Some bone markers in children with type I diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis are chronic disease with great socioeconomic consequences, mainly due to the late complications and consequences disabilities. Type I diabetes mellitus [DM 1] has been related to a reduced bone mineral density [BMD] in childhood. In order to evaluate alternation in the one metabolism in type I diabetes we measured a urine osteocalsic marker for bone resorption; deoxypyridinoline [DPD] as well as, the circulating osteoblastic markers; serum osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin [OPG]. Further more, we evaluated their relation to the disease duration and severity. The influenced of sex and age on bone health were also assessed. Cross-sectional case-control study was conducted on forty children with DMI and twenty control subjects matched for age and sex with similar socioeconomic and cultural status. Serum levels of osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin were measured, also urinary levels of deoxypyridinoline [DPD] was measured. Children with DMI showed lower serum levels of osteoclacin and OPG and a rise in urinary level of [DPD] in comparison with control subjects. The osteoblast function significantly decreased in diabetic patients, which one best is characterized as a maturation defect. Altered bone mineral acquisition in children with DMI may limit peak bone mass acquisition and increase the risk of osteoporosis in later life. So the clinical management of diabetic osteopenia would become important for the reservation of quality of life in diabetic patients

Genetic heterogeneity in spondylo-epi-metaphyseal dysplasias: a clinical and radiological study

Spondylo-epi-metaphyseal dysplasias [SEMD] are a heterogeneous group of skeletal disorders characterized by defective growth and modeling of the spine and long bones. Different types are described in the literature. Accurate classification of SEMDs is essential for proper genetic counseling. This study included 20 cases of SEMDs diagnosed by clinical and radiological findings. Cases were classified based on additional associated clinical and/or radiological features into 7 subtypes. Different subtypes were discussed with review of the literature. The study illustrated the heterogeneity of SEMDs and emphasized the importance of detailed and meticulous clinical genetic and biochemical evaluation in addition to comprehensive radiological investigations for such group of disorders. It also recommends further molecular studies to identify the molecular bases of the different types