Metabolic Bone Disease In Preterm Infants

Department of Pediatric Propedeutics and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Medical University of Łódź, Poland

Archives of Perinatal Medicine 15(4), 230-232, 2009 CASE REPORT
Metabolic bone disease in preterm infants: two cases report

ELŻBIETA JAKUBOWSKA-PIETKIEWICZ, ANNA SZCZEPANIAK-KUBAT,
DANUTA CHLEBNA-SOKÓŁ

Abstract

Premature infants are at risk of abnormal skeletal mineralization and low bone mass.We report two cases of
osteopenia in preterm babies. The patient’s medical history as well as diagnostic procedures assessing skeletal
status (biochemical tests and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry – DXA) were presented. The study also aims to
discuss risk factors for metabolic bone disease in these cases

Introduction
In the last trimester of pregnancy, intensive growth
and mineralization of bony tissue expressed by high calcium
and phosphorus retention occurred. Thus, premature
birth may lead to abnormal mineralization and low
bone mass. Additionally, prolonged immobilization of
a newborn, pharmacotherapy as well as an insufficient
supply of calcium, phosphorus and protein in the diet
may intensify bone metabolism disorder [1, 2].
Osteopenia of prematurity occurs in 20-30% of children
with a birth weight below 1500 g and in the half of
those below 1000 g [3].

 

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http://www.ptmp.pl/archives/apm/15-4/APM154-7-Jakubowska.pdf