pQCT (quantitative peripheral tomography) and data evaluation of phosphocalcic metabolism in thalassaemic patients

pQCT is a method which allows the separate determination of cortical and tr abecular bone mineral density in the peripheral skeleton. 21 thalassaemic p atients (8 females, 13 males) aged from 10 to 32 years, were examined using pQCT at the ultra distal radius to evaluate SSI (Stress-Strain Index). ALP , serum calcium, hydroxyproline, magnesium, IGF-I, and body surface were de termined. The results show a good correlation between cortical BMD and age, concentration of hydroxyproline in urine, serum bone Gla protein, body sur face index, bone density of trabecular bone and SSI, Good correlation was f ound between trabecular bone density and age, IGF-I, BGP and PTH, and betwe en SSI and cortical BMD, age and BSI, The linear relationships between age and cortical and trabecular density show an increase of cortical BMD with a ge and a decrease of trabecular density with age. The same results were obt ained considering trabecular and cortical density versus SSI.