loading page

Bone Mineral Density and Dickkopf-1 in Adolescents with Non-deletional Hemoglobin H Disease
  • +5
  • Pattara Wiromrat,
  • Aree Rattanathongkom,
  • Napat Laoaroon,
  • Kunanya Suwannaying,
  • Patcharee Komwilaisak,
  • Ouyporn Panamonta,
  • Nantaporn Wongsurawat,
  • Nat Nasomyont
Pattara Wiromrat
Khon Kaen University Faculty of Medicine

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Aree Rattanathongkom
Khon Kaen University Faculty of Medicine
Author Profile
Napat Laoaroon
Khon Kaen University Faculty of Medicine
Author Profile
Kunanya Suwannaying
Khon Kaen University Faculty of Medicine
Author Profile
Patcharee Komwilaisak
Khon Kaen University Faculty of Medicine
Author Profile
Ouyporn Panamonta
Khon Kaen University Faculty of Medicine
Author Profile
Nantaporn Wongsurawat
Khon Kaen University Faculty of Medicine
Author Profile
Nat Nasomyont
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Author Profile

Abstract

Background: Low bone mineral density (BMD) is prevalent in individuals with β-thalassemia which might be related to increased circulating dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1). These data are limited in α-thalassemia. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of low BMD in adolescents with non-deletional hemoglobin (Hb) H disease. Additionally, we aimed to examine the association between serum Dkk-1 concentration and BMD. Methods: Participant medical records were reviewed. The lumbar spine (LS) and total body (TB) BMD were measured and converted into height-adjusted z-scores. Serum Dkk-1, osteocalcin and C-telopeptide of type-I collagen (CTX) concentrations were also analyzed. Results: Thirty-seven participants (59% female, 86% Tanner stage ≥2, 95% regularly transfused) had mean age 14.6 ± 3.2 years, and average pretransfusion Hb and ferritin concentrations of 8.8 ± 1.0 g/dL and 958 ± 513 ng/mL, respectively. No participants had experienced fracture. The prevalence of low LSBMD and TBBMD was 42% and 17%, respectively. LSBMD z-score was lower in males vs. females (p-value = 0.029). LSBMD and TBBMD z-scores were correlated positively with BA, Tanner stage, and BMI, and negatively with Dkk-1 (p-values <0.05). Dkk-1 was correlated positively with history of delayed puberty, and negatively with transfusion interval (p-values = 0.038). Osteocalcin and CTX did not correlate with BMD or Dkk-1. Multiple regression analysis showed Dkk-1 inversely associated with TBBMD z-score adjusting for confounders (p-value = 0.009). Conclusions: We demonstrated a high prevalence of low BMD in adolescents with non-deletional Hb H disease. Moreover, Dkk-1 inversely associated with TBBMD suggesting it may serve as bone biomarker in thalassemia.