Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Medical Journal of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences 2783-2031 34 5 2013 01 28 Bone Mineral Density in Children with Cerebral Palsy 9 13 EN Vahideh Toopchizadeh Reza Nabiollahi Mohammad Barzegar Siamak Shiva Bina Eftekharsadat Morteza Gojazadeh Journal Article 2013 01 28 Background and Objectives: Diminished bone mineral density can be a problem in cerebral palsied children. The underlying pathophysiology is complex and variable risk factors have been proposed. This study aimed at assessing BMD in children with CP. Materials and Methods: In this analytic-descriptive cross-sectional study, 85 children with CP were recruited in Tabriz Children’s Teaching Hospital in a 12-month period. Bone mineral density (BMD) of three lumbar vertebrae (L2-L4) and hip were accessed by Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry. CP types and subtypes, history previous physiotherapy, standing and walking conditions, nutritional status and anti-seizure medication history and functional status were determined by the Gross Motor Functional Classification (GMFC) scale. Results: Eighty five patients, 44 males and 41 females with mean age of 5.79±2.39 years were enrolled in the study. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were present in 48.2% and 30.6% of the patients, respectively. Standing ability and its duration was directly associated with increased lumbar vertebral BMD. There was no significant inverse correlation between the BMD and GMFC. Conclusion: Osteopenia and osteoporosis are frequent in children with CP. The relating pathophysiology is multifactorial and complex.