exercises for a hump on the neck are described on the page.
Go to the address and learn about the first signs and symptoms of spinal curvature, as well as how to correct spinal column deformity.
Prevention measures often overlap with treatment methods:
- undergo an annual examination (densitometry). Indicated for people over 50 years old, women who have had menopause early, patients with diabetes, people taking glucocorticoids;
- lead an active lifestyle, avoiding overload;
- normalize your diet, including essential vitamins and minerals;
- Get regular exposure to fresh air and sun;
- give up bad habits.
Osteopenia occurs more often than is diagnosed. The problem is that few people know about the existence of such a disease. It's important to remember possible complications, listen carefully to your health. If you are at risk, follow preventive recommendations and visit your doctor regularly.
Video - a set of exercises for treating spinal diseases and preventing the development of osteopenia:
Numerous clinical studies conducted in all countries of the world have not identified a reliable cause of the disease. It is obvious that the pathology is formed as a result of metabolic disorders and increased destruction of the bone structure.
Osteopenia in children appears due to congenital abnormalities of the genetic structure with hereditary predisposition. It appears due to a lack of vitamin D during artificial feeding.
Pathogenetically, at the age of 30, gradual bone destruction is observed. The body uses them as a depot when there is a lack of calcium intake from food. This microelement is necessary for the functioning of muscle tissue and the heart.
Causes and mechanisms of development
There are three main mechanisms for the development of osteopenic syndrome. These include the following processes:
- Disturbed bone modeling.
- Impaired remodeling of a reversible nature.
- Impaired remodeling of an irreversible nature.
What do these complex terms mean, and what reasons contribute to the launch of each of the three mechanisms?
Modeling of the bone structure is disrupted due to insufficient calcium intake, disruption of its absorption and metabolism. This mechanism is triggered by the following pathological processes in the body:
- Diet low in calcium and protein.
- Biliary cirrhosis and other pathologies gastrointestinal tract.
- Alcoholism.
- Imperfect bone formation is usually a congenital pathology.
- Muscular dystrophy with severe impairment of motor activity.
- Loss of movement - paralysis or paresis.
Disorders of remodeling of the bone structure of a reversible nature are quite common in medical practice. What is remodeling? This is a reverse restructuring.
During life, microfractures often form in bone tissue. In a healthy body, bone remodeling is immediately activated and rapid healing occurs.
In cases of reversible disorders, these conditions have favorable prognosis, respond well to therapy. Osteopenia disappears after eliminating the underlying factor.
The following diseases trigger this mechanism:
- Short-term decrease in range of motion - for example, due to immobilization after a fracture or dislocation.
- Increased function of the thyroid gland – thyrotoxicosis.
- Disruption of the parathyroid glands - hyperparathyroidism.
Irreversible processes in bone tissue usually occur in old age or under the influence of serious treatment. The main causes of this condition:
- Menopause in women.
- Long-term decrease in range of motion or immobility.
- Treatment with steroid hormones, anticonvulsants, heparin for a long time or in large doses.
- Cushing's syndrome with hormonal imbalance.
Although osteopenia is not a full-fledged disease, but only a predisposing factor, it can result in serious complications for the patient.
Causes, risk factors
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