DUAL-ENERGY X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY IN EARLY-LIFE

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a safe and quick technique, and requires little cooperation from the patient. DXA has therefore be en introduced progressively in paediatrics and neonatology to study bo ne mineral content and body composition. The limits of DXA are related mainly to accuracy, and it is too early to claim that DXA is a 'gold standard' technique for body composition research. However, DXA appear s to be an adequate tool for measuring bone mass and body composition in the clinical setting, and it represents the best technical choice f or paediatric use to date.