[Osteoporosis during development--selected problems].

In children and the youth it is secondary osteoporosis (OP) rather than idiopathic one which occurs more often; its multidirectional pathogenesis is usually ascertainable. Secondary OP, mostly generalized, is diagnosed in the course of such hormonal disturbances as: primary hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hyperadrenalocorticalism, hyperpituitarism (with excess of growth hormone) and in hypogonadism. Another group of diseases implicating OP are connective tissue pathologies: congenital (osteogenesis imperfecta, collagenopathies) and acquired (Juvenile chronic arthritis). A serious problem for a pediatrician is the iatrogenic OP resulting from a long-term use of some medicines (glucocorticosteroids, hydantoin derivatives, barbiturates), or long-lasting immobilization for surgical and orthopaedic reasons, or from chronic general diseases. Osteoporosis accompanying pathological states of the skeletal and nervous systems (with paralyses and pareses) is particularly intensive and difficult for treatment. Osteoporosis in developmental age may cause disturbances in natural development of the skeleton, which leads to deformities in the skeletal system and to the formation of faulty postures. Lower body height is a frequent complication resulting from OP in children and the youth.