Abstract

TAPIA-ROMBO, Carlos Antonio et al. Time of onset of osteopenia in preterm newborn in a neonatology service. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2013, vol.70, n.6, pp.432-440. ISSN 1665-1146.

Introduction. Osteopenia is a decrease in bone density secondary to low bone mineralization and can present as rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis. The aim of this study is to detect when osteopenia is presented in preterm newborns (PNB) of a neonatal ward. Methods. We carried out an observational, prospective, comparative clinical trial (study cohort) that included 30 PNB admitted from November 2010 to August 2011 and who met the criteria selection. Alkaline phosphatase levels were considered elevated from 280 IU/L. All patients were determined Ca, P, alkaline phosphatase serum. X-rays of long bones at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after admission were taken. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Significance levels were set at p <0.05. Results. The study population consisted of 30 PNB with a median gestational age of 29 weeks and median birth weight of 1055 g. Parenteral and enteral nutrition (mixed) was managed in all patients. Radiological changes suggestive of osteopenia were reported in 83.3% of patients during the first 2 weeks of study and at the end of the study in 86.7% of patients (n =26). The median age of detection of osteopenia was 19 days of life. Conclusions. Osteopenia of prematurity occurs at approximately the third week after birth. These results present a different picture to that reported in the literature since the time of reporting these data. Preventing bone disease should be done early.

Keywords : preterm infants; osteopenia; appearance.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )