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[The skeletal changes in premature infants with a copper deficiency]
H Schmidt1, J Herwig, I Greinacher
1Kinderklinik, Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz.
Rofo : Fortschritte Auf Dem Gebiete Der Rontgenstrahlen Und Der Nuklearmedizin
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Alimentary copper deficiency in preterm infants can cause severe symptoms like apnea, anemia, and bone fractures. Oral copper supplementation effectively resolved these issues, highlighting its critical role in infant development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Alimentary copper deficiency is a rare but serious condition affecting preterm infants.
- Diagnosis relies on low serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels.
- Clinical manifestations include apnea, hypopigmentation, cytopenias, and skeletal abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and radiographic findings of alimentary copper deficiency in preterm infants.
- To evaluate the efficacy of oral copper supplementation in treating this condition.
Main Methods:
- Case series of 5 preterm infants (25-30 weeks gestation) with confirmed copper deficiency.
- Clinical and laboratory parameters were monitored.
- Radiographic skeletal surveys were performed.
- Treatment involved oral copper substitution.
Main Results:
- Infants presented with apnea, hypopigmentation, anemia, neutropenia, and leucopenia.
- Skeletal findings included osteoporosis, metaphyseal irregularities, fractures, and enlarged costochondral junctions.
- Oral copper therapy led to complete fracture healing and improvement in clinical and laboratory findings.
Conclusions:
- Alimentary copper deficiency presents with distinct clinical and radiographic features in preterm infants.
- Early diagnosis and oral copper supplementation are crucial for successful treatment and recovery.
- This condition underscores the importance of adequate copper intake during early development.