RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Child with multiple fractures: a rare presentation of a common disease
JF BMJ Case Reports
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP bcr2016218477
DO 10.1136/bcr-2016-218477
VO 2017
A1 Filipa Dias Costa
A1 Carla Maia
A1 Susana Almeida
A1 Ricardo Ferreira
YR 2017
UL http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2017/bcr-2016-218477.abstract
AB Bone fractures are not uncommon in paediatric age. However, when recurrent, an underlying clinical condition must not be excluded. We describe the case of a boy aged 7 years, referred for investigation of recurrent bone fractures. Personal and family histories were unremarkable. Physical examination was normal. Almost all primary bone disorders were excluded. Additional laboratory investigations ruled out the majority of secondary causes of bone fragility. Coeliac disease (CD) serologies, however, were positive, and duodenal biopsies confirmed this diagnosis (Marsh III B). On a gluten-free diet, he suffered no more fractures and the bone mineral density improved. CD was also confirmed in his asymptomatic older brother. It is essential to diagnose CD as early as possible in order to minimise the compromise in bone health and prevent other complications of the disease. First-degree relatives should always be screened for the disease, even asymptomatic ones.