What should CF patients over the age of 8 have done if they experience delayed puberty?

For patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who experience delayed puberty, a DXA scan is an important assessment to evaluate bone mineral density. Individuals with CF are at risk for developing complications that can affect their growth and development, including low bone density due to malabsorption of nutrients and chronic inflammation.

The DXA scan specifically measures bone density, which helps to identify any potential issues related to osteoporosis or increased fracture risk in CF patients. This evaluation becomes critical as puberty is a vital time for bone accrual, and any delays may necessitate intervention to promote bone health and overall development.

While other assessments such as routine blood tests, nutritional assessments, and chest X-rays may provide valuable information about a CF patient’s general health, they do not directly address the concern of delayed puberty in relation to bone health and growth patterns as effectively as a DXA scan does.