Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density in Children With Hemophilia: An Observational Case-Control Study

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to study bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), vitamin D level, and bone turnover markers in children with hemophilia and compare it with their normal counterparts. Design: This was an observational case-control study. Setting: This study was conducted in our tertiary care institute during the period spanning from September 2016 to June 2018. Materials and Methods: A total of 38 children with hemophilia 2 to 18 years of age and 38 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Children with symptomatic hypocalcemia and those receiving drugs affecting BMC and BMD were excluded. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was performed to estimate BMC and BMD. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], intact parathormone, osteocalcin, calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase, and spot urine pyrilinks-D/creatinine ratio were estimated in them. Results: BMC and BMD in cases was lower than that in controls (P<0.05). Prevalence of low BMC was seen in 22 (58%) and low BMD in 8 (21%) of cases. All controls had normal BMC and BMD for age. The prevalence of low vitamin D level (<20 ng/mL) was seen in 36 (95%) among cases and in 25 (65%) among controls (P<0.001). Serum phosphorus was lower, and serum alkaline phosphatase was higher in cases than in controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: BMC, BMD, and vitamin D in hemophiliacs were lower than in the general population.