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Bone turnover in preterm infants

K E Naylor1, R Eastell, K E Shattuck

  • 1Bone Metabolism Group, University of Sheffield, England.

Pediatric Research
|March 24, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) increases bone turnover in preterm infants, indicating potential bone loss. Aluminum in TPN solutions at studied levels did not impede bone formation in these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is linked to osteopenia in preterm infants.
  • Potential causes include calcium/phosphate insufficiency and aluminum contamination affecting bone health.
  • Preterm infants require careful monitoring of bone metabolism during TPN.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess biochemical markers of bone turnover in preterm infants receiving TPN.
  • To compare bone turnover markers between preterm and term infants.
  • To investigate the impact of aluminum in TPN on bone metabolism.

Main Methods:

  • Collected serum and urine samples from preterm and term infants.
  • Measured urinary pyridinium cross-links and N-telopeptide of type I collagen for bone resorption.
  • Assessed serum osteocalcin for bone formation in preterm infants.

Main Results:

  • N-telopeptide of type I collagen was significantly higher in preterm infants at baseline.
  • All measured bone turnover markers increased significantly in preterm infants within 3 weeks.
  • Aluminum levels in TPN did not inhibit bone formation at the administered concentrations.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm infants on TPN exhibit elevated bone resorption and overall bone turnover.
  • TPN management requires attention to bone health in preterm neonates.
  • The studied aluminum levels in TPN were not detrimental to bone formation.

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