J. Deschepper et al., BONE METABOLISM AND MINERALIZATION AFTER CYTOTOXIC CHEMOTHERAPY INCLUDING IFOSFAMIDE, Archives of Disease in Childhood, 71(4), 1994, pp. 346-348
Lumbar spine bone mineral density and bone mineral metabolism were stu
died in 13 children three months or more after completion of cytotoxic
chemotherapy that included ifosfamide given for different malignancie
s. Blood and urine were analysed for calcium, phosphorus, and magnesiu
m and blood for alkaline phosphatase activity, parathyroid hormone, an
d 1,25 (OH)(2) vitamin D-3. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at
the lumbar spine (L1-L4) using a commercial dual x ray absorptiometer
. Serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium and alkal
ine phosphatase activity, as well as plasma 1,25 (OH)(2) vitamin D-3 c
oncentrations were normal in all children. Slightly raised parathyroid
hormone concentrations were seen in two children. An increased urinar
y excretion of calcium was found in five children. Mean (SD) BMD of th
e children was -0.88 (1.44). Three children had osteopenia, as defined
by a BMD lower than -2 SD for age and sex related standards. No signi
ficant relation was found between the BMD and the biochemical paramete
rs. In conclusion, a normal BMD was found in most patients who had rec
eived ifosfamide, even in those with persisting hypercalciuria.