Compromised Bone Microarchitecture and Estimated Bone Strength in Young Adults With Cystic Fibrosis

Context: Young adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at risk for low bone density and fractures, but the underlying alterations in bone microarchitecture that may contribute to their increased fracture risk are currently unknown. Objective: The main goal of this study was to use high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) to characterize the bone microarchitecture, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and estimated strength of the radius and tibia in young adults with CF compared with healthy volunteers. Design and Setting: This was a cross-sectional study at an outpatient clinical research center within a tertiary academic medical center. Participants: Thirty young adults with CF, 18 to 40 years of age, were evaluated and compared with 60 healthy volunteers matched by age (±2 years), gender, and race. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcomes were HR-pQCT–derived cortical and trabecular vBMD, bone microarchitecture, and estimates of bone strength. Results: At the radius and ...