[Normalization of bone mineral density in premature-born children from Viña del Mar, Chile]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric endocrinology
• Neonatology
• Bone health research

Context:

• Previous research indicated premature infants (born at ≤34 weeks gestation) with adequate weight for gestational age had not achieved bone catch-up by 6.3 years.
• This follow-up study investigated bone mineral density (BMD) attainment in the same cohort one year later.

Purpose:

• To determine the age at which premature-born children achieve bone mineral density (BMD) catch-up compared to term-born controls.
• To assess if skeletal development milestones are met by early school age.

Summary:

• Fifteen children born between 25 and 34 weeks gestation, with birth weights of 740–2,200 g, were assessed at a mean age of 7 years 3 months.
• Measurements included bone mineral density (BMD) of the radius, lumbar spine, and femoral neck, as well as whole-body bone mineral content and body composition using DEXA.
• Results showed no significant differences in height, BMI, peripheral or axial BMD, or body composition between premature and term-born children.

Impact:

• Premature infants with appropriate birth weight for gestational age achieve catch-up in peripheral and axial bone mineral density between 7 and 8 years of age.
• Findings suggest skeletal maturity is reached by early school age in this specific group of preterm children.
• This research contributes to understanding long-term skeletal outcomes for preterm populations.