Pediatric Bone and Mineral Metabolism Disorders Program

About the program

At the Pediatric Bone and Mineral Metabolism Disorders Program, we specialize in the treatment of low bone density, osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, rickets and osteomalacia, hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism, and other disorders affecting bone health and mineral metabolism in infants, children and young adults.

Our providers from Pediatric Endocrinology and Pediatric Nephrology work collaboratively to create personalized care plans for patients of all ages, from infants to children to young adults. Providers from Genetics, Pediatric Neurology, and Physical Therapy provide consults as needed. We also collaborate with specialists throughout Mass General Brigham, including Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Adolescent Medicine, and Pediatric Orthopedics.

Each child’s care plan is shared with primary care providers, appropriate specialists and, most importantly, the child and family to ensure the highest quality of care. We believe that families know their children best, so we involve the family in each step of a child’s care plan. Our clinic also facilitates a seamless transition from pediatric to adult care for older adolescents to ensure ongoing care for their bone health.

Part of Mass General Brigham for Children

Conditions we treat

• Vitamin D deficiency and other disorders of vitamin D metabolism

• Rickets and osteomalacia

• Disorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism

• Disorders of the parathyroid gland

• Nephrocalcinosis and kidney stones

• Chronic kidney disease-associated mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD)

• Osteogenesis imperfecta (“brittle bone disease”) and other genetic bone disorders

• Low bone density and osteoporosis in conditions, including:

  • Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa or bulimia
  • Female athlete triad
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Chronic glucocorticoid use
  • Limited weight-bearing states
  • Muscular dystrophies

Services we offer

• Measurements of bone minerals, vitamin D metabolites, hormones involved in mineral metabolism and screening tests for other medical problems
• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans to measure bone mineral density and bone mineral content using low-energy X-rays, which are reviewed by specialists with expertise in interpreting pediatric bone mineral and bone density test results.
• Expertise in pediatric use of bone-targeted medications including bisphosphonates