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Postnatal changes in serum osteocalcin and parathyroid hormone concentrations.
J L Loughead1, F Mimouni, R Ross
1Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Research Institute, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio 45267-0541.
Journal of the American College of Nutrition
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Cord clamping affects fetal calcium supply, leading to decreased serum calcium and increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) in newborns. This study shows a significant drop in serum osteocalcin (OC), a bone formation marker, within 24 hours of birth.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Endocrinology
- Mineral metabolism
Background:
- Cord clamping interrupts fetal calcium supply, potentially impacting neonatal calcium homeostasis.
- Neonatal parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion increases postnatally, likely in response to hypocalcemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of cord clamping on neonatal bone formation markers.
- To assess changes in serum osteocalcin (OC) concentrations in the first 24 hours of life.
Main Methods:
- Measured serum ionized calcium (iCa), PTH, and OC in 26 neonates at birth, 2 hours, and 24 hours.
- Analyzed cord blood and serial blood samples from healthy newborns.
Main Results:
- Serum iCa significantly decreased postnatally, while serum PTH levels increased.
- Serum OC concentrations showed a sharp decline from cord blood to 2 hours, remaining stable thereafter.
- The reduction in OC correlated inversely with the rise in PTH.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal bone formation, indicated by serum OC, decreases significantly in the first 24 hours after birth.
- Elevated PTH levels may contribute to the observed decrease in bone formation markers postnatally.